How to grow
- The plants are relatively easy to grow. Under good growing conditions and with the right planting material, the plants will yield their first fruit at two years old and be in full production by year 5. The cladodes must be planted in compost rich, well drained soil. Do not plant the cladodes to deep, 5cm is adequate. Water once a week and feed monthly with Seagrow.
Climatic Conditions
- Pitaya prefer a dryer sub-tropical (to tropical) climate. Dragon Fruit will grow well in climates where Macadamia nuts, Avocados and Bananas are grown commercially.
- Pitaya rainfall requirements are 600 to 1300mm per annum with supplementary irrigation in the dry seasons.
- Dragon Fruit require less irrigation than Macadamias and Avocados. It is interesting to note that with the severe drought in Southern California, farmers are replacing Avocados with Dragon Fruit. It is estimated that they require only 65% of the water and rain that Avos do.
- Good temperatures are 21-29°C, but they can withstand maximum temperatures of 38-41°C and as low as -1°C for short periods.
