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Growing dragonfruit (also known as pitaya) in Australia can be a rewarding endeavour in the trouble-free home garden. They are a fruit of a cascading-branched cactus plant and the large white flowers which bloom at night emit a delicious fragrance. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get the most out of your dragonfruit cultivation.
Choose from the commonly grown varieties include Hylocereus undatus (white flesh), Hylocereus costaricensis (red flesh), and Hylocereus megalanthus (yellow skin, white flesh). Most dragonfruit varieties flourish in hot, humid climates in tropical and subtropical climates, which makes many parts of Australia suitable. For cooler areas, they can be grown in large pots in a protected area away from frosts.
Dragonfruit plants require at least 6-8 hours of sunlight daily. Ensure there’s enough space for the plant to grow and is supported by a solid frame, such as a fence or trellis, as it is a climbing cactus that can spread out and cascade down.
Grow dragonfruit using cuttings at least 30-50 cm long. More advanced plants are available from gardening outlets.
Dragonfruit requires regular watering for better cropping, but avoid waterlogging. Water deeply and allow the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
