Dragon Fruit Cultivation

Since seven years ago, dragon fruit began to be developed on a large scale in several Asian countries, like Vietnam, Malaysia, Thailand, and Taiwan.

Besides easy to maintain, dragon fruit planting promising big profits. The reason is, this Mexican native plants can survive up to 20 years and bear fruit throughout the year. In the area of 1 acre (4046.9 m2) can be planted to produce the 2000 stems 5-6 fruit / stems. Dragon fruit produced weighed 250-700 grams (about 3 kg / plant) or 6 tons / acre.

In Malaysia, the red flesh dragon fruit is sold for 10 Ringgit Malaysia / kg or Rp23.000/kg (1 RM = Rp2.300). While dragon fruit fleshy white fruit valued 5 RM / kg or Rp11.500/kg. Thus, one acre plant dragon fruit red meat yield Rp46 million / harvest.

Cutting the Best

Dragon fruit plants including cactus family is grown in lowland tropics. He was able to survive in a dry climate, cold, nutrient-poor soil. In commercial plantations, dragon fruit can be grown organically, without pesticides and chemical fertilizers.

Generally, dragon fruit developed through stem cuttings and seed breeding. Plants are propagated by stem cuttings, the properties of the parent tree can be maintained. Another advantage, the first conception can be achieved within 9 months, much faster than from seed takes about 3 years.

To penyetekan, select a good parent plants and healthy. Plant stems and then cut along the 50 cm and stored in a dry place for one week before planting in pots. Place potted plants in a place protected from direct sunlight and give the roots enough water to grow well.

Furthermore, cultivated plants to sprout up and moved to the ground. To sustain growth, each of the four plants tied to a pole and each pole consists of 4 plants. For ease of maintenance, cleaning, and harvesting, antartiang are spaced at least 1 mx 1.5 m.

25-40 Harvest Days

This plant flowers grow just one night, so often called the queen of flowers the night or evening. Flower diameter of 30 cm was issued a scent that attract bees and ants for pollination.

The fruit begins to form during autumn flowers. At first green fruit, but after 25 days of fruit color gradually changed to red and can be harvested. The longer the age of harvest, the fruit sweet. But if left too long the fruit will be broken or attacked by caterpillars.

Generally, fruits are picked no more than 40 days since the fruit is formed because of skin color dragon fruit which attract birds to invite attention. Therefore, if the skin of the fruit began to red, the fruit should be wrapped in paper, plastic nets, or plastic.

In rainy season, usually decreases fruit production and harvest sooner because the water content is too much can cause rapid burst of fruit. Dragon fruit is then stored in a cool (temperature 10oC). The lower temperatures used, the longer the fruit can be stored. However, a too low temperature also cause damage.