Here’s how to grow dragon fruit from seed so you’re free to enjoy your own plant.
Then, use the tips below to help your new dragon fruit plant thrive for many years.
Steps to Grow Dragon Fruit from Seed
Materials
1.
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Separate seeds from pulp.
The first step is to separate the tiny black seeds from the pulp.
Next, rinse the pulp and seeds under a faucet and gently begin pressing on the pulp.
Continue rinsing seeds until all of the pulp has been washed away and only the seeds remain.
Allow seeds to dry on a paper towel.
Prepare soil and container.
Fill the plastic pot(s) with seed mix and moisten until evenly damp.
Leave about 1 inch of space between the soil surface and the pot’s rim.
Sow seeds in pots.
Evenly sprinkle seeds on the surface of the damp seed mix.
Separate any seeds that have clumped together and spritz them with water to unstick them.
Cover pots and place in warm spot.
This will help keep moisture levels even while seeds are germinating.
Remove cover once growth appears.
In 1-2 weeks, seeds should begin to sprout.
After seedlings are firmly established, begin fertilizing with a half-strength fertilizer.
Give outdoor plantsfull sun (8+ hours per day)where possible and supplementindoor plants with grow lights.
Dragon fruit plants are not especially picky about theirsoil though it must drain wellto avoid root rot.
Found in nature scrambling up the bark of trees, dragon fruits are actually vining cacti.
While these plants are natural climbers, they can begrown in hanging basketswith good results.
Cut stems at nodes.
While dormant or while plants have otherwise slowed their growth, cut back on watering.
Mature plants can grow quickly and willrespond well to fertilizers while actively growing, flowering, and fruiting.
You may need to use a soft paint brush to pollinate flowers if you aren’t getting many fruits.
This growing method ensures the plants get ample sun and are easy to harvest.
From seed to maturity, it can take 5-7 years before a dragon fruit plant makes fruits.
Some commonly grown species are the white, red, and yellow dragon fruits.
