Dragon fruit can grow in the ground in USDA zones 9 through 11, although they must be protected from frost in zone 9. Outdoor dragon fruit thrive in sunny spots or in filtered sun in intensely hot areas. Temperatures that exceed 100 will harm the plant and cause wilt.

How cold hardy is dragon fruit?

Dragon Fruit plants (Hylocereus undatus) are only hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 10a through 11. They prefer temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit and will begin to wilt over 100 F. Dragon fruit is a cactus and temperatures under 32 F will injure it over time.

Can dragon fruit live in cold weather?

Dragon fruit plants are not hardy in cold or hot weather, so make sure you can keep your plant between 32 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit—around 70 degrees is perfect. If your area is warm during the summer months but too cold during the winter months, bring your plant inside when the weather cools to keep it warm.

Can dragon fruit grow in the US?

Dragon fruit are native to Mexico, Central America, and South America (Crane & Balerdi, n.d.). Only three states grow dragon fruit commercially: California (primarily Southern California), Florida, and Hawaii (Lobo et al, 2013).

What type of climate does dragon fruit grow in?

Dragon fruit is a tropical plant through and through, and needs to remain in temperatures about 40 degrees F, with an ideal temperature between 60 and 80 degrees F. In USDA zones 9-11, dragon fruit can perhaps survive outdoors all year.

Is dragon fruit frost tolerant?

Dragon fruits come from Mexico and Central and Southern America. Not surprisingly they like warm conditions with mild winters and no frost. They can tolerate the occasional short burst of cold weather but ideally they should be kept above 10 degrees.

What month does dragon fruit bloom?

This unique jungle plant typically blooms from early summer through mid-autumn. Dragon fruit cactus is a night blooming plant and the flowers last only one evening.

What temperatures can dragon fruit tolerate?

Dragon fruit (Hylocereus undatus), also known as pitahaya, is native to Central and South America and needs year-round heat. It can tolerate a brief frost and will recover quickly from any freeze damage, but prolonged exposure to below-freezing temperatures will kill it. It can tolerate heat up to 104 F. (40 C.).

Can you grow dragon fruit in Zone 7?

Growing Outdoors Dragon fruit can grow in the ground in USDA zones 9 through 11, although they must be protected from frost in zone 9. Outdoor dragon fruit thrive in sunny spots or in filtered sun in intensely hot areas. Temperatures that exceed 100 will harm the plant and cause wilt.

What temperature should dragon fruit be stored at?

Dragon fruit stores best at temperatures between 45 – 50 degrees Fahrenheit (4 – 10 degrees Celsius).

Can you grow dragon fruit in a container?

Dragon fruit are well suited to growing in pots, provided they are least 500 mm wide. Choose a pot at least 500mm wide and deep. Position in full sun and protect from strong winds. Fill pot with free-draining cacti and succulent mix.

Can you grow dragon fruit in the Midwest?

If you want to grow dragon fruit cactus, I say go for it! It’s especially easy in warm environments, but if you have a greenhouse or sun porch, you can grow dragon fruit in colder environments. Rows of dragon fruit trees on a farm in California.

Is dragon fruit a cactus?

While you may not initially equate “cactus” with “edible,” the dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, is indeed borne on a cactus. When the fruit is cut open, the flesh is revealed to be snow-white and peppered with tiny, edible black seeds throughout — quite a contrast to the exterior.

When should I plant dragon fruit?

The growing season of this plant takes place during the hot months of the summer. It will not grow the rest of the year, but when it does grow, it grows rapidly. Blooms will occur from July to October, but they will only bloom for one night each year. After the flowering occurs, fruit will begin to form.

How long does it take a dragon fruit cutting to produce fruit?

Leave the treated stem segment to dry for 7-8 days in a dry, shaded area. After that time, dip the cutting into a root hormone and then plant directly in the garden or in a well-draining soil in a container. Cuttings will grow rapidly and may produce fruit 6-9 months from propagation.

Can you grow dragon fruit in Central Florida?

Dragon fruit plants should be grown in sun to light shade in well-drained soil. Mixing compost with planting soil can be beneficial. These cacti are damaged by temperatures below 32°F, so a somewhat protected area is best in Central Florida. Your plants can produce fruit within nine months.