Three halved dragon fruits; front/left has yellow skin, pale interior, and tiny black seeds; middle/right has deep magenta flesh and skin with many tiny dark seeds; back/center has bright pink skin, white flesh, and tiny black seeds

How To Grow Dragon Fruit Plants

Updated on Feb 22, 2024
By Baillie Blankenship

Some people compare the dragonfruit to the kiwi, because of its dark, crunchy seeds and juicy flesh. Like beets, swiss chard, and amaranth, the red and purple colors found in dragon fruits are from betacyanins. Commercially, dragon fruit is used to add flavor and color to juices and even alcoholic beverages, and the seeds contain omega-6 and omega-3 fatty acids.

HISTORY

Pitaya, also known as dragon fruit or strawberry pear, is a species of cactus indigenous to southern Mexico as well as the coasts of Guatemala, Costa Rica, and El Salvador. Dragon fruit first made its appearance in Aztec culture in the 13th century. Today it is grown in many tropical and subtropical regions of the world.

USES

  • Dragon fruit is eaten fresh, added to smoothies and teas, used to top salads, and is also delicious dehydrated.
  • Flowers are edible and can be made into an herbal tea.
6 dragon fruit blossoms on the plant - the flowers are white and yellow petals with pale green outer petals surrounded by thick, green, sword-shaped green leaves6 dragon fruit blossoms on the plant - the flowers are white and yellow petals with pale green outer petals surrounded by thick, green, sword-shaped green leaves

 

  • Choose a location in full sun. In climates with extreme heat opt for partial sun.
  • Plants are hardy in zones 10-11 and prefer temperatures between 65 and 80F. 
  • In cooler climates, grow in a pot indoors (20+ gallons recommended), in a greenhouse, or in a sunroom.
  • Use a trellis, arbor, or support pole as this is a climbing plant.
  • Space plants 10-20 feet apart.
hand holding a sliced-open pink-skinned white-fleshed dragon fruit in front of a dragon fruit plant with unripe fruit on ithand holding a sliced-open pink-skinned white-fleshed dragon fruit in front of a dragon fruit plant with unripe fruit on it

 

  • Fertilize bi-monthly with a fertilizer low in nitrogen.
  • Do not fertilize when dormant.
  • Water less frequently while dormant.
  • In the fall, prune away dead and decaying pieces. Prune for better airflow as well.
  • When flowers open, hand-pollinate to ensure maximum fruit production.
  • Plants will fruit in about 6 months.*
  • Harvest mature fruit when it is vibrant in color and has a slight give when squeezed. 

PESTS/SPECIAL CONSIDERATIONS

  • *Notice: Plants in pots may take up to two years to fruit.

 

person's hand holding a sliced-open dragon fruit with white flesh and dark seeds in front of a small tree trunk with several other fruits on itperson's hand holding a sliced-open dragon fruit with white flesh and dark seeds in front of a small tree trunk with several other fruits on it

 

  • Scoop out seeded flesh.
  • Let ferment for a few days.
  • Rinse and dry seeds.
  • Store in a cool, dry, dark place until you’re ready to germinate.
  • Germinate in potting soil on a heat mat and covered with a humidity dome.
Three dragon fruits sliced to show interior: one is yellow with pale interior and dark seeds; one is vivid magenta all the way through, including the skin, with tiny black seeds; one is white-fleshed with yellow skin and tiny black seedsThree dragon fruits sliced to show interior: one is yellow with pale interior and dark seeds; one is vivid magenta all the way through, including the skin, with tiny black seeds; one is white-fleshed with yellow skin and tiny black seeds