How to Grow Red-Fleshed Dragon Fruit? A Detailed Guide to the Planting Method
Red-fleshed dragon fruit is a vining fruit belonging to the cactus family. It is still in its early stages in our country and is a typical tropical fruit. Red-fleshed dragon fruit has very high nutritional value and is beneficial to human health. Now the market for red-fleshed dragon fruit in our country is gradually expanding, and more and more people have begun large-scale cultivation. So how should red-fleshed dragon fruit be grown? Today, the editor brings you the planting method for red-fleshed dragon fruit. Let's take a look!
1. Site Selection and Trellis Building
Red-fleshed dragon fruit is a tropical fruit, so it prefers warmth and is not suitable for 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 vining plant, trellises must be built promptly after the site is chosen. The trellis height must not be less than 1.4 m, and trellises must be set up around each planting hole. The height should also be increased appropriately according to the plant's growth, to facilitate later management and harvesting.
2. Timely Planting
Before planting, sufficient base fertilizer should first be applied to the soil. The hole application method can be used, applying about 6-8 kg of decomposed farmyard manure per planting hole, along with an appropriate amount of trace elements. Mix the soil and fertilizer thoroughly, then cover with fine soil to about 8 cm above the ground. When the raised portion sinks, begin planting. The planting time should not be in a low-temperature winter environment; the most suitable period is around Qingming Festival. Pay attention to the planting depth. It must not be too deep or too shallow. After planting, water promptly with water to settle the roots, then cover appropriately with grass material to improve water and fertilizer retention.
3. Fertilizer and Water Management
After successful planting, ensure the soil remains moist and apply topdressing promptly, but pay attention to the amount when topdressing. Do not apply excessive fertilizer; the main approach should be applying more frequently in small amounts. When the new shoots of the seedlings grow to about 18-22 cm, apply farmyard manure promptly to promote the greening of the leaves. Then carry out management according to the plant's growth. In the early growth stage, topdressing should be applied at least once a month. After autumn arrives, the plant's fruit gradually matures 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 both sufficient water and no waterlogging damage.
4. Pest and Disease Control
Red-fleshed dragon fruit has strong disease resistance and a low incidence rate, but it can suffer from certain 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 on the plant and affecting its growth. Also spray an appropriate amount of lime at the base of the plant. 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.
The above is a brief introduction to the planting method for red-fleshed dragon fruit. At present, the area planted with red-fleshed dragon fruit is not very large. Because red-fleshed dragon fruit has certain environmental requirements, temperature alone limits its cultivation in many places. However, friends with the conditions and a suitable environment can still consider it. That is all for today's introduction. This article is for reference only. If you want to learn more related information, please continue to follow us!