If you are growing from seed it can take approx. 3-5 years and from cutting it will take 1-2 years, to get fruit from your Dragon fruit plant.
Dreaming about your own garden-grown Dragon fruit or setting up a small Dragon fruit business? It is very important to understand the growth timeline of Dragon fruit. Let’s learn how long Dragon Fruit takes to grow!
You basically have two options for Dragon fruit cultivation. One is to grow your Dragon fruit plant from a seed or grow it from Dragon fruit cuttings available online or in plant markets.
While dragon fruit can be grown from seed, it’s a much slower process compared to propagation from cuttings. Seeds typically require several years to mature. They take at least 4-6 years before they start producing fruit.
Most commercial dragon fruit growers opt for growing dragon fruit from cuttings! This method can help you get fruit more quickly. A cutting, taken from a mature plant, can begin to produce fruit within one to three years!
Explained Timeline of Growth of Dragon Fruit!
From Seed
Year 1:
Germination: Seeds are planted and begin to sprout.
Growth: Young seedlings develop stems and a minor root system.
Year 2-3:
Continued vegetative growth: The plant continues to mature and increase in size. In proper growing conditions it can grow an inch per day.You need to provide it support using Dragon fruit trellis for upright growth of stems.
First flowers: The plant may produce its first flowers, but they are often infertile or produce small, deformed fruits.
Year 3-5:
Fruit production: The plant begins to produce larger, edible fruits.
Maturity: The plant reaches full maturity and can produce fruit for several years.
From Cutting
Year 1:
Rooting: The healthy 7-12 inches long cutting is planted. It develops roots.
Growth: The plant begins to grow leaves and stems.
Year 1-2:
First flowers: The plant may produce its first floral buds, which turn into fruits in the period of 35-70 days.
Year 2-3:
Fruit production: The plant begins to produce larger, edible fruits.
Maturity: The plant reaches full maturity and can produce fruit for several years.
| Year | From Seed | From Cutting |
| 1 | Germination, seedling growth | Rooting, initial growth |
| 2-3 | Continued growth, first flowers | First flowers, potential fruit |
| 3-5 | Maturity | More fruit production, maturity |
| 5-6 | Fruit production, maturity |
Factors Influencing Fruiting Time
Several factors can influence the time it takes for a dragon fruit plant to bear fruit:
- Climate: Dragon fruit thrives in warm, tropical climates. They need proper sunlight. Regions with suitable climates can expect faster growth and fruiting compared to colder areas.
- Soil: Well-draining, nutrient-rich soil is essential for optimal growth. Poor soil quality can hinder development and delay fruiting. Explore complete guiding details about “Soil for Dragon fruit” here!
- Watering: Proper watering is crucial. Dragon fruit plants require regular moisture, but overwatering can lead to root rot.
- Fertilization: Regular fertilization with a balanced fertilizer can promote healthy growth and increase fruit production.
- Variety: Different dragon fruit varieties have varying growth rates and fruiting times. Some varieties may bear fruit sooner than others.
Different varieties of dragon fruit may have slightly different growth timelines:
Best Dragon Fruit Varieties for Home Gardeners
1. Physical Red (Hylocereus costaricensis)
Often called the Costa Rican Pitaya, is a favorite among home growers! Plants are relatively hardy and can produce fruit within 1-2 years of planting. The flesh has a Brix (sugar content) of 13-15, making it deliciously sweet. This variety is self-pollinating, which means you only need one plant to get fruit.
2. Vietnamese White (Hylocereus undatus)
This is the most common variety worldwide and an excellent choice for beginners. The fruit has white flesh with black seeds and a mild, refreshing flavor (Brix 10-12). The outer skin is pink-red, and fruits can be quite large, often weighing 400-600 grams.
Plants are vigorous growers and adapt well to various climates. Though self-fertile, cross-pollination can increase fruit size and yield.
3. Yellow Dragon Fruit (Selenicereus megalanthus)
Yellow skin and white flesh! It has exceptionally sweet taste (Brix 15-18). The fruits are smaller (150-250 grams) but packed with flavor. Plants are a bit slower growing and more cold-sensitive than red varieties.
4. American Beauty Dragon Fruit
A popular variety among home growers for its reliable production and disease resistance. The fruit has red skin and deep red flesh with a balanced sweet-tart flavor (Brix 12-14). Medium-sized fruits typically weigh 300-500 grams. Plants are fast-growers. Moreover, they can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures than other varieties, making them suitable for a wider growing range.
5. Dark Star (Hylocereus undatus x costaricensis hybrid)
A newer hybrid variety that produces large fruits (400-600 grams) with dark red flesh and high sugar content (Brix 14-16). The plants are staedy and disease-resistant. They are very easy to grow at home.
This variety is self-fertile but produces better when cross-pollinated. The flesh is firm with a rich, complex flavor that many consider superior to other varieties.
6. Alice (Hylocereus guatemalensis x undatus)
Alice Dragon fruit produces medium-sized fruits (300-400 grams) with red skin and white flesh. The flavor is mild and sweet (Brix 11-13), making it popular with children and those who prefer less intense flavors. Plants are relatively compact, making them suitable for smaller spaces or container growing.
Choosing the Right Variety for You
- For Beginners: Vietnamese White or American Beauty
- For Small Spaces: Alice or Yellow
- For Best Flavor: Dark Star or Physical Red
- For Cooler Climates: American Beauty
- For Fastest Production: Physical Red or Alice Dragon fruit
When selecting a dragon fruit variety consider your specific growing conditions, experience level, and taste preferences. Growing dragon fruit is rewarding but takes time!
FAQs
How fast dragon fruit grow?
Dragon fruit plant is a fast growing cacti. But from seed it will take 4-6 years to give you edible tasty fruit yield.
How to make my dragon fruit plant grow faster?
Take good care of your plant according to the cimate, use slow-released fertlizers as needed. Water thoroughly, provide adequate sunlight.
What is life span of dragon fruit plant?
Lifespan of a healthy dragon fruit plant is average 20 years.
Why is my dragon fruit not growing. There could be several possible reason, which cen be easily taken care of. Here is a complete guide for you: “10 possible reasons Why my Dragon fruit plant is not growing?
