How to Grow Dragon Fruit: Complete Care & Harvesting Tips

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The easiest guide to cultivating dragon fruit plants & eating their fruits
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Pitaya, or dragon fruit, is a tasty treat that most people know for its fire-like appearance. These fruits grow on Hylocereus cacti, and with some tender loving care, you can plant and cultivate them at home! Below, you’ll find everything you need to know about cultivating, growing, and caring for your very own dragon fruit plant—from propagating it to harvesting it for a yummy snack!

Growing Dragon Fruit

  1. Purchase a ready-to-plant cactus from a nursery or professional seller.
  2. Choose an empty outdoor area with full sun or partial shade.
  3. Dig a hole that’s 3-4 times wider and 3 times deeper than the nursery container.
  4. Refill the hole with a well-draining and nutrient-rich soil.
  5. Plant the dragon fruit cactus into the hole so the plant is flush with the soil line.
  6. Water the plant lightly whenever the soil feels dry to the touch.
  7. As the dragon fruit grows, equip it with a climbing poll or trellis.
Section 1 of 10:

Planting Dragon Fruit (Outdoors or In a Pot)

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  1. The dragon fruit’s peak growing season is between June and September. While you can theoretically plant a dragon fruit cactus at any time, it’s best to plant it in the early spring (i.e., March or April) in order to take full advantage of its season. [1]
  2. The easiest route to planting dragon fruit plants is to purchase a transplant-ready one from a professional grower or nursery. If you grow your plant this way (or from the cuttings of a stem), it will take much less time for your plant to bear fruit. [2]
    • If you use seeds to plant your dragon fruit cactus, on the other hand, it could be two years or more before your plant bears any fruit. For this reason, this option is not recommended for most casual growers.
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  3. Before planting your dragon fruit, you have to find the perfect spot for it! If you’re planning to plant it outdoors, choose an area with well-drained soil and plenty of space around it. Keep the plant 15-25 ft (4.5-7.5 m) away from your home and any other structures, trees, or electrical lines. Make sure that the spot you choose is also in at least partial shade or full sun if you don’t live in a warm area with a long growing season. [3]
    • For your best growing and harvesting results, ensure that at least the leaves of the plant are exposed to full sun as it matures. The roots can be in the shade, if necessary, but the leaves must be in the sun in order for the fruit to bloom.
    • It’s also important that your dragon fruit cactus stays mostly dry, so avoid any areas of your garden where water tends to pool. If you live in an area with a lot of rainfall, place the plant on a hill or mound so that any excess water can drain away.
  4. Loosen up the soil and prepare your outdoor planting spot by digging a large hole in the earth. Create a hole that’s 3 to 4 times larger in diameter than your nursery container. Then, dig to make the hole 3 times as deep as the nursery container. While this hole may seem large at first, the process of digging it will loosen up your soil and help the dragon fruit plant to develop a root system. [4]
  5. Place enough soil in the hole so that the plant is flush with the soil line when you place it into the hole. Gently remove the plant from its original container (being careful not to damage the roots) and plant it into the ground. The plant should be submerged in the soil at the same depth as it was in its original pot or box. [5]
    • In terms of the type of soil you should use to refill the hole, stick to a well-draining and moist soil that’s rich in organic matter. If desired, you can use a sandy cactus soil to help the plant stay dry (it is a cactus, after all!).
    • If you live in a drier area, you may want to place mulch around the base of your plant to help the soil retain its moisture.
    • If you’re planting multiple dragon fruit cacti, space your plants at least 6 ft (1.8 m) apart.
  6. If you’re planting in a container, choose one that’s 15–24 inches (380–610 mm) in diameter and at least 10 inches (250 mm) deep. Make sure that the pot has plenty of drainage holes at the bottom. Place a layer of pebbles or bark at the bottom of the container, then fill it about ¾ full with a well-draining and nutrient-rich potting soil . Carefully remove your plant from its original container and place it into the pot, then secure it with a few more scoops of potting soil. [6]
    • Fit the pot with a sturdy trellis or climbing pole , and be prepared to transplant it as it grows and requires a bigger pot.
    • To prevent any chance of your pot toppling over, opt for a ceramic or terra-cotta pot (rather than a lightweight plastic one).
    • While you may technically be able to grow any type of dragon fruit in an indoor pot, it’s best to choose a smaller variety of the plant—like Edgar’s Baby, Alice, Seoul Kitchen, Yellow Dragon Fruit, or Zamorano.
  7. While your plant may take a couple of years to get fully going, some hit giant spurts where they can grow a foot in a week. When it does start developing, you may want to use a climbing pole to give it structure. This can help it reach its full potential without it breaking or weighing itself down. [7]
    • If you've planted your dragon fruit plant from seeds and they're now visibly growing, separate them into their own pots. They need their own turf to grow and flourish.
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Section 2 of 10:

Growing & Caring for the Dragon Fruit

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  1. Water your dragon fruit plant regularly to keep it moderately moist. You only need to give it a small amount of water when it’s practically dry and reduce your watering during the fall, winter, and early spring months (when the plant is dormant). Avoid overwatering your dragon fruit, as excessive watering may lead to root rot and forms of fungal disease that put your plant at risk. [8]
    • If your plant is large enough by now to have a climbing pole, keep the climbing pole moist as well.
    • If you're using a pot, keep in mind how it drains. If there are no drain holes, it needs even less; otherwise, the water will just stay at the bottom and lead to rot and decay.
  2. During the first year of growing your dragon fruit plant, fertilize it once every two months with a slow-release fertilizer or any balanced fertilizer with a high nutrient content (e.g., 20-20-20). Once your plant has an established root system, you can decrease your fertilizer application to only once in the spring and once in the summer. [9]
    • When it comes to fertilizers, be wary: too much can easily kill your plant. You may be tempted to do more to see more immediate growth, but it won't actually help your plant to thrive.
  3. Dragon fruit plants thrive in warm weather and need full sunlight in order to grow, but they don’t do well in intensely hot and dry conditions. If you live in an area where the outside temperatures frequently reach 100 °F (38 °C), consider planting your tropical cactus in partial shade. However, avoid placing your dragon fruit plant in an area with too much shade, as that may negatively impact your fruit production and harvest quality. [10]
    • On the other end of the spectrum, dragon fruit plants won’t survive in freezing weather or even a frost (especially if that cold weather is prolonged). Any temperature below 65–80 °F (18–27 °C) is considered a sub-optimal growing condition for dragon fruits.
  4. Most dragon fruit varieties are self-pollinating, so you don’t need to worry too much about the pollination process. Dragon fruit plants are actually nocturnal, so their flowers open at night to be pollinated by bats and moths. Some flowers may stay open in the early morning and be pollinated by bees, but this is less common. [11]
    • If you’re growing two varieties of dragon fruit that are not self-pollinating and want your flowers to be cross-pollinated, you’ll have to do hard-pollinating yourself between dusk and dawn.
    • During these early morning hours, use a fresh cotton swab to carefully collect the pollen from the stamen of one plant variety. Then, gently dab this pollen onto the stigma of your other plant variety.
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Section 3 of 10:

Pruning a Dragon Fruit Cactus

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  1. Once your plant becomes established and fully matured, its tops can become quite congested and prohibit the development of new growth. Cut back any overly long or tangled stems, as well as any that are damaged or dead. You will likely have to do this two or three times a year, although younger or smaller plants may only need to be pruned once per year. [12]
    • If new growth isn’t possible, it will be difficult for flowers and fruits to form. Failing to prune the cactus may also lead to fungal disease or insect infestation.
Section 4 of 10:

Harvesting & Eating Dragon Fruit

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  1. To tell if a dragon fruit is ripe , check for a bright color around the entirety of the skin. Look at the small “wings” on the outside of the fruit—if they look like they’re just beginning to wither, that’s a good sign that the fruit is ripe and ready to be picked. As a final test, grasp and lightly squeeze the fruit in your hand. If it’s ripe, you’ll feel just a slight amount of give. [13]
    • Most dragon fruits ripen within one month of flowering, although this timing can vary based on conditions in your area.
    EXPERT TIP

    Ed Kuoha

    Chef
    Ed Kuoha is a Chef and the Owner of Kuoha Culinary based in Aiea, Hawaii. He has more than 20 years of experience in various culinary kitchens and settings such as Morimoto Waikiki, where he received hands-on training from Iron Chef Morimoto. Chef Ed specializes in small catering events and private chef requests. He holds an Associate’s degree from The Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Kapiolani Community College.
    Ed Kuoha
    Chef

    The ripe fruit will look plump and the petal leaves will be shriveled. When you hold it in your hand, there's going to be a firmness but still a softness to it. That's how I pick things out, I look at them first to see if there are any spots. Then I hold them and look for a firm, but not soft, feel.

  2. Pick each dragon fruit by carefully twisting it off of its stem or cutting it with secateurs . If your fruit is ripe, it should twist easily off of the stem without too much pulling or tugging. If you see any fruits that have fallen from the stem on their own, these fruits are likely overripe and unlikely to be tasty! [14]
    • You can actually also harvest and eat the cactus’ large edible flowers. However, these blooms are nocturnal and can only be picked at night.
    • Once in full production, you could see four to six fruit-bearing cycles per year. They amp up eventually; it just takes them a little while to get there. So don't think your first fruit will be your last. You've waited patiently, and now abundance is your reward!
  3. The skin of a dragon fruit isn’t edible, but you can eat the soft flesh and seeds on the inside. You don’t need to peel the dragon fruit , however, you can just cut it in half lengthwise to open it up. Then, scoop out the fruit and cut it into quarters for snacking—or just dig straight in with a spoon! [15]
    • Try blending your dragon fruit into smoothies, chopping it up for a salsa, or just eating it as is (you can drizzle some honey on top for added sweetness).
    • The taste of dragon fruit is slightly sweet and its texture resembles a slightly crunchier version of kiwifruit.
    • You can store any uneaten dragon fruit in the fridge for up to two weeks.
    EXPERT TIP

    Ed Kuoha

    Chef
    Ed Kuoha is a Chef and the Owner of Kuoha Culinary based in Aiea, Hawaii. He has more than 20 years of experience in various culinary kitchens and settings such as Morimoto Waikiki, where he received hands-on training from Iron Chef Morimoto. Chef Ed specializes in small catering events and private chef requests. He holds an Associate’s degree from The Culinary Institute of the Pacific at Kapiolani Community College.
    Ed Kuoha
    Chef

    Cut dragon fruit like you would cut any other fruit. You could do it like a papaya where you cut off all the tips, cut it in half, and scoop it out to eat. For better presentation, cut off the top and bottom, stand it up, then cut little by little around the sides until you have only inner fruit and no peelings.

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Section 5 of 10:

Propagating a Dragon Fruit Cactus

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  1. Break off any healthy segment that’s at least 10-12 in (250-305 mm) long and place it in a dry, shaded spot for at least a week. This time period will allow for the wound to heal and prevent infection once it’s planted. For added protection, treat the cut end with a fungicide . [16]
    • You can take cuttings from a dragon fruit plant at any time, but you’ll see faster growth if it’s done during the warm summer months.
    • It’s also possible to propagate dragon fruit from seeds rather than stem cuttings. However, this approach can take up to seven years before the plant bears fruit.
  2. Once your cut stem has been sitting for about a week, dust the cut end with a rooting hormone . Then, fill a pot with a well-draining potting mix and insert the cut stem into the soil (cut side down). Keep the pot in a bright, shady spot while the root complex develops. Once your plant has established roots, move it into the sun. [17]
    • Keep your cutting moderately moist while you wait for it to root. Water your dragon fruit cactus whenever it seems dry. Keep the soil moderately moist, but avoid overwatering.
    • It may take your cutting about 4-6 months to develop a solid root system. After this time, you can plant it outdoors or in a larger pot, then wait about 1-3 years to see a harvest.
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Section 6 of 10:

Repotting Dragon Fruit Plants

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  1. Dragon fruit plants grow very fast, so they require frequent repotting. Once you notice that your plant’s roots have grown too large for its container (you’ll usually see them poking out of the drainage holes at the bottom of the pot), it must be repotted. Carefully remove the plant from its current container and place it into a larger container with fresh potting soil, being cautious not to damage the small roots. [18]
    • A fully matured dragon fruit cactus will require a container with a depth of 20–24 inches (510–610 mm) and a volume of 25-30 gallons (94 liters).
Section 7 of 10:

Overwintering for Dragon Fruit Plants

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  1. If daytime temperatures in your area drop below 65º F (18º C) and there's any danger of frost, bring your dragon fruit plants indoors. Wait until all danger of frost has passed and the daytime temperatures are consistently above 70º F (21º C). [19]
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Section 8 of 10:

Dragon Fruit Pests & Plant Diseases

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  1. Like any plant, the dragon fruit may attract insects, animals, and other pests that will destroy your cactus or its fruits. Depending on the area you live in, wild animals like rats, raccoons, and birds may want to eat your yummy dragon fruits. You may have to place barriers around your plants in order to keep these animals away. Otherwise, here are some of the most common dragon fruit pests and how you can effectively manage them: [20]
    • Caterpillars: Pick caterpillars off by hand or spray your plant with an organic caterpillar killer .
    • Snails and slugs: Apply an organic snail and slug killer if you notice any snails or slugs, or if you observe any large sections of your plant being chewed.
    • Mites, mealybugs, and sap suckers: Address the infestation as early as possible by using an organic insecticide .
  2. Do as much as you can to avoid any plant diseases by giving your dragon fruit the correct environment and watering schedule in order to thrive. If your cactus does develop a disease like stem rot or canker, there are steps you can take to salvage your plant. Here are some of the most common plant diseases that affect dragon fruit plants, along with their solutions: [21]
    • Fungal Infections: Prune off any affected sections of the plant and any congested branches. Apply an organic fungicide . Adjust your routine to water your plant less.
    • Stem or Root Rot: Improve your soil drainage by adding gypsum to the soil or moving your plant into a pot with a well-draining potting mix .
    • Canker: Remove any damaged or infected parts and treat the plant with an organic fungicide .
    • Root-Knot Nematodes: If you notice poor growth and fruiting, dig up the roots and look for small warty lumps. If present, treat the soil with an organic nematicide .
    • Split Fruit: Pull back on your watering routine when your fruits are ripening.
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Section 9 of 10:

Types of Dragon Fruit

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  1. The most common dragon fruits that you might see in grocery stores have white flesh and vibrant fuschia skin. However, there are about 15 different species of dragon fruit cacti and even more hybrid varieties! Some of the most popular dragon fruit varieties to choose from for planting include: [22]
    • American Beauty: Has red skin, green bracts, and magenta-colored flesh. Self-fertilizing.
    • Dark Star: Has dark pink skin, purple flesh, and a grape-like flavor.
    • David Bowie: Has pinkish-red skin, numerous green bracts, and white flesh with a lemony taste. Self-fertilizing and self-pollinating.
    • Purple Haze: Large with pink skin, green bracts, and purple flesh with hints of grape and kiwi. Self-pollinating and fast-growing.
    • Zamorano: Has dark red flesh and a sweet, mild flavor. Self-pollinating and slow-growing.
Section 10 of 10:

Frequently Asked Questions About Dragon Fruit Plants

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  1. Firstly, you should only expect the cactus to flower between early summer and mid-autumn. If your dragon fruit plant isn’t blooming during this time period, you may be lacking an essential care step in your growing routine. The temperature may be too cold, there may not be enough sunlight, or your plant may need to be pruned. [23]
  2. If your dragon fruit cactus doesn't produce fruit, it’s possible that the flowers weren’t properly pollinated. In order to pollinate and produce fruit, you must plant at least two dragon fruit varieties for cross-pollination or have moths or bats around at night for nocturnal pollination. [24]
  3. With proper maintenance and care, dragon fruit plants can live for up to 20 years. They typically began to produce fruits in their third year after the initial planting. [25]
  4. Dragon fruit plants do belong to the cactus family, and they’re considered a type of subtropical cactus. However, they need mild and humid environments in order to thrive, which makes them distinct from the cacti that grow in very hot and dry desert climates. [26]
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  • Question
    Can a dragon fruit tree grow in Austin TX outside?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
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    Expert Answer
    Yes, dragon fruit trees should survive outdoors in Texas.
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    Can dragon fruit grow in Memphis, TN?
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
    Food Systems Expert
    Andrew Carberry is a Food Systems Expert and the Senior Program Associate at the Wallace Center at Winrock International in Little Rock, Arkansas. He has worked in food systems since 2008 and has experience working on farm-to-school projects, food safety programs, and working with local and state coalitions in Arkansas. He is a graduate of the College of William and Mary and holds a Masters degree in public health and nutrition from the University of Tennessee.
    Andrew Carberry, MPH
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    The Memphis climate does not suit the dragon fruit plant, but you could grow one inside.
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    Can I grow it in coastal areas?
    Community Answer
    Yes, I have one that covers the trunk of a palm tree at about twenty feet tall. We have used hedge trimmers to cut it back lest it take over the palm. It produces beautiful huge yellow flowers, but in fifteen years it has only produced two fruits.
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      Warnings

      • The plants can handle temperatures up to 40°C (104°F) and very short periods of frost, but will not survive long exposure to freezing temperatures.
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      • Overwatering or excessive rainfall can cause the flowers to drop and its fruit to rot.
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      • Dragon fruit cactus is considered as an invasive plant in central and southern Florida. If you live in this area, it may be best to plant your cactus in a pot, rather than outdoors. [27]
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      References

      1. ↑ https://www.agmrc.org/commodities-products/fruits/dragon-fruit
      2. ↑ https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS303
      3. ↑ https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS303
      4. ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-dragon-fruit-from-seeds-and-cuttings
      5. ↑ https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS303
      6. ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-dragon-fruit-from-seeds-and-cuttings
      7. ↑ https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-grow-dragon-fruit-from-seeds-and-cuttings
      8. ↑ https://www.urbanharvest.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Dragon-Fruit-2020.pdf
      9. ↑ https://www.urbanharvest.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Dragon-Fruit-2020.pdf
      1. ↑ https://www.urbanharvest.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/02/Dragon-Fruit-2020.pdf
      2. ↑ https://ucanr.edu/blogs/blogcore/postdetail.cfm?postnum=46341
      3. ↑ https://www.uog.edu/_resources/files/extension/publications/Dragon_Fruit1.pdf
      4. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/cooking-tips-techniques/how-to-eat-dragon-fruit
      5. ↑ https://www.lovethegarden.com/au-en/growing-guide/how-to-grow-dragon-fruit
      6. ↑ https://www.realsimple.com/food-recipes/cooking-tips-techniques/how-to-eat-dragon-fruit
      7. ↑ https://www.rasnetwork.org/fruits-vegetables/grow-dragon-fruit-from-cuttings/
      8. ↑ https://www.rasnetwork.org/fruits-vegetables/grow-dragon-fruit-from-cuttings/
      9. ↑ https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/selenicereus-undatus/
      10. ↑ https://fbmg.org/files/2024/01/Dragon-Fruit-Article.pdf
      11. ↑ https://ucanr.edu/sites/sdsmallfarms/files/248990.pdf
      12. ↑ https://ucanr.edu/sites/sdsmallfarms/files/248991.pdf
      13. ↑ https://www.growables.org/information/TropicalFruit/PitayaSpeciesVarieties.htm
      14. ↑ https://www.rasnetwork.org/fruits-vegetables/grow-dragon-fruit-from-cuttings/
      15. ↑ https://www.rasnetwork.org/fruits-vegetables/grow-dragon-fruit-from-cuttings/
      16. ↑ https://blogs.ifas.ufl.edu/osceolaco/2018/09/07/dragon-fruit/
      17. ↑ https://kapionews.kapiolani.hawaii.edu/this-campus-is-edible-dragon-fruit/
      18. ↑ https://assessment.ifas.ufl.edu/assessments/selenicereus-undatus/

      About This Article

      Article Summary X

      To grow a dragon fruit plant, otherwise known as a Hylocereus cactus, start by filling a gardening pot with well-drained, sandy cactus soil. Then, grab either dried cactus cuttings or dragon fruit seeds and plant them flush with the soil line. Make sure you sprinkle the soil with a small amount of water whenever it gets dry, though be careful not to overwater it. If your plant has trouble growing, try adding slow-time release, low-nitrogen cactus fertilizer to the soil once a month. For tips from our reviewer on how to prune your plant and harvest its fruit, read on!

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