Dragon fruit, also called pitaya or pitahaya, is a tropical fruit known for its bright red skin and sweet, seed-flecked flesh. Its unique appearance and celebrated superfood status make it incredibly popular. Although dragon fruit is often eaten fresh, it can also be used in smoothies, salads, and desserts. But did you know that you can also grow this exotic fruit at home if you don’t live in the tropics? Here’s a comprehensive guide to growing dragon fruit in pots from seed.
1. Get the seeds
Before you start planting, you need seeds. Here’s how to get them:
- From a dragon fruit: Cut a dragon fruit in half and scoop out the seed from the flesh. Clean the seed by washing it to remove any pulp that may be stuck to it.
- Buy online: There are many online retailers that sell dragon fruit seeds.
2. Preparing the seeds
- Soaking: After cleaning the seeds, soak them in water for about 24 hours. This will soften the outer shell and speed up germination.
3. Choose the right top
- Size: Choose a pot that is at least 15 inches deep and 24 inches in diameter. Dragon fruit plants have an extensive root system and need plenty of room to grow.
- Drainage: Make sure your pot has good drainage. This will prevent overwatering, which can lead to root rot.
4. Soil preparation
- Type: Use a high-quality potting soil, preferably a cactus or succulent mix, as dragon fruit plants are cacti.
- pH: Make sure the soil pH is neutral, about 6 to 7.5.
5. Plant the seeds
- Planting depth: Plant the seeds about 0.6 cm deep.
- Spacing: Place seeds about 2 to 3 inches apart.
- Watering: Moisten the soil with water, but make sure it does not become waterlogged.
6. Germination
- Temperature: Dragon fruit seeds germinate best at temperatures between 21 and 29 °C.
- Location: Place the pot in a warm, sunny spot. If growing indoors, a sunny windowsill or under grow lights is ideal.
7. Caring for your dragon fruit plant
- Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. Dragon fruit plants are drought tolerant, also be careful not to overwater.
- Fertilizing: Once your plants are established (after 5-6 months), feed them with a weighted fertilizer for one month during the growing season.
- Support: As your plant grows, it will need support. Install a trellis or stake to support your dragon fruit plant.
8. Harvest
Once your plant is mature, it will bear fruit after a few years. Harvest the dragon fruit when its skin is bright red or pink and slightly soft to the touch.
Finally
Growing dragon fruit in pots from seed is a rewarding experience. It may take time and patience, but the result is a delicious homegrown fruit packed with nutrients. Whether you’re a gardening novice or a seasoned pro, with the right care, you can enjoy your very own dragon fruit harvest.