Yes, you can grow dragon fruit
2024-12-09T13:20:03+11:00
Learn how to grow your own delicious dragon fruit, even in cooler climates, as well as how to maximise flavour.
If you’ve had dragon fruit that was ‘bland’ or ‘tasteless’, I’ll wager they were commercially grown and picked too early – before they’ve fully sweetened. Grow one in the garden – for a fresh, homegrown dragon fruit picked at the right time is a delight to the senses. You’ll also get to enjoy the flowers, which truly are a sight to witness – large, extravagant and fragrant, blooming only in the evening for a short time.
Climate and location
The ideal climate for a dragon fruit is the tropics or subtropics, where plants can flower and fruit many times throughout a season. However, temperate climate gardeners like me can still grow dragon fruit and I’ve seen many a plant live happily in Melbourne. The key is to create a warm microclimate to protect it through cooler temperatures in winter, such as draping some cloth over the plant or situating it against a warm, north-facing brick wall. While plants will survive light frosts, they don’t like them.
Locate your dragon fruit plant in a sunny position as stems with direct sunlight are more likely to fruit. That said, ensure it is protected from any harsh afternoon sun as temperatures in their high 30s can burn the plant and fruit.
Starting out
The most efficient way to get started with growing dragon fruit is by a cutting – either from a nursery or someone with an existing plant. Allow the end of the cutting to dry and scab over before planting. You’ll need hardy gloves or a wad of newspaper to navigate its spines.
Starting with a cutting will see you getting fruit within 1-2 years, whereas starting by seed may take 4-7 years to get fruit.
Growing needs
Being a cactus, dragon fruit plants demand good drainage so mound your soil and incorporate coarse sand or gravel to improve drainage where necessary.
Water infrequently but deeply, to mimic natural desert conditions of long dry periods between rain. In cooler climates, dragon fruit plants will go dormant in winter. Hold back from watering during this time.
To support healthy growth, give them a little organic fertiliser in spring, summer and autumn. For pots, add a sprinkle of organic fertiliser once a month from spring to autumn.
You’ll find Connie Cao’s full story on growing dragon fruit in our Summer 2025 issue (OG 154). Get a copy here.
