Hylocereus undatus DRAGON FRUIT (20 seeds)

Dragon Fruit, also known as Pitaya, belongs to the Cactaceae family. Native to Central America, this scaly fruit-bearing cactus grows primarily in South America and is widely cultivated in Mexico and Southeast Asia. It can reach up to 3 meters in height and exhibits rapid growth.

Dragon fruit seeds from Hylocereus undatus (syn. Selenicereus undatus) are black, shiny, and shaped like small teardrops. They measure 2 millimeters in length and weigh only a few centigrams.

Its flowers are enormous and magnificent—white with a yellow center—and open only at night. Moths are generally the primary pollinators for these flowers.

The fruit, the pitaya, has red or white flesh and weighs approximately 350 grams, measuring about ten centimeters. It is edible and features a thick, red, scaly skin. It generally takes between 5 and 6 years to achieve the first harvest. The fruit has the texture and flavor of a kiwiberry but is much less acidic.

- Properties / Uses:

This cactus has the appearance of a creeping vine and is primarily cultivated for its unusual and delicious fruits. Historically, these fruits were reserved for royal families and the local bourgeoisie. It offers numerous health benefits, being rich in nutrients with antioxidant properties.

In traditional medicine, it is credited with many medicinal virtues.

- Germination and Sowing:

• It is recommended to sow pitaya starting in June, when temperatures easily exceed 30°C.
• Use a tray 5 cm deep with a substrate of fine sand and finely sifted potting soil.
• Sow the seeds on the surface, spacing them 3 cm apart.
• Do not cover them.
• Lightly spray the culture just to moisten the surface of the substrate. (Be cautious of "damping off" caused by excess water).
• Place the tray in a warm, humid location until germination, which usually begins after 3 to 4 weeks.

- Soil Type:

Pitahaya grows in well-draining soil rich in organic matter. It is crucial to drain the bottom of the pot, as the plant does not tolerate stagnant water near its roots.

- Recommended Environment:

It requires a lot of bright light to develop properly. It is necessary to find a very sunny location where it can benefit from at least 9 hours of sunlight per day.

- Hardiness:

This climbing cactus is not hardy; it requires constant heat day and night to grow, flower, and fruit properly. In temperate climates, it must be brought indoors by October. In mild climates, a winter horticultural fleece may suffice.

- Humidity and Watering:

Even though it is a cactus, this plant likes water, provided it is never stagnant. In a pot, watering every 2 days in summer is essential. In winter, one watering per month is usually sufficient.

- Fungal Attacks and Pests:

Hylocereus undatus has few pests; spider mites may occasionally appear, but this is rare. However, be careful with ambient humidity during winter, as it can cause necrosis in certain areas. Do not overwinter the plant in a greenhouse.