How to Grow Dragon Fruit

A warm-season fruit for the home garden across the warmer US.

Dragon Fruit is a rewarding warm-season crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

Plant Dragon Fruit in spring once the soil has warmed and all frost has passed. In the warmest regions a second crop is possible in late summer. See your region on the dragon fruit page for exact timing.

Varieties

• American Beauty, Self-fertile, red flesh (Florida nurseries)
• Physical Graffiti, Productive, sweet (Florida nurseries)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 200 cm (79 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 10 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 5 L per plant every 4 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Scale and Mealy bug. In humid regions, Stem rot and Anthracnose can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Dragon Fruit is usually ready to harvest within roughly 18 months once established. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant dragon fruit where you garden.

See also: Dragon Fruit in the plant library →

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