Agricultural technology for growing Dragon fruit seeds
Pitahaya (Hylocereus undatus) is an epiphytic cactus that belongs to the Cactaceae family. Pitahaya is a valuable fruit crop that produces fruits with a pleasant taste and aroma.
Pitahaya is native to tropical and subtropical regions, but it grows best in regions with warm, humid climates.
1. Variety selection
When choosing a pitahaya variety, you need to consider the following factors:
- Purpose of cultivation. For cultivation as a fruit crop, varieties with high yields and good quality fruits are selected.
- Winter hardiness. Some varieties of pitahaya can tolerate short-term frosts, while others require shelter for the winter.
2. Soil preparation
Pitahaya is a light-loving and moisture-loving plant, so to grow it you need to prepare a sunny and well-drained place.
The soil for planting pitahaya must be fertile and neutral or slightly acidic.
3. Landing
Pitahaya seedlings are planted in the spring, when the threat of frost has passed.
Seedlings are planted in planting holes with a depth and diameter of 60-70 cm. A layer of drainage made of broken brick or crushed stone is poured into the planting hole, then a layer of fertile soil. The seedlings are planted so that the root collar is at soil level. After planting, the seedlings are watered abundantly.
4. Plant care
Pitahaya is an unpretentious plant, but to get a good harvest the following measures must be taken:
- Watering. Pitahaya is a moisture-loving plant, so during the growing season it is necessary to water the plants regularly, especially in hot weather.
- Feeding. During the period of active plant growth, 2-3 fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is carried out. The first feeding is carried out in the phase of 3-4 true leaves, the second - in the flowering phase, the third - in the fruiting phase.
- Trimming. To form the crown of pitahaya, pruning is carried out. Pruning is carried out in the spring, before the buds open.
- Protection from pests and diseases. Pitahaya is susceptible to various diseases and pests. To protect plants from pests and diseases, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatments.
5. Harvest
Pitahaya begins to bear fruit 2-3 years after planting. Pitahaya fruits ripen in August-September. The ripening of pitahaya fruits is determined by their characteristic color and softness. Pitahaya fruits are harvested by hand, cutting them off with the stalk.
6. Diseases and pests
Pitahaya is susceptible to the following diseases:
Fusarium
Sclerotinia
Leaf spot
Pitahaya is susceptible to the following pests:
Aphid
Spider mite
Mealybug
Additional Tips
- To obtain an earlier harvest of pitahaya, you can grow it as seedlings. Pitahaya seedlings are grown at home or in greenhouses.
- To increase the yield of pitahaya, you can grow it next to other crops that repel pests.
Notes
- To grow pitahaya in open ground in regions with cold climates, it is necessary to choose frost-resistant varieties.
- To protect pitahaya from pests and diseases, it is necessary to use insecticides and fungicides.
- To obtain a good harvest of pitahaya, it is necessary to follow the watering and fertilizing regime.
Pitahaya is native to tropical and subtropical regions, but it grows best in regions with warm, humid climates.
1. Variety selection
When choosing a pitahaya variety, you need to consider the following factors:
- Purpose of cultivation. For cultivation as a fruit crop, varieties with high yields and good quality fruits are selected.
- Winter hardiness. Some varieties of pitahaya can tolerate short-term frosts, while others require shelter for the winter.
2. Soil preparation
Pitahaya is a light-loving and moisture-loving plant, so to grow it you need to prepare a sunny and well-drained place.
The soil for planting pitahaya must be fertile and neutral or slightly acidic.
3. Landing
Pitahaya seedlings are planted in the spring, when the threat of frost has passed.
Seedlings are planted in planting holes with a depth and diameter of 60-70 cm. A layer of drainage made of broken brick or crushed stone is poured into the planting hole, then a layer of fertile soil. The seedlings are planted so that the root collar is at soil level. After planting, the seedlings are watered abundantly.
4. Plant care
Pitahaya is an unpretentious plant, but to get a good harvest the following measures must be taken:
- Watering. Pitahaya is a moisture-loving plant, so during the growing season it is necessary to water the plants regularly, especially in hot weather.
- Feeding. During the period of active plant growth, 2-3 fertilizing with mineral fertilizers is carried out. The first feeding is carried out in the phase of 3-4 true leaves, the second - in the flowering phase, the third - in the fruiting phase.
- Trimming. To form the crown of pitahaya, pruning is carried out. Pruning is carried out in the spring, before the buds open.
- Protection from pests and diseases. Pitahaya is susceptible to various diseases and pests. To protect plants from pests and diseases, it is necessary to carry out preventive treatments.
5. Harvest
Pitahaya begins to bear fruit 2-3 years after planting. Pitahaya fruits ripen in August-September. The ripening of pitahaya fruits is determined by their characteristic color and softness. Pitahaya fruits are harvested by hand, cutting them off with the stalk.
6. Diseases and pests
Pitahaya is susceptible to the following diseases:
Fusarium
Sclerotinia
Leaf spot
Pitahaya is susceptible to the following pests:
Aphid
Spider mite
Mealybug
Additional Tips
- To obtain an earlier harvest of pitahaya, you can grow it as seedlings. Pitahaya seedlings are grown at home or in greenhouses.
- To increase the yield of pitahaya, you can grow it next to other crops that repel pests.
Notes
- To grow pitahaya in open ground in regions with cold climates, it is necessary to choose frost-resistant varieties.
- To protect pitahaya from pests and diseases, it is necessary to use insecticides and fungicides.
- To obtain a good harvest of pitahaya, it is necessary to follow the watering and fertilizing regime.