Efficient Cultivation of Dragon Fruit: Varieties, Land Preparation, Fertilizers

Dragon Fruit is a cactus group plant, which stores water itself as per its requirement. It is a perennial crop and starts producing fruits from the very first year. Fruits contain abundant amounts of calcium, many types of antioxidants, vitamin C, etc. Along with this, its consumption is beneficial for people suffering from many diseases like diabetes, arthritis, and stomach-related diseases. In India, dragon fruit is cultivated in Karnataka, Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Odisha, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh, Andaman and Nicobar Islands.

How to Cultivate Dragon Fruit?

• Suitable Climate: Dragon fruit can be cultivated in almost all seasons except the rainy season. A warm climate and temperature of 20 to 36 °C is best for its cultivation. When the temperature is more than 40 °C and less than 0 °C, its flowers start falling and the plants turn yellow.
• Selection of Land: Dragon fruit can be cultivated successfully in sandy loam to loamy soil. To get a better yield, cultivate it on black soil with proper drainage and rich in organic matter. The pH level of the soil should be between 5.5 to 7.
• Number of Plants: About 110 plants can be planted per acre of field.
• Best Varieties: There are mainly 3 species of dragon fruit which include white dragon fruit, red dragon fruit, and yellow dragon fruit. White dragon fruit bear fruits that are dark pink on the outside and white on the inside. The fruits of the red dragon fruit variety are dark pink on the outside and inside. Yellow dragon fruit is rarely seen in India. The fruits of this variety are yellow on the outside and white on the inside. It is important to select the right varieties for dragon fruit cultivation. To get good yields, you can select varieties like White Dragon 1, Red Dragon 1, Royal Red, Simple Red, etc.
• Field Preparation: Plow 2-3 times to prepare the field. After plowing, keep the soil friable and level it on the field. For transplanting the cuttings of plants, prepare pits 60 cm wide, 60 cm long, and 60 cm deep at a distance of 2 meters. Install bamboo poles in the field to support the plants.
• Method of Cultivation: It is cultivated by transplanting cuttings of plants. It can also be cultivated by sowing seeds. Cultivation by sowing seeds takes more time to yield fruits. Therefore, it is better to plant cuttings of plants for commercial farming. Use cuttings about 20 cm long for transplantation. Cultivate dragon fruit along ridges. Keep a distance of 2 meters between all the ridges. The distance between plants should also be 2 meters.
• Fertilizer Usage: Use fertilizers about 6 months after transplanting the plants. The use of fertilizers depends on the age of the plants. Use 10-15 kg cow dung manure, 650 gm Urea, 1.25 kg Single Super Phosphate (SSP), and 450 gm Muriate of Potash (MOP) per year on 1-year-old plants. As the age of the plants increases, increase the amount of fertilizers. Also, you can always consult an agricultural expert before using fertilizers.
• Irrigation Management: Dragon fruit plants require less irrigation as compared to other crops. To get good yields, carry out the first irrigation after transplanting the cuttings of the plants. Apart from this, irrigate the plants also at the time of flowering and fruit development. There is no need for irrigation in the crop when it rains. In other seasons, irrigate as per requirement. The use of the drip irrigation method is beneficial for dragon fruit plants.
• Weed Management: As there is a reasonable distance between dragon fruit plants, the problem of weeds may arise in the field. To get rid of this issue, do weeding as necessary. Apart from this, the cultivation of other crops among dragon fruit plants is also beneficial. This reduces the problem of weeds.
• Disease and Pest Management: Dragon fruit plants are less prone to diseases and pests as compared to other plants. However, the problem of the outbreak of Anthracnose disease has been seen in its plants. In such a situation, if symptoms of this disease occur, use appropriate chemicals to mitigate it.
• Harvesting of Fruits: Dragon fruit plants start bearing fruits from the first year itself. Generally, plants start blooming in May and June and bear fruits from August to December. Plants start bearing fruits about 16 months after planting their cuttings. After about 18 months, the color of the fruits turns pink and the fruits ripen. The fruits can be harvested when they turn pink.

What kind of issues do you face in dragon fruit cultivation? Tell us your answers and experiences through comments. For agriculture-related information, you can also consult agri-experts by contacting DeHaat's toll-free number 1800-1036-110. Also, don't forget to like and comment on this post. For more such information, follow the 'Horticulture' channel now.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: In how many years does dragon fruit bear fruit?

A: Dragon fruit plants start bearing fruits only after one year of planting. It takes about 18 months for the fruits to become ripe.

Q: In which month is dragon fruit planted?

A: Dragon fruit is generally planted during the summer months in India, which are from March to June. Warm weather and long days are considered ideal for the plants' growth. However, the exact time of planting may vary depending on location and climate.

Q: What is the soil type preferred for dragon fruit cultivation?

A: Dragon fruit plants can be well cultivated on soils that are well-drained and rich in organic matter. Heavy soil is not suitable for its cultivation. Heavy soil may cause waterlogging, due to which issues of root rot may occur.