A Detailed Guide to the Cultivation Techniques and Management Key Points of Red-Fleshed Dragon Fruit
Red-fleshed dragon fruit is dragon fruit with red flesh; its taste and nutritional value are both better than ordinary dragon fruit, so it is very popular in the market. Some regions are currently growing it as well, so what are the cultivation techniques for red-fleshed dragon fruit?
1. Site selection and trellis building
Red-fleshed dragon fruit is a tropical fruit, so it prefers warmth and is not suited to growing in low-temperature environments. It needs to be planted in a place with ample sunlight and sufficient water sources but without waterlogging. The soil must also be sufficiently permeable and rich in organic humus, which helps promote the growth of red-fleshed dragon fruit. Because red-fleshed dragon fruit is a climbing plant, trellises must be built promptly after the site is selected. The trellis height must not be lower than 1.4 m, and trellises must be set up around every planting hole. The height should also be increased appropriately according to the plant's growth, to make later management and harvesting easier.
2. Timely planting
Before planting, sufficient base fertilizer must first be applied to the soil. A hole application method can be used, applying about 6-8 kg of decomposed farmyard manure per planting hole, together with an appropriate amount of trace elements. Mix the soil and fertilizer thoroughly and evenly, then cover with fine soil about 8 cm above the ground. Begin planting once the raised portion has settled. Planting time should not be in the low-temperature environment of winter; *** the most suitable period is around Qingming Festival. Pay attention to the planting depth. It must not be too high or too shallow. After planting, water thoroughly with root-setting water in time, then cover appropriately with grass or straw to improve water and fertilizer retention.
3. Fertilizer and water management
After successful planting, keep the soil in a moist state and apply topdressing in time, but pay attention to the amount when topdressing. Do not apply excessive fertilizer; mainly apply more frequent, smaller amounts. When the new shoots of the seedlings grow to about 18-22 cm, apply farmyard manure in time to promote the leaves turning green. Then carry out management work according to the plant's growth conditions. In the early growth stage, topdress at least once a month. After autumn arrives, the plant's fruit gradually ripens and growth slows, so fertilizer and water application can then be reduced or stopped. Red-fleshed dragon fruit likes moisture but is not tolerant of waterlogging, so during cultivation, attention must be paid to ensuring sufficient water while avoiding waterlogging damage.
4. Pest and disease control
Red-fleshed dragon fruit has strong disease resistance and a low incidence rate, but it can suffer damage from some insect pests. Therefore, during cultivation we must strengthen pest and disease control. After planting, begin paying attention to control, and spray insecticide at least once a month to suppress pest activity. Prevent pests from gnawing the plants and affecting plant growth. Also spray an appropriate amount of lime at the base of the plants. If damaged branches are found, promptly cut off the damaged parts. Then protect the cut surfaces well to prevent infection, and take the cut branches out of the orchard for proper disposal.
Overall, red-fleshed dragon fruit is very easy to grow. As long as you choose a good site, apply sufficient base fertilizer, and finally do a good job with later basic management such as water and fertilizer management and pest and disease control, it is enough.