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The ideal growing temperatures for dragon fruit are between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Anything below 32F will kill your plant. Anything over 100F will damage the fruit and cause it to wilt. Rows of dragon fruit trees on a farm in California.
How long does it take for dragon fruit to bear fruit?
Plants can begin flowering in as little as six to eight months, although container-grown plants may take up to two years to bear fruit. The good news is that once the plant is mature, you could see four to six fruiting cycles a year from a plant that is capable of bearing fruit for 20 to 30 years.
How do you grow a dragon fruit successfully?
Dragon fruit needs full sun, so choose a sunny area in your garden or a sunny windowsill that gets at least six hours of sunlight a day. For the soil, choose potting soil that is well-draining (dragon fruits are sensitive to “wet feet,” or consistently wet roots) and rich in organic matter.
Can you grow dragon fruit in LA?
Why grow dragon fruit in Louisiana It began as a hobby because of his love for exotic fruits. Miller figured that south Louisiana’s weather isn’t so different from that of Mexico and Southeast Asia, where dragon fruit is plentiful and popular, so he might be able to grow it in his backyard.
Is dragon fruit easy to grow?
It’s especially easy in warm environments, but if you have a greenhouse or sun porch, you can grow dragon fruit in colder environments. Dragon fruit is an exotic fruit, and in most of the southern US, you can grow a dragon fruit plant in pots on your patio if you’re careful to protect it from cold weather.
What is the best soil for dragon fruit?
Soil Requirements – This plant is able to grow in any soil that is well draining, but it prefers to grow in soil that is slightly acidic with a pH level that is between six and seven. Sandy soil is the best option for this plant; if it is not available, just ensure that it is well draining soil.
What is the best fertilizer for dragon fruit?
Choose a fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio. However, most experts agree that some type of balanced fertilizer, like 16-16-16 or 13-13-13, is a good choice for your dragon fruit. You can use fertilizer granules, or spread fertilizer through your irrigation system. Slow-release fertilizer is also an option.
How often should I water dragon fruit?
Water more frequently than other cacti (approximately once every 2 weeks). Allow soil to dry between waterings. Soil should be moist, but not saturated.
What month does dragon fruit bloom?
This unique jungle plant typically blooms from early summer through mid-autumn. Dragon fruit cactus is a night blooming plant and the flowers last only one evening. If you want to see the spectacular display, head out with a flashlight in the dark of night, or visit your garden very early in the morning.
Can dragon fruit grow in hot climate?
Tropical climate is suitable for dragon fruit cultivation. Temperature about 25°C suitable for its growth & when fruits are growing on the plant, it needs a temperature of 30°C to 35°C but its plant can also tolerate maximum temperature of 40°C and minimum of 7°C.
How often should I water dragon fruit in summer?
Since it’s a cactus, many gardeners assume the pitaya doesn’t need much water. In fact, it likes its soil to be kept consistently moist and should be given about an inch (2.5 cm.) of water per week. Dragon fruits usually only develop in the summer, when temperatures are high and the days are long.
Does dragon fruit grow in Southern California?
This research has demonstrated that pitahaya or dragon fruit adapts very well to field grown conditions in Southern California and that this drought-tolerant plant can be a profitable crop alternative for small-scale producers in Southern Coastal California.
How many dragon fruit does a tree produce?
Dragon fruit normally fruits after 18-24 months after plantation. It is a vegetative fruit plant which normally fruits during or after monsoons. It fruits in 3 to 4 waves during one season. Each Pole fruits approx 40 to 100 fruits per wave.
Can I plant dragon fruit in the ground?
Unlike most cactus, dragon fruit likes to have its soil on the slightly moist side. Plant your dragon fruit in fast draining potting soil formulated for cactuses, or if planted in the ground, make sure your soil is sandy and slightly acidic. Dragon fruit is a vining cactus and likes to climb.
Does dragon fruit have deep roots?
Rooting for the Dragon Fruit The belowground roots are initially shallow, extending to 12 inches. However, when the plant starts fruiting, they have a growth spurt and can reach up to 24 inches into the soil.
Can dragon fruit grow indoors?
Can You Grow Dragon Fruit Cactus Inside? You can grow the dragon fruit plant (Hylocereus undatus) indoors if your home has a location with plenty of sunlight, such as a sunroom or a large window where the plant gets six to eight hours of sunlight. Dragon fruit cactus is a vine that can grow up to 20 feet tall.
Is cow manure good for dragon fruit?
If you garden organically and want to avoid chemical fertilizers, dragon fruit respond well to an application of cow manure alone. Dragon fruit do best in well-drained soils.
