Dragon Fruit . eldritch name , but trust me , it ’s deserving growing . Imagine a yield that looks like it came flat out of a sci - fi motion-picture show — a pink , spiky testis filled with sweet , mildly lemony good . If you ’ve never tried dragon fruit , you ’re missing out . It ’s like eating a crossing between a kiwi and a pear tree , but with a fleck more genius . Plus , the vivacious color make it find like you ’re biting into a piece of tropical sunniness .
flying lizard yield flora are perfect for containers , so no need to give them acres of landed estate — just a decent - sized pot and some sunlight . They ’re climb cacti , so they ’ll take account a trellis or something to latch onto as they develop . And they ’re passably easygoing when it comes to care . A piddling water , a slight dearest , and these beauties will reward you with their incredible yield after about a twelvemonth or two of growth .
They flower at night , adding an aviation of mystery to your garden , and the yield usually mature in previous summer or early fall . Just make certain they ’re getting enough sunlight ( not too much heat , though — remember , they ’re from tropic climates ) . They do require a little longanimity at the start , but once they ’re settled in , they ’re low - maintenance .
And those flowers ? Gorgeous . Big , white bloom that look like something out of a illusion novel . Plus , they ’re a great conversation starter .
In this dragon yield grow guide , we will offer you with everything you call for to know to go from knowing nothing about rise dragon yield to harvesting your very first fruit .
What Dragon Fruit Is?
Dragon fruit , also known as pitaya or pitahaya cactus , is a vibrant tropical fruit that comes from various cactus species , particularly the genus Hylocereus .
It has a striking appearance with undimmed pink , almost ruddy or lily-livered leathery skin adorned with immature - tipped scale leaf , resemble a flying dragon , which gives it its name .
The inner flesh of the fruit can be white-hot , purple , or red , constellate with flyspeck disastrous seminal fluid , and has a gently sweetened flavor , often compared to a mix between a Chinese gooseberry and a pear .
copious in vitamin hundred , atomic number 12 , atomic number 26 , and antioxidants , dragon fruit pop the question numeroushealth benefits , including boosting exemption , aiding digestion , and promote hydration . Its unique tasting and nutritionary visibility make it a popular element in fresh consumption , charmer , salads , and desserts .
The Dragon Fruit Plant
Grown in tropic and semitropical climates , Draco fruit is cultivated in region such as Southeast Asia , Central and South America , United States , and some parts of the Mediterranean . It commonly expand in tropical and semitropic climate , expect well - enfeeble soil , veritable watering , and full Dominicus to partial shade .
The plant produces turgid , fragrant bloodless efflorescence that bloom at night . Proper maintenance include providing support for the stems , veritable pruning , and balanced fertilization .
Different Varieties of Dragon Fruit
Dragon fruit come in several variety , each with unequalled characteristics . The most rough-cut types are the white - fleshed tartar fruit ( Hylocereus undatus ) and the red - fleshed Draco fruit ( Hylocereus costaricensis or Hylocereus polyrhizus ) .
The lily-white - fleshed diversity has a balmy , sweet gustation with white flesh speckled with tiny black seed , encase in a bright pink or white-livered hide . The red - fleshed dragon fruit , on the other hand , shoot a line a more vibrant magenta or crimson physique , also dotted with bleak cum , and offers a slightly sweeter and more full-bodied look .
Another less common character is the scandalmongering dragon fruit ( Selenicereus megalanthus ) , which features yellow skin and white flesh , often considered the sweetest among the sort .
These diverse types of flying lizard yield not only disagree in flavor but also ply a range of nutritional benefits , making them a popular choice for wellness - witting consumer and exotic fruit partisan likewise .
Growing Dragon Fruit
flying dragon fruit tree can be maturate from seeds , but it may take as long as five years for the plant to grow yield . Due to this , the much more pop alternative is growing Draco yield from a cutting of an already mature plant .
This method acting could produce fruit in as trivial as six months . Below is a stair - by - measure guide to help you get started with your flying lizard fruit get journey .
Planting Dragon Fruit
Choosing the Right Location :
Preparing the Soil :
Planting :
Planting step :
Support Structure :
Watering :
Fertilizing :
Caring for Dragon Fruit
Pruning :
Pest and Disease Control :
unfolding and Fruiting :
Harvesting Dragon Fruit
time :
Method :
Dragon Fruit Growing Zone
flying dragon fruit flourish best in USDA hardiness zones 9 - 12 . These zones are characterized by warm temperature and minimal frost , which are idealistic for this tropical and semitropical cactus .
Dragon fruit can also be grow in containersin ice chest climate , provide them to be moved indoors during cold weather condition .
Additional Tips:
By following above footstep , you may successfully establish , raise , and care for dragon fruit , enjoying its unique and delicious fruits .
Dragon Fruit Growing Questions & Answers
Dragon fruit is a plant that belong to the cactus family . Dragon fruit buds form on a cactus vines .
flying dragon yield grows in tropic and semitropic regions . Native to Central America , it boom in state such as Mexico and Guatemala . However , it has arrive at popularity and is now extensively grown in Southeast Asian and in some part of the Mediterranean . Dragon yield plants are also produce in parts of the US , particularly in California and Florida , where the warm clime supports their growth .
Draco fruit grow relatively fast , especially when propagated from cuttings . Once established , these plants can grow several pes per time of year . Typically , a cutting will root and begin to show important growth within a few weeks , while seedling take several months to a year to touch a similar stage .
To develop dragon yield from a cutting , start by selecting a healthy 6 - 12 column inch section from a mature plant . countenance the cutting juiceless in a shaded area for 1 - 2 days to keep rot . Plant the cutting in well - draining grime in a pot or straight off in the ground , ensure it ’s inserted about 2 - 3 inches deep . Water lightly to keep the soil moist but not waterlogged . Place the cutting in a cheery location and provide a funding structure like a trellis or stakes as it grows .
Yellow Draco fruit ( hylocereus megalanthus ) is considered the seraphic Draco fruit of all .
Yes , flying lizard fruit can be grow indoors in a sunny bit or under grow lights . Ensure passable distance for growth and a well - draining potting mix .
To start , scoop out the seeds from a mature dragon fruit and rinse them to take out any pulp . Prepare a well - draining soil commixture , and fill a seeded player tray or modest pots . Scatter the semen evenly over the land surface and lightly cover them with a lean stratum of soil . H2O the seed gently to moisten the soil without making it soggy . Place the tray or pots in a warm , gay location . sprouting can take anywhere from one to four weeks . Once the seedling are a few inches tall , transplant them into private pots .
Dragon yield plants generally set about producing fruit within 8 to 10 month when turn from cuttings , though it can take up to 5 years when grown from seed .
Water dragon fruit deeply but infrequently , allow the soil to dry out between watering . Overwatering can lead to beginning hogwash , so it ’s significant to secure the soil drain well .
Dragon yield is a mounting cactus that needs livelihood to grow by rights . Provide a trellis , Charles William Post , or other stalwart structure to indorse the weight of the plant as it grows .
fertilise Draco yield every two months during the develop season with a balanced fertiliser .
Draco fruit is ripe when the hide color change to vibrant red , pink , or yellow ( depending on the variety ) , and the fruit is more or less soft to the touch modality .
Prune dragon fruit to remove bushed or damage branches , advance air flow , and keep a realizable size of it . Pruning can also get new growth and blossoming .
ommon reasons include insufficient sun , improper watering , deficiency of food , and poor support . Ensuring optimum raise conditions can advance blossoming .
Generally , flying lizard yield plants can live and produce yield for about 20 to 30 years .
flying lizard fruit is sensitive to hoar and cold-blooded temperatures . In cool clime , it ’s best to grow dragon fruit in containers that can be moved indoors during cold weather .
Dragon yield can be harvested multiple time during its growing season , which typically spans from summer to later drop . A goodly tartar fruit flora can produce yield 4 to 6 times a year .
