How to Grow Dragon Fruit: Detailed Tutorial on the Latest Planting Techniques and Methods
Dragon fruit is a fruit of the cactus family and is very popular all over the world. The nutritional value of dragon fruit is very high; it is both a vegetable and a fruit, and it also has certain medicinal effects. Its disease resistance is also relatively strong, making it a pollution-free green fruit. So how exactly should dragon fruit be grown? Below, the editor brings you the planting techniques for dragon fruit. Let's take a look!
1. Propagation Methods
The propagation methods for dragon fruit include grafting, cuttings and sowing, among which cutting propagation is the most commonly used. Cutting propagation is relatively simple to carry out and has a relatively high survival rate. The cutting time for dragon fruit is generally in March to April. First, select stem segments that are growing normally, are thick and strong, and are free of pests and diseases. Then cut them into small sections of about 5 cm. When the wounds gradually heal and dry, insert them directly into the substrate, and set up a support beside them. After cutting, do not water; wait until about one week later before carrying out watering. Under normal management, roots will form in about 2-4 weeks, and when the roots grow to about 1 cm, they can be transplanted.
2. Seedling Stage Management
The seedling bed for dragon fruit should be chosen in a place with good permeability, rich organic matter, and normal drainage and irrigation. Then do a good job of land preparation, apply sufficient decomposed farmyard manure, and mix it evenly with the soil. Dragon fruit will gradually enter the flowering and fruiting stage within one to two years after planting. Therefore, we must do a good job of seedling management, and manage water and fertilizer well according to soil conditions and weather. Then pay attention to strengthening weeding, because weeds will affect the nutrient absorption of dragon fruit seedlings, leading to malnutrition of the seedlings and reducing planting benefits.
3. Reasonable Watering
Dragon fruit likes to grow in an environment with sufficient water and good light, and a suitable environment can promote the growth of dragon fruit. During the seedling stage and the expansion stage of dragon fruit, attention should be paid to keeping the soil moist. Especially in hot and dry seasons such as summer, watering work is very important. Sufficient water is the key to ensuring the healthy growth of dragon fruit roots. When watering, also pay attention to the amount and make it comprehensive and even. Do not water too much, to prevent water accumulation in the field, which can cause root death due to lack of oxygen. When water accumulation occurs, drain it in time to prevent pests and diseases.
4. Shaping and Pruning
Shaping and pruning are very important for the growth of dragon fruit. After fruit harvest each year, promptly prune the fruiting branches to promote the growth of new branches. This lays the foundation for flowering and fruiting the following year and ensures planting benefits. When pruning, pay attention to the intensity to prevent some mechanical wounds, which would reduce the resistance of dragon fruit. Different growth stages have different pruning methods, such as pinching, short cutting, and renewal pruning. The main targets are undesirable branches that are too long, too dense, or affected by pests and diseases. Shaping and pruning can improve field permeability, reduce the incidence of pests and diseases, and promote the growth of dragon fruit.
The above is a brief introduction to dragon fruit planting techniques. Pest and disease control for dragon fruit is also something we cannot ignore in planting. Everyone must pay close attention. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. Thank you for reading and supporting.