Dragonfruit Seeds - Pitaya - Selenicereus undatus

10, 11

USDA Zones 10-11 - Dragonfruit grows as a tender perennial vining cactus in these frost-free zones. This is the only climate in the continental U.S. where it can be reliably grown outdoors year-round.

Best Performance in Zones 10-11 where it can be planted in the ground and provided with a permanent, sturdy trellis. In these zones, it will mature over several years to produce its signature flowers and fruit during the hot summer months.

Northern Zones (9 and below) - Must be grown in a large container that can be moved indoors or into a greenhouse before the first frost. It will not survive a freeze. Treat it as a houseplant during the winter, providing as much light as possible, and move it back outdoors in the spring. Fruiting is more challenging in containers but can be achieved.

Marginal Zones (Zone 9) - Can be attempted outdoors with significant winter protection. Plant against a south-facing wall and be prepared to cover it thoroughly with frost cloths during any cold snaps. Damage from frost is highly likely.

Soil Temperature - Germination is best in consistently warm soil, with optimal temperatures between 70-85 degrees F.

Growing Season - Growing dragonfruit from seed to a fruit-bearing plant is a long-term commitment, often taking 5-7 years. The plant needs several years to grow to a mature size before it will begin to flower and produce fruit.

Learn more about USDA Hardiness Zones here

When to Plant:
Start seeds indoors at any time of year. Since they need consistent warmth to germinate and grow, starting them indoors gives you the most control.

Where to Plant:
For outdoor planting in zones 10-11, choose a location with full sun (at least 6-8 hours a day) and, most importantly, a very strong support structure. A sturdy trellis, arbor, or fence made of wood or metal is essential for the heavy, climbing vines. For all other zones, use a large pot (15-20 gallon minimum) with a trellis built into it. The single most critical soil requirement is excellent drainage. Use a cactus or succulent potting mix, or amend regular potting soil with plenty of sand and perlite.

How to Plant:

Preparation: Fill a pot or seed tray with a well-draining cactus mix. Moisten the soil so it is damp but not waterlogged.

Sowing: Dragonfruit seeds are tiny. Sprinkle them on the surface of the soil. Gently press them down to ensure good contact with the soil, but do not cover them, as they need light to germinate.

Germination: Cover the pot with plastic wrap or a clear dome to maintain high humidity. Place it in a very warm spot (70-85 degrees F) with bright, indirect light. A heat mat can significantly improve germination rates.

Sprouting: Keep the soil consistently moist using a spray bottle. Seedlings should emerge in 14-30 days. Once they sprout, remove the plastic cover to ensure good air circulation.

Transplanting: When the seedlings are a few inches tall and sturdy enough to handle, they can be carefully transplanted into their own individual pots or to their final growing location if you are in a suitable climate.

Care & Maintenance:

Watering: Although it's a cactus, dragonfruit needs regular watering for good growth and fruit production, especially during hot, dry weather. Water deeply when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry, but never let it sit in waterlogged soil. Reduce watering during the winter.

Support/Training: As the plant grows, you must train the vining stems up your support structure. Use plant ties to gently secure them to the trellis.

Fertilizing: Feed with a balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizer or a specific cactus fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) according to package directions.

Pollination: Many varieties require cross-pollination from a different dragonfruit plant to set fruit. Even self-fertile varieties will produce more and larger fruit if hand-pollinated. Use a small brush to transfer pollen between the large, night-blooming flowers.