Dragon fruit cultivation at a glance
This pink and white fruit with soft skin and sweet smell is very delicious to eat. This fruit is rich in vitamin C, mineral nutrients and is an excellent source of fiber. Many people avoid it because it is more expensive than other fruits. But did you know that you can start cultivating it on a small scale on the roof of your house or in a small space on the balcony. On the one hand, this will save you the cost of buying the fruit, and on the other hand, you can earn extra money by selling this fruit to people around your house. Let’s find out how to easily start cultivating this fruit at home –
Collecting cuttings
If you want to cultivate dragon fruit privately or commercially, then first you need to collect good quality dragon fruit cuttings from a nursery.
Dragon fruit cultivation Time
Dragon fruit can usually be cultivated throughout the year. Since it is a fairly hardy species of tree, you can plant seedlings in almost all seasons. However, cultivating dragon fruit on the roof gives good yields. If you plant seedlings, you will definitely get benefits.
Selection of fruit tub:
You can cultivate dragon fruit in your roof garden in an earthen tub or drum. However, it is best if you choose a 20-inch drum. Because, the seedlings will be able to spread their roots well in this size drum and the yield will be very good.
Selection Soil
For dragon cultivation, choose sandy-loamy soil rich in organic matter. Initially, you have to collect sandy-loamy soil and clean it well. Then, mix cow dung, 50 grams of potash fertilizer and 50 grams of TSP with the soil well. Soak the mixture of fertilizer and soil with sufficient water. Now, leave all the ingredients in your selected drum for 10-12 days. Then, thoroughly rake the soil in the drum with a rake and leave it for another 4-5 days. When the soil becomes slightly dry, plant the collected cuttings in the drum or pot.
Care
If the dragon tree is not properly cared for, the yield will not be good. Although it is not attacked by many diseases and pests, other environmental care must be taken regularly. After planting the seedlings, keep the drum in a sunny place. Since it is a cactus-like plant, it does not need to be watered much in cultivation. While watering the seedlings, make sure that water does not accumulate at the base. To easily drain the excess water inside the drum, make 4-5 holes at the bottom of the drum before filling the soil. Since the branches of the dragon tree are like vines, tie the tree to the pole or tire rack as soon as the tree grows slightly. This will prevent the tree from falling easily.
Plant medicine
Even after good care, dragon trees can sometimes be attacked by insects. If you ever notice that the roots, trunk, or base of the tree are rotting, aphids or mealybugs or insects have attacked it, the tree looks weak, or the color of the tree has turned pale, then you can apply any of Sumithion, Decis, or Malathion to the tree according to the instructions written on the medicine package.
Fruit collection
The fruit can be collected at the age of 12-18 months after planting the dragon fruit cuttings. If the fruit is ready to eat within 35-40 days of flowering, collect it on time. Otherwise, the fruit may spoil on the tree itself.
