When is dragon fruit generally in season, and how can it be grown for higher yields?

Dragon fruit is a tropical and subtropical fruit, grown in China's Hainan, Guangxi, Guangdong and other provinces. People also commonly call dragon fruit red dragon fruit, green dragon fruit, fairy honey fruit, jade dragon fruit and so on. Because its appearance looks like a ball of red fire, it got the name "dragon fruit". This fruit, with its light, fresh taste and mild texture, has always been favored by consumers. So when does dragon fruit generally ripen and come onto the market? And what growing techniques must be mastered to make dragon fruit higher-yielding and higher-quality?

1. Dragon fruit market season

The period from flowering to harvest for dragon fruit takes about 40 days, and the fruit can be picked once it gradually turns from green to purplish red. The ripening period of dragon fruit is generally from May to November each year, meaning that for nearly half the year people can find dragon fruit available.

2. Dragon fruit growing techniques

1. Timing factor

The planting time for dragon fruit is generally chosen in spring, from March to April. The temperature during this period is relatively suitable, with no excessively low or high temperatures, so dragon fruit can sprout and grow fairly smoothly.

2. Soil factor

Dragon fruit has strong adaptability, and whether on mountain land, dry land or wasteland, it can grow and survive. But if the soil conditions can better suit the nutrients dragon fruit needs, then dragon fruit will also grow more vigorously. Generally speaking, slightly alkaline soil that is loose in texture, fertile, rich in humus and able to retain fertilizer and water well is more suitable.

3. Light factor

Dragon fruit is a typical light-loving plant. In an environment with long hours of light and ample sunshine, photosynthesis is also more vigorous, so dragon fruit can grow faster.

4. Watering work

Although dragon fruit is drought-tolerant, it still needs sufficient water during its growth. If the land where dragon fruit is planted is rather short of water, it will affect the growth of dragon fruit, and may even cause stalled growth and gradual shrinking of the fleshy stems. Of course, this does not mean the more water the better. If there is too much water, it can also cause the roots of dragon fruit to rot, and may even lead to the death of the plants.

5. Fertilizing work

Dragon fruit grows relatively fast, so throughout its entire growth cycle it needs a sufficient supply of the fertilizers it requires.

In the early growth stage, nitrogen fertilizer should be applied to help the plant grow taller and stronger quickly. In the middle and late stages of the plant's growth, nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium fertilizers should be applied in a more balanced way, thereby increasing the plant's photosynthesis and better promoting the flowering and fruiting of dragon fruit.

6. Planting methods

There are generally two methods of planting dragon fruit: one is the seed planting method, and the other is the cutting planting method.

(1) Seed planting method

The seed planting method requires handling the seeds well. The flesh of a fully ripe dragon fruit can be taken out, so that the seeds are completely separated from the flesh, and then dried. After that, the dried seeds can be scattered on the surface of the soil, then promptly misted with water and covered with plastic film. After about 3-5 days, the seeds will sprout, and during this period the plastic film needs to be lifted every day for watering.

(2) Cutting planting method

Cutting planting is generally carried out in spring. Cut off robust branches and put them in a shaded place to let the wounds air-dry. After the wounds have air-dried and healed, insert them into the prepared soil. At this point, tools such as wooden sticks can be used to give the branches support. Water again after 10 days, and after about half a month they will gradually take root.

7. Pruning work

To ensure next year's dragon fruit yield, after each harvest of dragon fruit, the fruiting branches must be cut back so that they can sprout again.

8. Pest and disease control

Dragon fruit in the seedling stage is more susceptible to damage from snails and ants, and for this situation insecticides can be chosen for control. Once the dragon fruit is mature, there will be fewer diseases. In addition, in an environment with excessively high temperature and relatively severe humidity, dragon fruit is also more prone to disease, and at this time triadimefon can be used for control.