Dragon fruit is a tropical vine grown for its exotic pink, red, or white fruits. Also known as pitaya or pitahaya, it is native to Central America and northern South America.
The bright pink dragon fruit has gained worldwide popularity in recent years due to its unique appearance and many health benefits.
In this article, I will discuss dragon fruit growth stages. As we know, it is a cactus, but recently it has been trending around the world.
Let’s start!
Nutritional Value of Dragon Fruit
| Nutrient | Amount | Description |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 60 | Dragon fruit is relatively low in calories, making it a nutritious option for those watching their calorie intake. |
| Protein | 1.2 grams | Despite its low calorie content, dragon fruit provides a small amount of protein, contributing to muscle repair and growth. |
| Carbohydrates | 13 grams | The carbohydrates in dragon fruit mainly consist of sugars and dietary fiber, providing a quick source of energy and aiding digestion. |
| Dietary Fiber | 3 grams | Dragon fruit is a good source of dietary fiber, which promotes digestive health, helps control blood sugar levels, and aids in weight management. |
| Fat | 0.4 grams | Dragon fruit is low in fat, making it a suitable option for those aiming for a low-fat diet. |
| Vitamin C | 9 milligrams | Dragon fruit is rich in vitamin C, an antioxidant that supports the immune system, promotes skin health, and aids in collagen production. |
| Calcium | 8 milligrams | While not a significant source of calcium, dragon fruit still contributes to overall calcium intake, which is important for bone health. |
| Iron | 0.7 milligrams | Dragon fruit provides a small amount of iron, which is essential for oxygen transport in the body and the prevention of anemia. |
| Magnesium | 30 milligrams | Magnesium in dragon fruit supports nerve and muscle function, regulates blood pressure, and contributes to bone health. |
| Potassium | 250 milligrams | Dragon fruit is a good source of potassium, vital for heart health, muscle function, and electrolyte balance. |
| Phosphorus | 36 milligrams | Phosphorus in dragon fruit plays a role in bone and tooth health, energy metabolism, and cell function. |
| Vitamin B2 (Riboflavin) | 0.05 milligrams | Riboflavin is important for energy production, metabolism, and cell function, with dragon fruit providing a small amount. |
| Vitamin B3 (Niacin) | 0.16 milligrams | Niacin in dragon fruit contributes to energy production, nervous system function, and skin health. |
| Vitamin B6 | 0.05 milligrams | Vitamin B6 in dragon fruit supports brain health, hormone production, and immune function. |
| Vitamin B9 (Folate) | 6 micrograms | Folate is crucial for DNA synthesis, red blood cell formation, and fetal development during pregnancy. Dragon fruit provides a small amount. |
Dragon Fruit Plant Varieties
There are over a dozen pitaya varieties. But, the two most grown for their fruit are red and white pitaya.
Red Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus costaricensis)
This produces bright pink dragon fruit. It is grown in Southeast Asia and South America. It thrives in hot climates and produces fruit year-round.
White Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus undatus)
This has white flesh with a pink rind. Its fruit is slightly smaller than red pitaya, but it is harder and can tolerate a wider range of climates.
Yellow Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus megalanthus)
This is distinguishable by its bright yellow skin and white flesh speckled with black seeds. It has a sweeter taste compared to the other varieties, often described as a blend of kiwi and pear flavors.
Purple Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus polyrhizus)
This is characterized by its vibrant purple or magenta flesh, which contrasts with its greenish-pink skin. It tends to have a slightly sweeter taste compared to the white-fleshed variety and is rich in antioxidants.
Dragon Fruit Growth Environment
Dragon fruit prefers warm, tropical conditions to thrive. Ideal temperatures range between 20 and 30°C (68 and 86°F) year-round. It grows best in full sun and well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Proper spacing and trellising are crucial, as the vines can grow over 30 feet long.
Climate Requirements
Dragon fruit is frost-sensitive, so it requires a frost-free climate with low humidity. Areas with at least 8–9 months above 10°C (50°F) and 6–8 hours of direct sun daily provide optimal growing conditions.
Soil Requirements
Pitaya roots need oxygen-rich, well-aerated soil. Sandy loam soil with a pH between 6.0 and 6.8 suits the plant best. Good soil drainage is essential to prevent root disease. Adding compost or other organic matter improves soil structure and fertility.
Planning your Dragon Fruit Growing Space
Dragon fruit vines grow and produce clusters of foliage and fruit. Allow at least 8–10 square feet of space per plant. Rows should be 8–10 feet apart to accommodate training and harvesting. Staking, fencing or overhead structures are required for vines to climb on as they mature.
Dragon Fruit Planting Season
The best times to plant dragon fruit are in early spring or late summer. They are also good in the early fall. Plant then when temperatures are mild. This allows the young plants to grow strong roots. It happens before excess heat or cold arrives.
Factors for seasonal planting
Spring planting allows new vines to take advantage of the full growing season. Planting in late summer gives young plants a head start on growth before winter. Consider your region’s average frost dates when choosing a planting time.
Dragon Fruit Seed Germination
Growing dragon fruit from seeds is an inexpensive way to start your crop. Seeds need light and warmth to germinate within 15–30 days. We can also grow this by cutting.
Starting dragon fruit seeds:
- Fill small containers or seeding trays with moist seed mix.
- Place 2-3 seeds, 1/4 inch deep, in each cell or container.
- Cover and keep warm at 25–30 °C (77–86 °F).
- Seeds sprout in 1–4 weeks once conditions are right.
Dragon Fruit Plant Care as Seedlings
Young dragon fruit seedlings need proper care to become established.
Watering dragon fruit seedlings
- Keep the soil slightly moist but not sodden. Water daily from above until drainage.
- Watch the soil closely, and water only when the surface feels dry.
- Continue draft in next comment
Fertilizing dragon fruit seedlings
- Start 4-6 weeks after germination. Use a weak liquid fertilizer weekly.
- Fertilize with all-purpose 20-20-20 or fish emulsion. Dragon fruit are not heavy feeders at this stage.
Hardening off dragon fruit seedlings
- After 4-6 weeks, seedlings are ready. They need a week of gradual hardening before transplanting.
- Place outside in partial shade and bring in at night for a few hours each day. Gradually increase the sun and time outside.
- This helps young plants adjust to outdoor conditions without shock.
Transplanting Dragon Fruit Plants
By 6–8 weeks, dragon fruit seedlings should have 2-3 sets of true leaves and a strong stem to transplant.
- Plant outside once the risk of frost has passed, 18–24 inches apart in holes twice as wide as roots.
- Backfill soil and firm gently before watering in.
Consider staking or trellising at the time of transplant for vine support.
Dragon Fruit Growth Stages: Vegetative Stage
Now we’ll discuss the growth stages of dragon fruit plants from transplant through their first year of growth as vines.
During the first 6–12 months after transplanting, dragon fruit plants focus on growing roots and leaves.
Leaf and vine growth
The leaves will rapidly multiply over the next few weeks. Long shoots bearing small thorns emerge, searching for support as vines reach 1-2 feet initially. Over time, shoots may grow 6 inches per day during active growth periods.
Training and pruning dragon fruit vines
Direct vines vertically up stakes or trellises for best air flow and sunlight exposure. Prune selectively to about six main stems for an open framework. This will encourage fewer but larger fruits.
Dragon Fruit Growth Stages: Reproductive Stage
After about 12 months, vines enter the reproductive stage once they are well established. Flowering signals a change in fruit production.
Flowering of dragon fruit
In the spring of the second year, dragon fruit flower spikes full of blooms appear. Each flower only lasts 1-2 days, so pollination must be efficient. Both male and female flowers occur, but on separate plants.
Dragon fruit pollination and fertilization
Dragon fruit requires cross-pollination between male and female flowers. Bees, other insects or manual pollination are needed to transfer pollen. This triggers fruit development over the next 2–3 months as they ripen.
Pollination and fertilization of dragonfruit continued
Effective pollinate results in a small ovary, or “baby pitaya,” forming 1-2 weeks later. As fruits develop, they will turn from green to bright pink or white, signaling maturity in 3–4 months. Each flower produces one fruit.
Harvesting Dragon Fruit
Ripe dragon fruit has a full color change from green to vivid pink or white and may develop slight wrinkles when ready.
Leaving fruits on the vine for a few extra days allows them to fully sweeten. They can be snipped off using pruning shears. Harvest in the cool morning on a dry day.
Handling harvested dragon fruit
Remove fruits gently to avoid tearing the rind. Store at room temperature for 2-4 days or refrigerate for up to 10 days. Ripe fruits do not continue to ripen after harvest.
Common Pests and Diseases of Dragon Fruit Plants
With proper care, dragon fruit is generally robust and pest-free. But a few issues may occur, especially in less than ideal conditions.
Common pests:
Red spider mites, thrips, scale, and mealybugs affect stressed or crowded vines. Regular inspection and pruning promote air circulation to prevent issues.
Common diseases:
Anthracnose fruit rot can develop in wet areas. It creates sunken, dark spots on ripening fruit. Removing damaged fruit and improving drainage reduces risk. Prevention through site selection and maintenance is key for dragon fruit.
Managing common dragon fruit issues:
If pests or diseases are spotted, take action right away before larger problems arise. Spray neem oil or insecticidal soap according to the label rates. Avoid overhead watering when leaves are present.
Remove any infected plants and destroy them away from healthy vines. Good sanitation practices, like pruning diseased material regularly, help control its spread. Maintaining optimal conditions stresses plants less and makes them more resistant to obstacles.
Looking Ahead
For home growers, the first season is the hardest. They are dedicated to growing healthy dragon fruit year after year. But, with patience and observation, backyard farmers can keep vibrant patches. They will get exotic fruit for many seasons.
As dragon fruit matures over 3-5 years, their size and weight will increase through ongoing proper care, feeding and watering matched to local climate needs. With luck and experience, a few healthy vines may bear over 100 quality fruits each year at full production!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do dragon fruit vines live?
Dragon fruit vines can live 5–10 years or more with proper care. They become more productive each year as the root system and vines mature.
What is the best trellising for dragon fruit?
Some popular options are stake supports. You can also use horizontal wires or cables strung between posts. Another option is wire cages or netting. Dragon fruit adapts well to various trellising as long as vines receive full sun exposure.
How far apart should dragon fruit plants be spaced?
Allow at least 8–10 feet between rows and 8–10 square feet per plant. Dragon fruit vines grow fast. They may reach over 30 feet long. So, proper spacing is key for fruit yield and harvest access.
Do dragon fruit plants need fertilizer?
Yes, dragon fruit appreciates balanced fertilization once it is actively growing. Apply slow-release or water-soluble fertilizer during spring and summer, following label instructions. Too much nitrogen can encourage foliage to overfruit.
How cold-hardy are dragon fruit plants?
Dragon fruit can be damaged by temperatures below 50°F and killed at freezing. They grow best in USDA zones 9–11 as a perennial. In colder areas, they may survive as an annual or require winter protection.
Why isn’t my dragon fruit flowering/fruiting?
Ensure plants are getting full sun, proper water and fertilizer. They may need an additional 1-2 years to mature before fruiting. Stress from poor conditions can delay flowering. Having at least one male and one female plant is also necessary.
Conclusion
By understanding the lifecycle and growth stages of dragon fruit plants, from germination through the vegetative and reproductive phases, home gardeners can successfully cultivate this unique tropical vine.
With optimal conditions and regular maintenance, growing dragon fruit is achievable even for novices committed to the long-term process.
Many countries became the leading dragon fruit markets in the world.
Planning and attention to details at each step will be rewarded with a bounty of beautiful and nutritious dragon fruit for the gardener.