The yellow dragon fruit tree, which is also called the yellow pitaya, is most commonly found in Colombia, Ecuador, and other northern parts of South America. There, it is exported to countries in all parts of the world. They are also grown in California and Florida in the United States.
The yellow dragon fruit tree is truly beautiful to look at. It grows on a climbing cactus, Hylocereus megalanthus, that can reach heights of up to 15 feet tall. While most of the tree is a dullish green, the fruit’s skin is a vibrant yellow color that is thick with spikes surrounding it.
The inside of the fruit is smooth and white with black seeds. The flowers are white and yellow and have thin and long petals. Nutrients in the yellow dragon fruit include Vitamin A, Vitamin C, iron, potassium, and dietary fiber. The flowers begin to bloom from the middle of summer until fall.
Yellow dragon fruit trees grow best in USDA hardiness zones 9 through 11, and it loves hot and moist weather. In cooler climates, it can be kept indoors during the colder months.
Plants arrived with broken limbs and scale parasites. Only giving a 2 because the customer service agreed to send out replacements, which I have yet to receive.
Yellow dragon fruit trees should get at least 6 hours of light, and they need to be kept in full sun. Initially, you can plant it in a large container with rocks or holes at the bottom for drainage. After a few years of growth, it can be planted in the ground with at least 10 feet of space around it.
To prune the yellow dragon fruit tree, reduce it to a single stem or a few thicker stems or the main vines for the fruit to grow. Additionally, prune the smaller side branches where flowers and fruits will grow. This will help to improve air circulation throughout the plant and its leaves, as well as also increase fruit quality and size.
The yellow dragon fruit tree needs to be pollinated by hand since it is not self-fertile. Because of this, plant another variety of a dragon fruit tree nearby, and use a cotton swab to dab the pollen on the plant’s stigma. Since yellow dragon fruit trees are night bloomers, you should pollinate the plants between dusk and dawn.
Yellow Dragon Fruit Tree Fruit and Harvesting
Yellow dragon fruit trees are known for their sweet taste and vibrant color. You can eat them in an infinite number of ways, either cooked or raw. They can be harvested year-round, but peak in the early summer and fall months.
Once they are ripe, they will be about the firmness of a pear. The fruit’s flesh will be soft, juicy, and sweet with no hint of acidity. The skin will also be thick but easy to cut through. If the inside of the yellow dragon fruit is mushy, it may be spoiled and should be thrown out.
You should gently pull off the fruit of the plant by twisting it at an angle. Doing so will help to avoid damaging the fruit or the tree.
Once the yellow dragon fruit has been harvested, you can store it for about a week in the open. You can use them in fruit salads, smoothies, sorbets, pastries and other baked goods, and much more. Before using it, it is best to keep it in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours beforehand.
Yellow Dragon Fruit Tree Advice
Yellow dragon fruit trees must be planted in nutrient-rich potting soil over cactus soil. This is because cactus soil does not provide enough nutrients for the plant to grow. This soil should be slightly acidic or neutral. It should be fertilized once a month during the summer with a low-nitrogen fertilizer.
Too much water will make the soil too moist, and it will quickly cause root rot and kill the plant. Because of this, the plant should only be watered when the top of the soil is dry to the touch. Drip irrigation can also be used to stop the possibility of overwatering the plant or causing it to wilt by thoroughly watering all parts of the plant.
You should plant the yellow dragon fruit tree in hotter climates with about 30% to 50% moisture in the air regularly.
Yellow dragon fruit trees are prone to pests that like to eat the fruit, and they can carry diseases that will eventually kill the plant. Scales, mealybugs, and aphids are all common pests that can cause harm to the tree. Use a natural pesticide to get rid of them, and regularly inspect the tree for signs of infestation.
FAQs
Are yellow dragon fruit trees rare?
In most regions, yellow dragon fruit trees are hard to find. This is because they can only survive in a specific climate, and it is not native to the United States. Sometimes, you can find the fruit in grocery stores, but they can easily be bought online as well. Overall, the yellow dragon fruit tree is the hardest to come across compared to the other varieties.
What is the lifespan of the yellow dragon fruit tree?
The yellow dragon fruit tree can live for over 20 years, producing fruit throughout. Of course, this depends on the climate as well as how well taken care of the tree is.
How long does the yellow dragon fruit tree take to produce fruit?
It can take between 6 to 8 weeks for the plant to begin flowering, but about 2 years for it to bear fruit if it is grown from a sapling. If they are grown from seeds, the yellow dragon fruit tree can take about 6 years to grow.
How can the yellow dragon fruit be stored?
Once it has been picked, you can store the yellow dragon fruit for up to 1 week at room temperature and 2 weeks in the refrigerator. If it is kept in the freezer, it can keep almost indefinitely.
Anonymous (verified owner) –
I got a big healthy dragon fruit plant! Very satisfied also with their customer service! They answered all of my questions promptly!
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Kirsten Buckley (verified owner) –
Plants arrived with broken limbs and scale parasites. Only giving a 2 because the customer service agreed to send out replacements, which I have yet to receive.
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Michelle S. (verified owner) –
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