Dragon fruit planting methods and precautions

Dragon fruit is a tropical and subtropical fruit that is not demanding on growing climate and environmental conditions. It has strong resistance to drought, heat, shade and barrenness. However, during the growth process, pitaya has a high demand for light and nutrients. Below is a brief introduction to the planting methods and precautions of pitaya.

1. Temperature and humidity

Dragon fruit adapts to warm and humid environment, and the most suitable temperature range for its growth is 25-35 degrees Celsius. When the temperature is below 10 degrees Celsius or above 38 degrees Celsius, dragon fruit will stop growing to protect itself. A humid environment is conducive to the development of the pitaya root system and the growth of the plant, so appropriate watering should be done during planting, but water accumulation should be prevented. If there is water accumulation, it should be drained in time.

2. Planting

There are two main methods of growing pitaya: cuttings and grafting. Cuttings are best taken in spring, while grafting can be done from March to October.

3. Fertilization

The harvest period of pitaya is long, so it needs heavy application of organic fertilizer every year, and nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizers should be applied evenly and long-term. During the flowering and fruiting period, potassium and magnesium fertilizers should be applied to promote sugar accumulation in the fruit and improve quality. Keep the soil moist and cover the tree pit with grass or mushroom residue. During drought, water every 3-4 days.

4. Picking

When the dragon fruit branches grow to 1.3-1.4 meters, pinch them to promote branching and allow the branches to droop naturally.

5. Intercropping and artificial pollination

When planting pitaya , you need to interplant about 10% of white-fleshed pitaya. Cross-pollination between varieties can significantly increase the fruit set rate. In rainy weather, artificial pollination is required. When pollinating, use a brush to apply pollen to the stigma of the female flower in the evening when the flowers open or in the early morning before the flowers close.

6. Pruning branches

After harvesting the fruit every year, cut off the branches that have borne fruit to allow them to sprout again to ensure the yield next year.

7. Pest and disease control

Dragon fruit has fewer diseases and pests, but is easily attacked by snails and ants during the seedling stage, which can be controlled with pesticides . It is easy to be infected by diseases in seasons of high temperature and high humidity, such as partial necrosis and mildew of branches. It can be controlled by using pesticides such as oxycarboxin and strong copper oxide, with good results.

The above is an introduction to the key points of pitaya cultivation techniques. Pitaya is a tropical fruit and is grown in areas such as Hainan in my country. It is not suitable for cultivation in some areas with lower temperatures.