Dragon Fruit Farming: Frequently Asked Questions

Dragon fruit is a fruit that grows on a cactus species that's also referred to as a climbing vine. It is a member of the Hylocereus genus, which is part of the Cactaceae family of plants. Although dragon fruit is thought to be an American native, it is grown throughout Southeast Asia, Florida, the Caribbean, Australia, and other tropical and subtropical climes. 

You should read the following if you intend to produce dragon fruit plants: 

What is the dragon fruit plant's life cycle, and how tall does it grow? 

The dragon fruit plant may live for 20 to 30 years and yield fruit. The plant's stems may reach a maximum length of 6 meters, and the plant is projected to reach a height of 40 feet before it dies. 

How long does it take a dragon fruit to mature and bear fruit? 

Plants take around a year to develop and yield fruits on average. Within 5 months of planting, some plants begin to bear fruit. 

What method is used to harvest the dragon fruit? 

The ideal period to harvest is between June and December, however this varies according on the country where the fruit is grown. Harvesting should only be done when the fruits are totally mature, which can be done twice a week. Pruning knives are used to avoid damaging the fruit when harvesting it. 

What kind of environment does dragon fruit prefer to grow in? 

Dragon fruit thrives in climates with an annual rainfall of 1730-2540 mm. The plants demand a minimum temperature of 20-30 degrees Celsius. Tropical and subtropical climes are the most common environments for growing the plant. 

When is the best time to plant dragon fruits? 

The plant is usually cultivated during the summer months (summer). During the remainder of the year, the plant's development is slowed, but it blooms from July to October. The dragon fruit tree produces fruit for five months out of the year. 

What are the many types of dragon fruit? 

Dragon fruit varieties are divided into three categories: 

Hylocereus undatus: frequently seen pink-skinned fruit with white meat. 

Hylocereus costaricensis: The red-skinned fruit  has crimson flesh. 

Hylocereus Megalanthus: The fruit has a yellow exterior and white flesh. 

When the dragon fruit turns rotten, how can you tell? 

It is deemed overripe if the skin has too many brown spots or if the stem is dry and shriveled. The fruit should not be too mushy when pressed with a finger. 

How long does it take for dragon fruit seeds to germinate? 

When propagating dragon fruit from seeds, it takes around 1-4 weeks for the seeds to germinate. Planting the seeds in a tray at the top of the soil and covering the tray with a plastic cover can help the seeds germinate in 10 to 15 days. 

What is the best way to take dragon fruit cuttings? 

The one-foot-long piece of the cactus should be utilised as fresh planting material, and it is commonly expected to produce three or four new plants. The one-foot-long portion should be sliced into 3-6-inch segments, with the ends sprayed with the appropriate fungicide and left to dry. The cuttings are ready to plant when the tips of the cuttings become white after 3 to 5 days. It is recommended that the cutting be planted 2 inches into the earth and, more critically, that it be oriented in the same direction as the original plant. It will begin to root in approximately 1-4 weeks after being planted if you water it lightly. 

How often should a dragon fruit plant be watered? 

The plant's short root system is found at a depth of 15-30 cm in the topsoil. If the region is irrigated, the plants will need around 1 inch of water every week to keep the soil from drying out entirely. 

How can you tell whether a white dragon fruit is ripe? 

When the fruit is ripe, it becomes red or yellow. The ripening of the fruit is indicated by the browning of the fruit's wings. When you cut open a ripe fruit, the flesh should be luscious yet firm. 

How long does it take a dragon fruit to ripen? 

The fruit may be kept at room temperature for 3-4 days, but after that it must be carefully refrigerated to avoid browning or yellowing. 

What kind of soil do you need to grow dragon fruit? 

The soil should be slightly acidic in nature. Growing/cultivating dragon fruits is best done in loamy soil with enough of organic materials. For producing dragon fruit, the pH of the soil should be approximately 5.5-6.5. Red or yellow podzolic, lateritic soil, and reddish-brown earth are other soil types suited for dragon fruit growing. 

What is the best way to keep dragon fruit after it has been harvested? 

The fruits are usually kept for 25-30 days in perforated bags at 8°C. For fresh market delivery, the fruits are sometimes kept at 15-20°C with a relative humidity of 85-90 percent. The temperature is kept at 7-10 C with a humidity of 90-98 percent to keep them fresh for 45 days. 

How much money can a dragon fruit plantation make? 

The typical production from a one-hectare farm is expected to be about 10,000-12,000 kg of fruits. The fruit's average weight is 350 grams, however this might vary according on the type. 

What is the price of a dragon fruit? 

The price of dragon fruits on the local market is believed to be approximately Rs 250-400 per kg, while the actual farm gate price is expected to be around Rs 125-200 per kg. The fruits' export market price is estimated to be slightly higher than the local market cost, at around Rs 400-600 per kilogram. 

What is the cost of a dragon fruit seedling or plant? 

Seedlings should be purchased from reputable nurseries and should cost between Rs 20 and Rs 60 per plant. 

Also, check how to grow dragon fruit in pots.