Dragon fruit , also acknowledge as Pitaya , is a singular and alien fruit that is acquire commercially in South Florida and in backyard throughout Central Florida . This meek - tasting yield is not only luscious but also has numerous wellness benefits .
Dragon fruit is a fruit that grows on a vine - like cactus that is held up by a treillage . It adapt well to a full range of soils provided they are well - drain . In South Florida , these fruits are doing well in the initial planting in the well - drained , calcareous soil . plant can commence flowering in as little as six to eight month , although container - grow plant may take up to two years to bear fruit .
Once the plant is mature , you’re able to expect four to six fruiting cycles a year from a industrial plant that is capable of bearing fruit for 20 to 30 yr . This make dragon fruit a great investment for those looking to grow their own fruit in their backyard .
Draco yield is not only tasty but also has legion health benefit . It is fat in antioxidants , vitamin C , and roughage . It has been shown to improve digestion , boost the immune organization , and even improve insulin predisposition .
flying dragon fruit can be wipe out fresh or used in a variety of recipes such as smoothies , desserts , crush , and even cocktails . Its soft taste sensation makes it a great addition to any recipe .
Growing Draco yield in Florida is comparatively easy as long as you have well - enfeeble soil and a trellis organization to support the cactus . Once the plant is established , it requires minimum alimony and can povide you with a bountiful crop for long time to descend .
flying lizard fruit is a unique and exotic yield that can be grown in Florida . It is not only toothsome but also has legion health benefits . With right care and sustentation , you could bask fresh dragon yield from your own backyard for long time to come .
Can Dragon Fruit Be Grown in Florida?
firedrake fruit can be grow in Florida . In fact , South Florida has several hundred acres of commercial-grade tartar fruit production , and it is also a democratic backyard fruit crop in Central Florida . While firedrake fruit is native to Central and South America , it can thrive in the subtropical climate of Florida . The plant prefer well - debilitate soil and regular tearing , but is comparatively low upkeep and can allow periods of drought . With proper care , dragon yield plants can bring on yield within two to three years of planting . The singular , mild - tasting fruit can be eaten fresh or used in a variety of culinary applications , such as beverages , dessert , and jam .
Time Required for Dragon Fruit Plant to Produce Fruit
A Draco fruit plant can part flowering in as trivial as six to eight months , but it ’s crucial to note that container - acquire plant may take up to two eld before assume fruit . However , once the plant life is ripe , it can produce four to six fruit cycles in a year , and it can continue to abide fruit for 20 to 30 years . It ’s deserving the delay because dragon fruit is a delicious and healthy yield that is packed with of the essence food .
Growing Dragon Fruit: Is It Difficult?
Dragon fruit , also known as pitaya , is comparatively prosperous to grow as long as you provide it with the correct conditions . It can be grown from seed or cuttings , and once launch , it require minimal attention . However , it is important to note that dragon fruit is a tropical plant and expect quick temperatures , mass of sunlight , and well - drain grime . If you live in a ice chest mood , you may involve to acquire it in a greenhouse or indoors . to boot , dragon fruit plants are sensitive to frost and strong flatus , so it ’s authoritative to protect them from these shape . wile dragon yield may require some tending to its growing circumstance , it is not weigh a difficult plant to uprise .
Growing Dragon Fruit in Pots
Dragon yield can be maturate in pots . you may utilise plastic , clay or even terracotta pots for the dragon yield . The size of it of the pot should be at least 10 - 15 Imperial gallon , and it should have drain maw at the bottom to prevent waterlogging . While the idealistic size is mentioned , using a big pot will only be beneficial as it will give the roots more space to grow and expand .
When planting , use well - draining soil that is full-bodied in organic matter . you’re able to also mix in some sand or perlite to improve drain . Once plant , make certain to water the flora on a regular basis , but do not overwater as it can lead to theme rot .
Dragon fruit plant require wad of sunlight , so try on to make certain that your plant get close to 8 hour of good sunlight each day . If you live in an area with rough sunlight or uttermost temperatures , you may need to proide some specter or protective cover for your industrial plant .
In addition to sunshine , dragon yield plants also need unconstipated impregnation . you may use a balanced , slow - discharge plant food or organic compost to provide your plant with the necessary nutrient .
With proper attention and attention , you’re able to successfully grow dragon fruit in pots and enjoy delicious , sweet yield mighty from your own home .
Does Dragon Fruit Require Full Sun?
The Dragon Fruit Tree prefer full Sunday . It need at least 6 - 8 hour of direct sunlight daily to thrive . This plant have sex a flock of light , so it ’s best to void planting it in umbrageous areas . to boot , well - draining , sandy land is indispensable for the Dragon Fruit ’s development and ontogeny . Avoid planting it in soaked , sloughy soils with stand water , as this can do root rot and other issues . providing full sunlight and well - drain dirt is crucial for the Dragon Fruit Tree to grow and grow level-headed yield .
The Blooming of Dragon Fruit
Dragon yield typically blooms in early summertime , usually in the month of June . After the flowers open in the evening , yield formation occurs shortly afterward . The blooming period usually lasts for several weeks , with the yield - bearing season extending for approximately five months , from early summer through mid - fall . It ’s worth note that dragon yield flowers last only one evening , cause them a rare and momentaneous sight to lay eyes on .
The Effects of Hot Weather on Dragon Fruit Growth
Draco fruit plants thrive well in red-hot weather . In fact , they want high temperature for better growth and productivity . The idealistic temperature range for dragon fruit cultivation is betwen 25 ° C to 35 ° C . These plants can hold out high temperature up to 40 ° C , but exuberant heat can make damage to the plant and cut back the yield quality . Therefore , it is essential to ensure enough moisture and irrigation during hot weather conditions . Dragon fruit industrial plant need copious sunlight to grow , and they can be cultivated in all types of soil that have right drain and good fertilizer density . However , it is essential to note that dragon fruit plants can not be grown in waterlogged land as it can lead to tooth root rot and other disease . Therefore , if you hold up in a tropical region with high temperature , you could grow dragon fruit plants successfully with proper care and management .
Conclusion
Dragon fruit output is steady grow in South Florida , with both commercial and backyard agriculturist comprehend this unique and various fruit . The plant is adaptable to a wide range of soils , as long as they are well - debilitate , and can get flower in as lilliputian as six to eight months . Once mature , the works can produce four to six fruit cycles per year for up to 20 to 30 years . Draco fruit can be eat impertinent or used to make a variety of treats , including beverage , afters , and pickle . Whether you are a seasoned agriculturalist or just embark on out , Draco yield is a with child addition to any tropic or subtropic garden in Florida .
Caroline Bates
