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Easy Steps to Grow Dragon Fruit
What is Dragon Fruit? Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is a tropical fruit that is gaining popularity due to its unique appearance and health benefits. It is native to Central America but is now grown in various parts of the world. The fruit has a vibrant pink or yellow skin with green scales, and its flesh is white or red with tiny black seeds. Why Grow Dragon Fruit on a Trellis? Growing dragon fruit on a trellis has several advantages. Firstly, it saves space in your garden as the plant grows vertically instead of spreading horizontally. Secondly, it allows better air circulation and sunlight exposure, which are crucial for the plant's growth and fruit production. Lastly, a trellis provides support to the climbing stems of the dragon fruit plant, preventing them from bending or breaking under the weight of the fruit. Step 1: Choose the Right Trellis When selecting a trellis for your dragon fruit, opt for a sturdy structure that can withstand the weight of the plant and its fruits. A metal or wooden trellis with a height of at least 6 feet is recommended. Make sure the trellis is securely anchored in the ground to prevent it from toppling over. Step 2: Prepare the Soil Dragon fruit plants thrive in well-draining soil with a pH level between 6 and 7. Before planting, amend the soil with organic matter such as compost or aged manure to improve its fertility and drainage. Remove any weeds or grass from the planting area to minimize competition for nutrients. Step 3: Planting the Dragon Fruit Place the dragon fruit cuttings or seedlings near the base of the trellis, ensuring that each plant has enough space to grow and spread its aerial roots. Gently press the soil around the roots and water thoroughly. It is advisable to plant the dragon fruit during the warmer months when the soil temperature is above 65°F (18°C). Step 4: Provide Adequate Support As the dragon fruit plants grow, guide their stems towards the trellis and secure them using soft ties or plant clips. Avoid using materials that can damage the delicate stems. Regularly check the ties and adjust them as needed to prevent constriction as the plant expands. Step 5: Water and Fertilize Dragon fruit plants require regular watering, especially during dry spells. However, it is essential to avoid overwatering, as excessive moisture can lead to root rot. Apply a balanced fertilizer every two to three months during the growing season to provide the necessary nutrients for healthy growth and fruit development. Step 6: Pruning and Maintenance Prune the dragon fruit plant to remove any dead or diseased branches and to promote better air circulation. Regularly inspect the plant for pests or diseases and take appropriate measures to control them. Additionally, remove any suckers or side shoots that emerge from the base of the plant to maintain a single-stemmed structure. Step 7: Harvesting Dragon Fruit Dragon fruit typically takes around 30 to 50 days to ripen after flowering. The fruit should be harvested when the skin color changes and the scales start to wither. Gently twist the fruit to detach it from the stem. Dragon fruit can be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. By following these easy steps, you can successfully grow dragon fruit on a trellis in your own backyard. Enjoy the beauty of the plant and the delicious, nutritious fruits it produces!
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How to Propagate Dragonfruit by Cuttings
How to Propagate Dragonfruit by Cuttings Start with a long segment of cactus that can easily be cut into 3-5 sections. Try to look for segments that are relatively new but not still growing. I just use scissors to cut the segments into sections that are 3-6 inches long. Apply a fungicide to the cut ends of each section and place them somewhere relatively dry. This helps deter infections and mold. Note that this step doesn't have to be done but helps with the odds of survival. This is an optional step and not always necessary. The next step is to "cure" the cuttings. This allows the cut parts of the cactus to dry out and seal the wound. This is most important in preventing disease and mold from killing the cuttings. I know from experience that cuttings can survive without being cured but it is still a good idea. Cure time should be anywhere from 1-5 days (just wait until the cut ends heal over and turn a little white). Place each cut section in a light soil mix. I suggest mixing some vermiculite and perlite with an average potting soil. Be weary of orientation, each section should be placed in the same direction it was on the plant (don't place them upside down). Each section needs to be planted about 1-2 inches into the soil. Water daily unless the soil is still moist, allow for it to dry out a little. The first thing you might see are roots growing out of the section, this is a good sign of success. These aerial roots will gather nutrients and water from the air, as well as anchor the plant to the soil. If the propagation was successful a new shoot will emerge. This usually takes between a week to a few months depending on the time of year. Use fertilizer sparingly until they are a year old. Also remember to shield these plants from freezing temperatures. Within a year the dragonfruit should have numerous shoots coming from the original cutting. These can be heavy and they often go astray so using a trellis or a stake is a good idea to keep the plant upright. In as early as two years you can expect beautiful flowers and delicious dragonfruits.In favorable conditions, a dragonfruit plant grown from a cutting will flower and bear fruit within a couple of years. These night blooming flowers can be elusive to spot during full bloom, but if successfully pollinated the flower will wilt and fall off leaving a developing fruit on the vine. The fruit will become ripe in about a month after pollination.
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Ecuadorian Palora Yellow Selenicereus megalanthus Dragon Fruit
Ecuadorian Palora Yellow Selenicereus megalanthus Dragon Fruit Palora Yellow Dragon Fruit is known for being one of the sweetest tasting cultivars of dragon fruit. It has yellow skin and white interior flesh. The fruit is oval shaped and heavily thorned; however, the thorns typically fall off as the fruit ripens. Palora is self fertile and is a slow grower compared to some of the other varieties of dragon fruit. Palora also known as Ecuadorian dragon fruit is much larger than the other variety known as Colombiana. It gets its name from the city known as Palorain Ecuador where it is brown commercially. Growing Palora Yellow Dragon Fruit Dragon fruit grows best in warm climates. Temperatures should be above 40 degrees Fahrenheit. Palora should always be protected form freezing weather. They can be brown in containers and do best in well draining soil, such as cactus mix. Also avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
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