aaron
forbes
21st June 2007 4:07pm
#UserID: 1
ScottG
Nerang
21st June 2007 4:23pm
#UserID: 44
Anonymous
Toowoomba
21st June 2007 10:23pm
#UserID: 71
AARON says...
THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY GUYS, I HAVE TAKEN SOME PICTURES OF THE DRAGONFRUIT, AND ALSO ADDED ONE OF A CRYSTLE APPLE THAT IS YELLOWING??.
OUT OF INTEREST, THE DRAGONFRUIT IN QUESTION IS A YELLOW FRUITED ONE, I HAVE A RED ONE THAT IS NICE AND HEALTHY AND BEEN TREATED IN EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, ARE THESE MORE HARDY?
THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY GUYS, I HAVE TAKEN SOME PICTURES OF THE DRAGONFRUIT, AND ALSO ADDED ONE OF A CRYSTLE APPLE THAT IS YELLOWING??.
OUT OF INTEREST, THE DRAGONFRUIT IN QUESTION IS A YELLOW FRUITED ONE, I HAVE A RED ONE THAT IS NICE AND HEALTHY AND BEEN TREATED IN EXACTLY THE SAME WAY, ARE THESE MORE HARDY?
| Pictures - Click to enlarge | ||
 Picture: 1 |  Picture: 2 | |
AARON
FORBES
27th June 2007 9:36am
#UserID: 1
Kath says...
This is frost damage, you need to protect these young plants from the cold. Your pitaya will most likely rot out on the stem where it is damaged as long as it has some woody veins left it will survive, but cover these frost sensitive plants on frosty nights. A cardboard box with a weight on the top to stop it blowing off will do the trick, make sure you uncover them in the morning.
This is frost damage, you need to protect these young plants from the cold. Your pitaya will most likely rot out on the stem where it is damaged as long as it has some woody veins left it will survive, but cover these frost sensitive plants on frosty nights. A cardboard box with a weight on the top to stop it blowing off will do the trick, make sure you uncover them in the morning.
Kath
Cawongla
27th June 2007 12:18pm
#UserID: 2
View All Kath's Edible Fruit Trees
Scott G says...
Here on the Gold Coast we got a very localised frost (the first in the 7 years i have been here.
Many of my plants were damaged from it.
Before the frost the dragon fruit had some damage from the sun and looked like a milder version of what is in the above photo. Some large flat areas facing up are blistered but the edges were ok. It has those black dots.
The frost damage is different. It froze from the thin edges inwards. Much of the larger mature stems had edge damage but the centre is OK. All new shoots and growing tips were destroyed. The damage in this early stage appears similar to the mush that lettuce that has been frozen and thawed looks like. The tips are dark and wilting.
It has only been 2 weeks since the frost so I will see how the damage and then recovery in spring goes.
I also have a yellow Dragon fruit that grows right next to the one above. The yellow one may be slightly more sheltered and had no new shoots or growing tips. It appears undamaged from the summer sun and the frost.
Here on the Gold Coast we got a very localised frost (the first in the 7 years i have been here.
Many of my plants were damaged from it.
Before the frost the dragon fruit had some damage from the sun and looked like a milder version of what is in the above photo. Some large flat areas facing up are blistered but the edges were ok. It has those black dots.
The frost damage is different. It froze from the thin edges inwards. Much of the larger mature stems had edge damage but the centre is OK. All new shoots and growing tips were destroyed. The damage in this early stage appears similar to the mush that lettuce that has been frozen and thawed looks like. The tips are dark and wilting.
It has only been 2 weeks since the frost so I will see how the damage and then recovery in spring goes.
I also have a yellow Dragon fruit that grows right next to the one above. The yellow one may be slightly more sheltered and had no new shoots or growing tips. It appears undamaged from the summer sun and the frost.
Scott G
Gold Coast
27th July 2007 12:28pm
#UserID: 44
Ed says...
Hi All,
A number of my trees have been affected by the rare frost on the Gold Coast. Worst affected were the mango trees. The trees are between 2 and 4 years old. The leaves have turned golden brown and the growing tips have died. Also, my Bangalow and Golden Cane palms have turned brown (also approx 3 years old).
Has anybody known for either mango or palm trees to recover from such a condition?
Thanks, Ed
Hi All,
A number of my trees have been affected by the rare frost on the Gold Coast. Worst affected were the mango trees. The trees are between 2 and 4 years old. The leaves have turned golden brown and the growing tips have died. Also, my Bangalow and Golden Cane palms have turned brown (also approx 3 years old).
Has anybody known for either mango or palm trees to recover from such a condition?
Thanks, Ed
Ed
Gold Coast Hinterland
2nd August 2007 3:30pm
#UserID: 199
Greg says...
If the Mango is still alive you will see shoots coming from the older wood in about 4 weeks. We still can get big frosts for the the next month so do not prune the older burnt foliage until after then. Even though unsightly the dead foliage protects any live tissue lower down the trunk. The frosts 2 weeks ago were the coldest for at least 30 years over much of SE Qld and Nortern NSW. Hopefully we wont' experience them again for a long while.
If the Mango is still alive you will see shoots coming from the older wood in about 4 weeks. We still can get big frosts for the the next month so do not prune the older burnt foliage until after then. Even though unsightly the dead foliage protects any live tissue lower down the trunk. The frosts 2 weeks ago were the coldest for at least 30 years over much of SE Qld and Nortern NSW. Hopefully we wont' experience them again for a long while.
Greg
Kyogle
2nd August 2007 7:39pm
#UserID: 28
View All Greg's Edible Fruit Trees
Anonymous says...
I have both red and a yellow dragonfruits that have had their young shoots destroyed by frost here in Toowoomba. But the older leaves are still ok. I can even see some tiny new shoots forming already. The mangoes here in Toowoomba get a bit of frost each year but they still bear fruit well.
I have both red and a yellow dragonfruits that have had their young shoots destroyed by frost here in Toowoomba. But the older leaves are still ok. I can even see some tiny new shoots forming already. The mangoes here in Toowoomba get a bit of frost each year but they still bear fruit well.
Anonymous
4th August 2007 5:57pm
#UserID: 0
Scott G says...
For reference here is a photo of one of my dragon fruit plants 5 weeks after the freak frost.
The brown sections are mushy. In some areas the whole stem is dead.
I will prune the living sections from these dead stems and propagate them.
My other plant is dead (brown mush right to the ground).
For reference here is a photo of one of my dragon fruit plants 5 weeks after the freak frost.
The brown sections are mushy. In some areas the whole stem is dead.
I will prune the living sections from these dead stems and propagate them.
My other plant is dead (brown mush right to the ground).
| Pictures - Click to enlarge | ||
 Picture: 1 | ||
Scott G
Gold Coast
27th August 2007 3:00pm
#UserID: 44
Paul Molinari
Naples, Florida
14th September 2007 2:10pm
#UserID: 302
Anonymous
14th September 2007 4:05pm
#UserID: 0
Scott G says...
Here is the same Dragon Fruit 2 weeks after I blasted it with the hose jet (about 8 weeks after the frost). This removed all the brown mush, which was starting to stink as it rotted. The wounds from the frost damage have sealed up and there is no sign of disease.
This Plant is about 2 years old. It has only produced 2 flowers & fruits so far. My other slightly younger plant that was half the size of the one pictured had produced 5 flowers & fruits (all in the one season). Apart from a couple of cuttings I took it died in the frost. It was in a different location and I bought it from a different place (Bunnings) so it may have been slightly different genetically. Both plants were loosely tied to a star-picket and wept back down. Their tallest branch was a bit more than a metre high.
I can’t remember if all the fruit was on the weeping branches but it is quite probable.
Here is the same Dragon Fruit 2 weeks after I blasted it with the hose jet (about 8 weeks after the frost). This removed all the brown mush, which was starting to stink as it rotted. The wounds from the frost damage have sealed up and there is no sign of disease.
This Plant is about 2 years old. It has only produced 2 flowers & fruits so far. My other slightly younger plant that was half the size of the one pictured had produced 5 flowers & fruits (all in the one season). Apart from a couple of cuttings I took it died in the frost. It was in a different location and I bought it from a different place (Bunnings) so it may have been slightly different genetically. Both plants were loosely tied to a star-picket and wept back down. Their tallest branch was a bit more than a metre high.
I can’t remember if all the fruit was on the weeping branches but it is quite probable.
| Pictures - Click to enlarge | ||
 Picture: 1 | ||
Scott G
Gold Coast
17th September 2007 9:45am
#UserID: 44
Scott G says...
The frost burnt off the Dragon Fruits leafy flesh in many places exposing some of the plants skeleton. This skeleton is tough, woody and very fibrous.
In the first picture the skeleton is still alive and is covered in a thin layer of green flesh that is exposed when scratched with a fingernail.
In the second picture the internal branching can bee seen.In the third combination picture the top shows typical roots coming from the stem.
While the lower shows roots growing from the skeleton of a badly damaged section.
After I pruned off healthy sections where the lower stem had died off completely I realised that these sections were more limp than sections connected by living stems. This tell-tale sign could serve as an indicator in future to determine what to cut off and what to leave.
The frost burnt off the Dragon Fruits leafy flesh in many places exposing some of the plants skeleton. This skeleton is tough, woody and very fibrous.
In the first picture the skeleton is still alive and is covered in a thin layer of green flesh that is exposed when scratched with a fingernail.
In the second picture the internal branching can bee seen.In the third combination picture the top shows typical roots coming from the stem.
While the lower shows roots growing from the skeleton of a badly damaged section.
After I pruned off healthy sections where the lower stem had died off completely I realised that these sections were more limp than sections connected by living stems. This tell-tale sign could serve as an indicator in future to determine what to cut off and what to leave.
| Pictures - Click to enlarge | ||
 Picture: 1 |  Picture: 2 |  Picture: 3 |
Scott G
Gold Coast
17th September 2007 10:36am
#UserID: 44
Mohamad Darus Mansor
A25 Lrg 2, Tmn Sejati Indah, KEDAH
3rd November 2007 6:43am
#UserID: 396
Bronwyn says...
If frost is at all possible, I would suggest usng timber rather than star pickets to support dragon fruit. I've used 2 fence posts wired together at the rail cutouts, with a cross on top to support future dangling, following online pictures of dragon fruit orchards in Vietnam (I do not have a palm tree it can grow up). But the aerial roots need timber to cling to. Metal is too cold, and not as good for clinging to.
If frost is at all possible, I would suggest usng timber rather than star pickets to support dragon fruit. I've used 2 fence posts wired together at the rail cutouts, with a cross on top to support future dangling, following online pictures of dragon fruit orchards in Vietnam (I do not have a palm tree it can grow up). But the aerial roots need timber to cling to. Metal is too cold, and not as good for clinging to.
Bronwyn
Denhams Beach-South Coast NSW
6th November 2007 1:54pm
#UserID: 122
Jessie Yik says...
My Dragon Fruit Vine is over 6 foot tall and does not have any stems off it. It is just one long stem.
Is this because I am not using enough fertilizer?
My Dragon Fruit Vine is over 6 foot tall and does not have any stems off it. It is just one long stem.
Is this because I am not using enough fertilizer?
Jessie Yik
Kuala Lumpur, MSIA
7th November 2007 7:05pm
#UserID: 409
Scott G says...
From my limited experience with Dragon Fruits I think if they are given the opportunity to climb they will and this will be at the expense of side branches. So if a Dragon Fruit is planted against a palm tree it may just get to the top before it decides to branch out.
I don think a supporting structure should be more than 1.5m tall if you want to reach all your fruits without a ladder. My experience with metal star pickets agrees with Bronwyn’s suggestion – my plants wouldn’t cling to the star pickets (neither galvanised nor rusty ones). I had fence posts for them to grow up in the beginning but the roots didn’t stick to them well enough to support their weight. They needed to be tied to them. After about 2 years I pulled out all the supports.
Now I grow them without any supporting structure. They grow less than 1.5m tall. They have lots of side shoots coming from the main stems that weep over as they get long and eventually touch the ground. The plants gradually get taller as they grow on top of themselves. I am not sure if this is the perfect way to get the most fruit from them but it works for me and requires little maintenance.
One problem I find with my method is weeding. I keep a thick layer of mulch to suppress the weeds but occasionally when I get a weed it can be a little tricky to reach. I wonder if this it the main reason commercial growers keep their weeping branches so far from the ground.
My plants have a little trouble with sunburn so I have started an experiment by planting bushes amongst them. They are shading but open bushes that let a lot of light through (in my case Banksias). They still have a bit of growing to do before they are of much help. It is now spring and the Dragon Fruits are getting a little bit of sunburn again.
We have had a lot of rain over the last month and my Dragon Fruits are growing like mad. Pictured is the one that was badly burnt by frost a few months ago (pictured damaged above in a previous post). It has made a full recovery.
From my limited experience with Dragon Fruits I think if they are given the opportunity to climb they will and this will be at the expense of side branches. So if a Dragon Fruit is planted against a palm tree it may just get to the top before it decides to branch out.
I don think a supporting structure should be more than 1.5m tall if you want to reach all your fruits without a ladder. My experience with metal star pickets agrees with Bronwyn’s suggestion – my plants wouldn’t cling to the star pickets (neither galvanised nor rusty ones). I had fence posts for them to grow up in the beginning but the roots didn’t stick to them well enough to support their weight. They needed to be tied to them. After about 2 years I pulled out all the supports.
Now I grow them without any supporting structure. They grow less than 1.5m tall. They have lots of side shoots coming from the main stems that weep over as they get long and eventually touch the ground. The plants gradually get taller as they grow on top of themselves. I am not sure if this is the perfect way to get the most fruit from them but it works for me and requires little maintenance.
One problem I find with my method is weeding. I keep a thick layer of mulch to suppress the weeds but occasionally when I get a weed it can be a little tricky to reach. I wonder if this it the main reason commercial growers keep their weeping branches so far from the ground.
My plants have a little trouble with sunburn so I have started an experiment by planting bushes amongst them. They are shading but open bushes that let a lot of light through (in my case Banksias). They still have a bit of growing to do before they are of much help. It is now spring and the Dragon Fruits are getting a little bit of sunburn again.
We have had a lot of rain over the last month and my Dragon Fruits are growing like mad. Pictured is the one that was badly burnt by frost a few months ago (pictured damaged above in a previous post). It has made a full recovery.
| Pictures - Click to enlarge | ||
 Picture: 1 | ||
Scott G
Gold Coast
13th November 2007 8:50am
#UserID: 44
Beth Ward says...
I have purchased a single dragon fruit plant. Do I need more in order to have fruit
I have purchased a single dragon fruit plant. Do I need more in order to have fruit
Beth Ward
20th December 2007 9:27am
#UserID: 514
Correy says...
The Dragon Fruit Pitaya is self pollinating so you will not need another variety of dragon fruit in order to get fruit.
The Dragon Fruit Pitaya is self pollinating so you will not need another variety of dragon fruit in order to get fruit.
Correy
Woolloongabba, QLD
20th December 2007 9:30am
#UserID: 3
View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees
Bazza says...
To Dragon Fruit Growers,
I have healthy Drg Frt vines producing abundant flowers but still no fruit. i was able to make them flower by a SEASOL foliage spray. Afrter adding Pot Ash to soil/root area still no fruit. My next "Trick" is to add MANGANESE. Has anyone tried this for fruiting?.
All The Best Bazza
To Dragon Fruit Growers,
I have healthy Drg Frt vines producing abundant flowers but still no fruit. i was able to make them flower by a SEASOL foliage spray. Afrter adding Pot Ash to soil/root area still no fruit. My next "Trick" is to add MANGANESE. Has anyone tried this for fruiting?.
All The Best Bazza
Bazza
Bundaberg Aus
7th February 2008 3:11pm
#UserID: 113
John says...
Bazza you wasted your money and time. Pot ash good, Seasal bad,maganese bad, better idea trace elements. My sugestion is just a good dose of all round fertilizer, with enough water, but dont keep the feet to wet. Making the plant stress a little will make want to go into survival mode therefore flowers and free will happen.
Bazza you wasted your money and time. Pot ash good, Seasal bad,maganese bad, better idea trace elements. My sugestion is just a good dose of all round fertilizer, with enough water, but dont keep the feet to wet. Making the plant stress a little will make want to go into survival mode therefore flowers and free will happen.
John
SB South Australia
7th February 2008 5:29pm
#UserID: 549
Correy says...
Bazza, Are your dragon fruits hanging over something? If they are growing upwards I don't think they fruit only when they have reached the top and can start hanging down. Here is a photo showing this.
Bazza, Are your dragon fruits hanging over something? If they are growing upwards I don't think they fruit only when they have reached the top and can start hanging down. Here is a photo showing this.
| Pictures - Click to enlarge | ||
 Picture: 1 | ||
Correy
Woolloongabba, QLD
7th February 2008 6:06pm
#UserID: 3
View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees
Scott G
The Gold Coast
7th February 2008 8:00pm
#UserID: 44
Bazza says...
Dear DRG FRT Lovers,
Thank you for your informative replies & my apologies for not replying promptly as i have been laid up for a week or so. And sorry John not SEASOL but CHARLIE CARP was used to promote FLOWERING and successful too. Yes my next move to apply my reliable NPK fertiliser. Thanks again.
All The Best Bazza
Dear DRG FRT Lovers,
Thank you for your informative replies & my apologies for not replying promptly as i have been laid up for a week or so. And sorry John not SEASOL but CHARLIE CARP was used to promote FLOWERING and successful too. Yes my next move to apply my reliable NPK fertiliser. Thanks again.
All The Best Bazza
| Pictures - Click to enlarge | ||
 Picture: 1 |  Picture: 2 | |
Bazza
Bundaberg Aus
19th February 2008 2:09pm
#UserID: 113
John
SB South Australia
19th February 2008 7:20pm
#UserID: 549
Bazza says...
For John SB STH Aus,
Yes John that is one of many my wife Lea grows for the root to make CASSAVA "cake" for her Asian friends. Lea is saying in the background to tell you we could have taken some down to SA for you when we had a holiday there recently to the Barossa, Kangaroo Is etc. Very easy to grow here just make sure to get the "ROOT" one for apparently there is another Cassava for garden and not large rooted.
All The Best Bazza
For John SB STH Aus,
Yes John that is one of many my wife Lea grows for the root to make CASSAVA "cake" for her Asian friends. Lea is saying in the background to tell you we could have taken some down to SA for you when we had a holiday there recently to the Barossa, Kangaroo Is etc. Very easy to grow here just make sure to get the "ROOT" one for apparently there is another Cassava for garden and not large rooted.
All The Best Bazza
Bazza
Bundaberg Aus
19th February 2008 8:39pm
#UserID: 113
John
SB South Australia
20th February 2008 11:28am
#UserID: 549
Joseph says...
Hi All,
We are Vilagers who used to eat from what ever grow around us. One of the most popular is young Cassave leaves. Boiled leaves served with peanut sauce would be a tasty lunch. it's healthy too. The cassava itself can be cooked in various way creating delicious traditional cakes. John, if you visit us in 3 month from now, I will show you how healthy and rich we are living in natural way, in a very peacefull village...
Hi All,
We are Vilagers who used to eat from what ever grow around us. One of the most popular is young Cassave leaves. Boiled leaves served with peanut sauce would be a tasty lunch. it's healthy too. The cassava itself can be cooked in various way creating delicious traditional cakes. John, if you visit us in 3 month from now, I will show you how healthy and rich we are living in natural way, in a very peacefull village...
Joseph
Malang, East Java
1st March 2008 1:54pm
#UserID: 726
John says...
Hay Joseph, I'be in Wonosobo and Magalang, Central Java in July. Hay I enjoy eating Cassava leaves but not fermented cassava. Wonosobo, is also very peaceful and more beautiful than Bali. Just a little short on beer. I miss the monsoon rains. People dont believe here just how much it can rain there. I have a small plantation there full of durians and some other fruits.
Hay Joseph, I'be in Wonosobo and Magalang, Central Java in July. Hay I enjoy eating Cassava leaves but not fermented cassava. Wonosobo, is also very peaceful and more beautiful than Bali. Just a little short on beer. I miss the monsoon rains. People dont believe here just how much it can rain there. I have a small plantation there full of durians and some other fruits.
John
SB South Australia
1st March 2008 3:38pm
#UserID: 549
Joseph says...
Hi John,
Iam from Donomulyo, peaceful fertile village, south of Malang. How nice to have humble friends that can share eco adventure that is totally different than most Westerner have in their daily live. Just drop by anytime the door is open for you and for everybody to enjoy simple live free from the earth.
Have a peaceful day John.
Hi John,
Iam from Donomulyo, peaceful fertile village, south of Malang. How nice to have humble friends that can share eco adventure that is totally different than most Westerner have in their daily live. Just drop by anytime the door is open for you and for everybody to enjoy simple live free from the earth.
Have a peaceful day John.
Joseph
Malang, East Java
4th March 2008 1:55pm
#UserID: 726
Joseph says...
By the way,
Dragon fruits grow very well here in Donomulyo. The land is very fertile. We only have to treat them with organic compoust from the cows. They grow fast, free from morning frost. They obtain a lot of sunlight, even during rainy season.
Market is opened wide nowadays for this commodity..Anybody interested please come for free.....Thank you.
By the way,
Dragon fruits grow very well here in Donomulyo. The land is very fertile. We only have to treat them with organic compoust from the cows. They grow fast, free from morning frost. They obtain a lot of sunlight, even during rainy season.
Market is opened wide nowadays for this commodity..Anybody interested please come for free.....Thank you.
Joseph
Malang, East Java
4th March 2008 2:03pm
#UserID: 726
John
SB South Australia
4th March 2008 2:53pm
#UserID: 549
Joseph
Malang, East Java
6th March 2008 7:39pm
#UserID: 726
John
SB South Australia
6th March 2008 7:57pm
#UserID: 549
garry says...
you have to pollinate the flowers your self it is done when the flower is open at its best around 9pm you tickle the flower with a fether very carefully ind spread to centre core. I have 800 plants in . i also would like any handy tips all the best and good luck
you have to pollinate the flowers your self it is done when the flower is open at its best around 9pm you tickle the flower with a fether very carefully ind spread to centre core. I have 800 plants in . i also would like any handy tips all the best and good luck
| Pictures - Click to enlarge | ||
 Picture: 1 | ||
garry
qld
1st June 2008 4:28pm
#UserID: 994
peter
adelaide
1st June 2008 5:08pm
#UserID: 593
Tran
Victoria
2nd June 2008 10:22am
#UserID: 0
garry
qld
3rd June 2008 8:38pm
#UserID: 994
garry
qld
3rd June 2008 8:50pm
#UserID: 994
Tran
VIC
4th June 2008 9:04am
#UserID: 0
Anonymous
5th June 2008 6:54pm
#UserID: 0
Scott G
The Gold Coast
17th June 2008 2:15pm
#UserID: 44
Anonymous
17th June 2008 4:09pm
#UserID: 0
Graham S says...
I have had both red types in for about 18months. They grew very fast for the first six months then stopped growing. They both have since flowered once, I pollinated them and got a beautiful fruit from each. I thought maybe they have a yearly growing cycle but that doesn't seem to be it as they haven't started growing again. They are growing in sandy coastal soil about 500 metres back from the coast. and get full sun. I've tried mulch, some dynamic lifter and more water but they haven't started growing again. Any ideas?
I have had both red types in for about 18months. They grew very fast for the first six months then stopped growing. They both have since flowered once, I pollinated them and got a beautiful fruit from each. I thought maybe they have a yearly growing cycle but that doesn't seem to be it as they haven't started growing again. They are growing in sandy coastal soil about 500 metres back from the coast. and get full sun. I've tried mulch, some dynamic lifter and more water but they haven't started growing again. Any ideas?
| Pictures - Click to enlarge | ||
 Picture: 1 | ||
Graham S
Sinshine Coast Qld
4th July 2008 10:03am
#UserID: 1127
Scott G says...
My plants are in a terraced bed of clay loam that stays damp (unless it rains and then it's wet). In the last year I have piled on the mulch. This could be why they are growing better than previously. Even now in the middle of winter they are covered in new growth. I recommend LOTS of mulch.
My plants are in a terraced bed of clay loam that stays damp (unless it rains and then it's wet). In the last year I have piled on the mulch. This could be why they are growing better than previously. Even now in the middle of winter they are covered in new growth. I recommend LOTS of mulch.
Scott G
The Gold Coast
5th July 2008 7:31am
#UserID: 44
suzy4608 says...
We have 2500 cuttings in. All seem to be thriving. Biggest problem is weeds. Do any other growers have suggestions how to control woody weeds and grass other than chipping. We have them growing up trellises. Both red and white varieties. Any suggestions would be good as somewhat of a part-time venture and weeds getting the best of us.
We have 2500 cuttings in. All seem to be thriving. Biggest problem is weeds. Do any other growers have suggestions how to control woody weeds and grass other than chipping. We have them growing up trellises. Both red and white varieties. Any suggestions would be good as somewhat of a part-time venture and weeds getting the best of us.
suzy4608
Wooroolin, near Kingaroy
14th July 2008 3:11pm
#UserID: 1158
Anonymous
Innisfail
19th July 2008 9:51pm
#UserID: 1179
Yvonne says...
Hi,
my husband has some questions re Dragon Fruit. Have one growing on 8ft stump of old gum tree. Yellow variety. Has 3 fruit on it a present almost ready to pick. Question: do we have to prune branches where fruit grew? Have another piece growing against a medium sized mango tree (already fruit once) should it be left there or moved?
regards
Yvonne
p.s. great site and have gleaned quite a bit of useful info from here today
pps: we live at Koah, 13km from Kuranda on the northern edge of Tableland. Approx 28km from Mareeba and 42km from Cairns.
Hi,
my husband has some questions re Dragon Fruit. Have one growing on 8ft stump of old gum tree. Yellow variety. Has 3 fruit on it a present almost ready to pick. Question: do we have to prune branches where fruit grew? Have another piece growing against a medium sized mango tree (already fruit once) should it be left there or moved?
regards
Yvonne
p.s. great site and have gleaned quite a bit of useful info from here today
pps: we live at Koah, 13km from Kuranda on the northern edge of Tableland. Approx 28km from Mareeba and 42km from Cairns.
Yvonne
Koah, Atherton Tableland
10th August 2008 10:13am
#UserID: 1234
mark says...
hi.just wondering if someone could give me a tip. i,ve got about 30 cuttings witch i planted in top soil pots in april.and advised to place in a shaded area. Some got a bit to wet and got some rotting spots under the soil level,but have since dried. i did leave dry for two weeks before planting.but alot of the cuttings have not yet taken root /or have a poor root system.just wondering what i am doing wrong.yesterday i repotted into some potting mix to see if that will help. any adice would be graetful. thank you mark.
hi.just wondering if someone could give me a tip. i,ve got about 30 cuttings witch i planted in top soil pots in april.and advised to place in a shaded area. Some got a bit to wet and got some rotting spots under the soil level,but have since dried. i did leave dry for two weeks before planting.but alot of the cuttings have not yet taken root /or have a poor root system.just wondering what i am doing wrong.yesterday i repotted into some potting mix to see if that will help. any adice would be graetful. thank you mark.
mark
caboolture.Q
25th August 2008 7:14pm
#UserID: 0
sue says...
We have been growing 1 dragon fruit for 3 and another for 18 months, we got the first one as small pieces and when we pruned it the second year we potted 3 pieces. We never pollinate them by hand the ants do a good job of it. Last season we got 26 kilo,s and mostly from the older one.
Our neighbour has had the same plant for 22 yrs and it had a couple of fruit on it last season, I think that they won,t bare fruit untill they startleaning over and they have a lot of water. Ours get our shower water 3 times a day.
sue
We have been growing 1 dragon fruit for 3 and another for 18 months, we got the first one as small pieces and when we pruned it the second year we potted 3 pieces. We never pollinate them by hand the ants do a good job of it. Last season we got 26 kilo,s and mostly from the older one.
Our neighbour has had the same plant for 22 yrs and it had a couple of fruit on it last season, I think that they won,t bare fruit untill they startleaning over and they have a lot of water. Ours get our shower water 3 times a day.
sue
sue
brisbane
15th October 2008 4:51pm
#UserID: 1519
Pacific Islander
Blackburn
16th October 2008 2:09pm
#UserID: 1490
Tran
Melbourne
16th October 2008 5:50pm
#UserID: 0
Correy says...
I would say that the Yellow Dragon Fruit is the best tasting. The taste is much stronger. The other ones I have found that you need to spice them up a bit with some lime.
I would say that the Yellow Dragon Fruit is the best tasting. The taste is much stronger. The other ones I have found that you need to spice them up a bit with some lime.
Correy
Woolloongabba, QLD
16th October 2008 10:27pm
#UserID: 3
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Anonymous
17th October 2008 6:59pm
#UserID: 0
Maureen
Bundaberg
30th October 2008 9:11pm
#UserID: 1587
RENIER
SOUTH AFRICA
1st November 2008 4:03pm
#UserID: 0
tompat
central wheatbelt w.a.
5th November 2008 2:10pm
#UserID: 1612
tompat
central wheatbelt w.a.
8th November 2008 11:48pm
#UserID: 1612
sina
26th November 2008 10:09pm
#UserID: 0
Tonya
27th November 2008 7:07pm
#UserID: 1695
charine
Pretoria
28th November 2008 12:53am
#UserID: 1697
randey watson says...
hi renier, i live in perth western australia and have been growing pitaya for about 4 years. i have both the red and white flesh varieties (the red variety with 7 fruit in its third year). i think that south africa would have similar climate to perth. i had a bit of trouble with pollination initially because they flower at night and in their native habitat they are pollinated by moths and bats. if in doubt start early in the morning and use an artists brush.
hi renier, i live in perth western australia and have been growing pitaya for about 4 years. i have both the red and white flesh varieties (the red variety with 7 fruit in its third year). i think that south africa would have similar climate to perth. i had a bit of trouble with pollination initially because they flower at night and in their native habitat they are pollinated by moths and bats. if in doubt start early in the morning and use an artists brush.
randey watson
perth wa
30th November 2008 8:21am
#UserID: 1553
sue
brisbane
4th December 2008 2:14pm
#UserID: 1519
Correy
Brisbane
11th December 2008 9:06am
#UserID: 3
View All Correy's Edible Fruit Trees
sue
brisbane
11th December 2008 7:06pm
#UserID: 1519
sue
brisbane
11th December 2008 7:15pm
#UserID: 1519
Barbara says...
Just planted a red dragon fruit bought from Tropical Fruit World. Have been looking at photos on this site. Some have tied up their plant and others haven't. Ours is against our back fence leaning against a post. Any need to tie it up? And if so, what do you use - rags, wire, ....?
Thank you.
Just planted a red dragon fruit bought from Tropical Fruit World. Have been looking at photos on this site. Some have tied up their plant and others haven't. Ours is against our back fence leaning against a post. Any need to tie it up? And if so, what do you use - rags, wire, ....?
Thank you.
Barbara
Gold Coast Australia
24th January 2009 4:35pm
#UserID: 1917
peter
adelaide
24th January 2009 5:07pm
#UserID: 593
Koentadi Joseph says...
Hi all,
I fixed 100 concrete post for 400 plant (in 4 sides) of Dragon fruits attached on it. First harvest last Dec. I got more than 1 tons of ripe fruits.
I'll give you more images of my Supper Red Dragon fruit from my home town in Donomulyo, Malang.
Very interesting to grow for business.
Cheers,
Hi all,
I fixed 100 concrete post for 400 plant (in 4 sides) of Dragon fruits attached on it. First harvest last Dec. I got more than 1 tons of ripe fruits.
I'll give you more images of my Supper Red Dragon fruit from my home town in Donomulyo, Malang.
Very interesting to grow for business.
Cheers,
Koentadi Joseph
Manag, East Java
13th February 2009 12:31pm
#UserID: 726
Lou
Durban South Africa
21st February 2009 6:55am
#UserID: 2000
Wayne says...
Hello from Queensland Australia Lou, when I saw SA I thought South Australia, crikey, you are a long way away.
I honestly do not know how you would obtain such a plant but surely they must be grown in your district.
I trust that you do know they are very easy to strike, simply break off one of the stems and plant it in a striking mix.
Hello from Queensland Australia Lou, when I saw SA I thought South Australia, crikey, you are a long way away.
I honestly do not know how you would obtain such a plant but surely they must be grown in your district.
I trust that you do know they are very easy to strike, simply break off one of the stems and plant it in a striking mix.
Wayne
Mackay
21st February 2009 5:49pm
#UserID: 338
View All Wayne's Edible Fruit Trees
Barbara
Magnetic Island
23rd February 2009 1:15pm
#UserID: 420
Lou says...
Hi Wayne
Thanks man I found one this morning by fate, someone have discarded one that was growing in their garden and left it on the sidewalk for the trucks to remove, when I droped my daughter at school this morning I saw it and picked it up. See picture included it is now planted in my back garden. Can you believe that there are people that dont know what it is. This one is still bearing the fruit and is about the size of my palm. Can still not get over it I have been surshing for a year in SA and only know of one other person that have a small plant. These people that through it out did not have a idia to what it is to them it was a ugly plant that took up space. Their los my gain.
Hi Wayne
Thanks man I found one this morning by fate, someone have discarded one that was growing in their garden and left it on the sidewalk for the trucks to remove, when I droped my daughter at school this morning I saw it and picked it up. See picture included it is now planted in my back garden. Can you believe that there are people that dont know what it is. This one is still bearing the fruit and is about the size of my palm. Can still not get over it I have been surshing for a year in SA and only know of one other person that have a small plant. These people that through it out did not have a idia to what it is to them it was a ugly plant that took up space. Their los my gain.
| Pictures - Click to enlarge | ||
 Picture: 1 | ||
Lou
Durban South Africa
26th February 2009 9:53pm
#UserID: 2000
Jantina
Mt. Gambier S.A.
27th February 2009 8:00am
#UserID: 1351
Wayne says...
That is fantastic news Lou, it must have been that good karma we sent you. Read this whole thread about looking after it as others will know a lot more about that than I do. May I suggest you take a cutting and strike it to give you a second plant for pollination, or do you have multiple plants now.
That is fantastic news Lou, it must have been that good karma we sent you. Read this whole thread about looking after it as others will know a lot more about that than I do. May I suggest you take a cutting and strike it to give you a second plant for pollination, or do you have multiple plants now.
Wayne
Mackay
27th February 2009 1:06pm
#UserID: 338
View All Wayne's Edible Fruit Trees
Jacqueline says...
Our solution to supporting the pitaya was a 2.5 metre plastic sewer pipe (about 8 inch diameter) dug into the sandy soil and half filled with sand for support - no concrete needed. We then wrapped a sheet of reed/bamboo screen around the pipe to give the plant a surface to grip onto.
We also remove low and annoying branches to keep the "canopy" shape and for easy access when feeding the plant, picking fruit and admiring the flowers close up :)
Other than producing loads of fruit, this amazing plant has the added benefit of now being home to a family of finches who have nested inside its predator-unfriendly branches. Excellent!
Our solution to supporting the pitaya was a 2.5 metre plastic sewer pipe (about 8 inch diameter) dug into the sandy soil and half filled with sand for support - no concrete needed. We then wrapped a sheet of reed/bamboo screen around the pipe to give the plant a surface to grip onto.
We also remove low and annoying branches to keep the "canopy" shape and for easy access when feeding the plant, picking fruit and admiring the flowers close up :)
Other than producing loads of fruit, this amazing plant has the added benefit of now being home to a family of finches who have nested inside its predator-unfriendly branches. Excellent!
| Pictures - Click to enlarge | ||
 Picture: 1 |  Picture: 2 | |
Jacqueline
Kalbarri, W.A.
10th March 2009 4:05pm
#UserID: 2062
peter
adelaide
10th March 2009 5:06pm
#UserID: 593
Polly
Newcastle
11th March 2009 12:10pm
#UserID: 1702
au0rey
melbourne victoria
17th March 2009 11:48am
#UserID: 0
Barbara says...
Hi all,
I struck hundreds of seedlings from a beautiful red fruit just on New Year and gave most of them away to friends...silly.
I then went on holiday for 2 weeks south and no-one bothered to water them. I now only have 2 babies left. There are also many of these cacti inhabiting large trees around the island but no fruit...lots of flowers though. To pollinate them, do you use flowers from the same plant, or must they be from another plant? Trevor Stephens (Dragon Fruit Wine maker) told me they would need pollinating, but I forgot this vital question. Can anyone help here?
Hi all,
I struck hundreds of seedlings from a beautiful red fruit just on New Year and gave most of them away to friends...silly.
I then went on holiday for 2 weeks south and no-one bothered to water them. I now only have 2 babies left. There are also many of these cacti inhabiting large trees around the island but no fruit...lots of flowers though. To pollinate them, do you use flowers from the same plant, or must they be from another plant? Trevor Stephens (Dragon Fruit Wine maker) told me they would need pollinating, but I forgot this vital question. Can anyone help here?
Barbara
Magnetic Island
20th March 2009 10:28am
#UserID: 420
Koentadi Joseph says...
Dear All,
I am coming back with more images for yr info. few days after I took these pictures I harvest more and more fruits and this will last years..That's why I used concrete poles because bamboo or even wooden stick don't last long.
As you see I planted 4 plants on 4 side of the concrete poles. On top of the poles I used old tires to lay off the plants.
Hi Lou,
In fact I have some healthy young plants to deliver to you, but I really don't have any idea how..
Dear All,
I am coming back with more images for yr info. few days after I took these pictures I harvest more and more fruits and this will last years..That's why I used concrete poles because bamboo or even wooden stick don't last long.
As you see I planted 4 plants on 4 side of the concrete poles. On top of the poles I used old tires to lay off the plants.
Hi Lou,
In fact I have some healthy young plants to deliver to you, but I really don't have any idea how..
| Pictures - Click to enlarge | ||
 Picture: 1 |  Picture: 2 |  Picture: 3 |
 Picture: 4 | ||
Koentadi Joseph
Manag, East Java
20th March 2009 12:22pm
#UserID: 726
Jacqueline says...
Hi Peter,
Sorry for the late reply. We planted this about six years ago and water twice a week during the heat of summer. The rest of the year, depending on rainfall, we water once a week.
There are pieces we've discarded and left on the ground that get absolutely no water from us that have sent roots out and - although they're not thriving - have been alive for years!
Hi Peter,
Sorry for the late reply. We planted this about six years ago and water twice a week during the heat of summer. The rest of the year, depending on rainfall, we water once a week.
There are pieces we've discarded and left on the ground that get absolutely no water from us that have sent roots out and - although they're not thriving - have been alive for years!
Jacqueline
Kalbarri, W.A.
20th March 2009 12:26pm
#UserID: 2062
sunil says...
Dear Jacqueline,
Its wonderful to see your plant.
I am also thinking to use 4inch or 6 inch plastic pipes as you are successful.
It looks to me the place you are growing is quiet dry.What is the maximum temperature during these days
How often do you water them.
Is this yellow variety?
How about fertilzers etc you are using
I would like your valuable experience.
You can see where I stand with my 7 plants pictured.
regds,
Suniljay
Dear Jacqueline,
Its wonderful to see your plant.
I am also thinking to use 4inch or 6 inch plastic pipes as you are successful.
It looks to me the place you are growing is quiet dry.What is the maximum temperature during these days
How often do you water them.
Is this yellow variety?
How about fertilzers etc you are using
I would like your valuable experience.
You can see where I stand with my 7 plants pictured.
regds,
Suniljay
sunil
colombo
30th March 2009 1:29pm
#UserID: 2133
Lou says...
Hi Wayne
No man if the cactus fairy is on your side you don’t look a gift horse in the mouth so I have a total of 12 plants now. Never thought I have green fingers but must have done something right because two of them had green fruit on that went ripe and taste like a blessing from heaven. The added bonus is the rest of the family is skeptical about strange things so I could have them all by myself but I did share it with my friend that introduces me to the fruit from heaven. Things here in sunny SA is little hectic at work at moment but will keep you up to date on how they are doing.
Keep well and looking forward to all news about how to enjoy it most.
Hi Wayne
No man if the cactus fairy is on your side you don’t look a gift horse in the mouth so I have a total of 12 plants now. Never thought I have green fingers but must have done something right because two of them had green fruit on that went ripe and taste like a blessing from heaven. The added bonus is the rest of the family is skeptical about strange things so I could have them all by myself but I did share it with my friend that introduces me to the fruit from heaven. Things here in sunny SA is little hectic at work at moment but will keep you up to date on how they are doing.
Keep well and looking forward to all news about how to enjoy it most.
Lou
Durban South Africa
31st March 2009 6:52pm
#UserID: 2000
Jacqueline says...
Hi Sunil - Ours is a red fruit. Conditions here are very dry generally, we average about 340 mm of rainfall annually. We water twice a week through our hot dry summer (average temp is 36 but gets up to mid 40's), and once a week through the less severe dry spells the rest of the year. We never have a frost here. Ours is very free-draining sandy soil, we added NPK, blood and bone and blended manure when we planted and have since given it blood and bone and NPK a couple of times a year.
That's it...we are certainly not dragon fruit experts, just lucky amateurs who have found this to be a very low maintenance plant that pretty much takes care of itself. Pollination is left entirely to the bees, who absolutely swarm over the flowers before they close up in the mornings.
Hope that helps. Best of luck.
Hi Sunil - Ours is a red fruit. Conditions here are very dry generally, we average about 340 mm of rainfall annually. We water twice a week through our hot dry summer (average temp is 36 but gets up to mid 40's), and once a week through the less severe dry spells the rest of the year. We never have a frost here. Ours is very free-draining sandy soil, we added NPK, blood and bone and blended manure when we planted and have since given it blood and bone and NPK a couple of times a year.
That's it...we are certainly not dragon fruit experts, just lucky amateurs who have found this to be a very low maintenance plant that pretty much takes care of itself. Pollination is left entirely to the bees, who absolutely swarm over the flowers before they close up in the mornings.
Hope that helps. Best of luck.
Jacqueline
Kalbarri, W.A.
31st March 2009 11:06pm
#UserID: 2062
Joyce says...
Jaqueline of Kalbarri and Randy of Perth, would you swap babaco cuttings for dragon fruit cuttings? The babaco is similar to pawpaw with a slightly fizzy lemony flavour with a hint of mango, very juicy fruit which hangs like paw paw, hates easterly winds and doesn't like being water logged. Phone 92997828
Jaqueline of Kalbarri and Randy of Perth, would you swap babaco cuttings for dragon fruit cuttings? The babaco is similar to pawpaw with a slightly fizzy lemony flavour with a hint of mango, very juicy fruit which hangs like paw paw, hates easterly winds and doesn't like being water logged. Phone 92997828
Joyce
Boya, WA
16th April 2009 1:20pm
#UserID: 2198
aneh
perth
8th May 2009 9:15pm
#UserID: 1937
randey says...
hello joyce. currently i have about 20 white flesh and about 10 red flesh dragon plants. my red "mother" plant has 15 fruit around 1/2 to 3/4 kilo each and as you know taste out of this world. and yes i would love to swap for a babaco. i had a babaco years ago that fruited prolifically but suffered a frost induced early retirement. if you want to do a swap send me a line or two. randey.
hello joyce. currently i have about 20 white flesh and about 10 red flesh dragon plants. my red "mother" plant has 15 fruit around 1/2 to 3/4 kilo each and as you know taste out of this world. and yes i would love to swap for a babaco. i had a babaco years ago that fruited prolifically but suffered a frost induced early retirement. if you want to do a swap send me a line or two. randey.
randey
perth
9th May 2009 8:45am
#UserID: 2306
View All randey's Edible Fruit Trees
Wayne says...
"and as you know taste out of this world"
So thank - you - very - much Randey, Finally my plant produced 3 fruit this year which I looked after with loving care. Then wife and myself went away for a weekend and came home to find them gone, our son had given them to our neighbour because he doesn't like them. The neighbour went out of her way to come over and thanked us for the beautiful fruit ---- sigh!!!!! kids
"and as you know taste out of this world"
So thank - you - very - much Randey, Finally my plant produced 3 fruit this year which I looked after with loving care. Then wife and myself went away for a weekend and came home to find them gone, our son had given them to our neighbour because he doesn't like them. The neighbour went out of her way to come over and thanked us for the beautiful fruit ---- sigh!!!!! kids
Wayne
Mackay
9th May 2009 3:51pm
#UserID: 338
View All Wayne's Edible Fruit Trees
Liz says...
Does yellow dragon fruit need cross-pollination? (and if so, from what?)
...I've ordered a yellow pitaya (Selenicereus megalanthus? ...one page says that and one says Hylocereus megalanthus???) from Daleys, but I'm not sure from the description whether that one needs cross-pollination.
The red-skinned fruits all seem to be from Hylocereus sp. - H. undatus for the white flesh, and H. polyrhyzus for the red flesh ...anyone know whether those will cross-pollinate the yellow ones? :-)
Aneh / Randey - would you be interested in selling some red/white-fleshed dragon fruit cuttings? Where in Perth are you?
Thanks,
Liz :-)
Does yellow dragon fruit need cross-pollination? (and if so, from what?)
...I've ordered a yellow pitaya (Selenicereus megalanthus? ...one page says that and one says Hylocereus megalanthus???) from Daleys, but I'm not sure from the description whether that one needs cross-pollination.
The red-skinned fruits all seem to be from Hylocereus sp. - H. undatus for the white flesh, and H. polyrhyzus for the red flesh ...anyone know whether those will cross-pollinate the yellow ones? :-)
Aneh / Randey - would you be interested in selling some red/white-fleshed dragon fruit cuttings? Where in Perth are you?
Thanks,
Liz :-)
Liz
Thornlie (Perth), WA
9th May 2009 6:29pm
#UserID: 0
randey
perth
10th May 2009 9:38am
#UserID: 2306
View All randey's Edible Fruit Trees
randey says...
hello wayne, my condolences on your loss. maybe next time you can give the kids away the next flowering season.and to look at the other side of the taste spectrum i took a small slice into work to give to a colleague and was told that it was utterly tasteless. there you go. i dare say that he would be extremely boring to cook for. randey
hello wayne, my condolences on your loss. maybe next time you can give the kids away the next flowering season.and to look at the other side of the taste spectrum i took a small slice into work to give to a colleague and was told that it was utterly tasteless. there you go. i dare say that he would be extremely boring to cook for. randey
randey
perth
10th May 2009 9:48am
#UserID: 2306
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Joyce
Boya, WA
14th May 2009 9:10am
#UserID: 2198
Toby says...
Hi Joyce, I just picked up a dragonfruit from Joe at Tass 1 Trees last weekend. He's selling the red skin/red flesh variety. We've also got one of the red skin/white flesh that my wife recently got from diggers club.
However, I've been looking for babaco for quite a while and haven't been able to find them anywhere in WA. Can you tell me where you got them or would you be willing to sell me a cutting as well if you have any spare? I'd love to try one or two. My dragonfruit are still small and therefore I've got no cuttings to exchange.
I'd also appreciate it if anyone can tell me if they've seen the yellow skin/white flesh dragonfruit anywhere in Perth, I wouldn't mind trying one of those too.
Regards,
Toby
Hi Joyce, I just picked up a dragonfruit from Joe at Tass 1 Trees last weekend. He's selling the red skin/red flesh variety. We've also got one of the red skin/white flesh that my wife recently got from diggers club.
However, I've been looking for babaco for quite a while and haven't been able to find them anywhere in WA. Can you tell me where you got them or would you be willing to sell me a cutting as well if you have any spare? I'd love to try one or two. My dragonfruit are still small and therefore I've got no cuttings to exchange.
I'd also appreciate it if anyone can tell me if they've seen the yellow skin/white flesh dragonfruit anywhere in Perth, I wouldn't mind trying one of those too.
Regards,
Toby
Toby
Perth
14th May 2009 4:48pm
#UserID: 2325
randey
perth
14th May 2009 10:40pm
#UserID: 2306
View All randey's Edible Fruit Trees
randey says...
hello joyce, hope you are recovering well. i called you, probably while you were in so no answer. no worries. i have a few dragons both red and white flesh and would love to swap with you. i can give you a call if you let me know what your home hours are like or you can call me. the number is in my note to liz.
hello joyce, hope you are recovering well. i called you, probably while you were in so no answer. no worries. i have a few dragons both red and white flesh and would love to swap with you. i can give you a call if you let me know what your home hours are like or you can call me. the number is in my note to liz.
randey
perth
14th May 2009 10:49pm
#UserID: 2306
View All randey's Edible Fruit Trees
sunil
colombo
21st May 2009 1:37pm
#UserID: 2133
Patricia says...
I have four dragon fruit plants which are healthy and growing vigorously, however I have only have one flower from them. (no fruit) I obtained the first plant three years ago and the rest are babies (cut offs from the mother plant). How can I get the plants to flower and then hopefully fruit. I water every day and they are in full sun (very hot in winter).
Thanks
Patricia, Mandurah, WA
I have four dragon fruit plants which are healthy and growing vigorously, however I have only have one flower from them. (no fruit) I obtained the first plant three years ago and the rest are babies (cut offs from the mother plant). How can I get the plants to flower and then hopefully fruit. I water every day and they are in full sun (very hot in winter).
Thanks
Patricia, Mandurah, WA
Patricia
Mandurah
29th May 2009 6:33pm
#UserID: 2260
Lucy
Victoria
30th May 2009 7:33am
#UserID: 0
randey says...
patricia and lucy i live in perth and suffer the heat you speak of, so a suggestion if i may.the dragon is as susceptible to sunburn as you and i are. when it is stinking hot we put on a hat and cover up so too the dragon needs to have shade during the really hot days otherwise we will both burn. usually 70-90% shade cloth will suffice. i dont know if your plants have got blisters on them but if so that is sunburn. the blister will eventually leave a crater in the leaf that should heal over (too many craters and the leaf can snap off).also dont go too overboard with the fertiliser. dragons will respond to a well rotted animal fertiliser such as sheep or cow poo. also you dont say if your dragons are potted or in the ground. it can make a difference. good luck ladies
patricia and lucy i live in perth and suffer the heat you speak of, so a suggestion if i may.the dragon is as susceptible to sunburn as you and i are. when it is stinking hot we put on a hat and cover up so too the dragon needs to have shade during the really hot days otherwise we will both burn. usually 70-90% shade cloth will suffice. i dont know if your plants have got blisters on them but if so that is sunburn. the blister will eventually leave a crater in the leaf that should heal over (too many craters and the leaf can snap off).also dont go too overboard with the fertiliser. dragons will respond to a well rotted animal fertiliser such as sheep or cow poo. also you dont say if your dragons are potted or in the ground. it can make a difference. good luck ladies
randey
perth
2nd June 2009 7:33am
#UserID: 2306
View All randey's Edible Fruit Trees
Lucy
Victoria
2nd June 2009 9:05am
#UserID: 0
lily
sabah
3rd June 2009 10:18pm
#UserID: 2422
Ken
Pomona, Qld
6th June 2009 10:38pm
#UserID: 2435
adly says...
att: lily sabah
I manage to make the plant bloom by using foliar fertilizer (self formulation). 29 flower buds after 3 days, 50 buds after 6 days. in 2 weeks time the flowers appear. unfortunately only 18 turn into fruits. e-mail me at adyshah@gmail.com I am going to sabah soon. Hope u can try the fertilizer
att: lily sabah
I manage to make the plant bloom by using foliar fertilizer (self formulation). 29 flower buds after 3 days, 50 buds after 6 days. in 2 weeks time the flowers appear. unfortunately only 18 turn into fruits. e-mail me at adyshah@gmail.com I am going to sabah soon. Hope u can try the fertilizer
adly
selangor malaysia
7th June 2009 12:05pm
#UserID: 2438
adly
selangor malaysia
7th June 2009 12:09pm
#UserID: 2438
patricia gad says...
I have a Drgon Fruit plant for the last four years that has been giving fruit.I loved to look at the flowers at night, but never knew what the pink was after the flower fell.One day a young girl from Vera Cruz was walking down the street and told me it is a fruit.That was last year.I t was the frist time I tried the furit.I love it .I've heard tha you can make tea with the flowers .Can someone tell me how to do that?
I have a Drgon Fruit plant for the last four years that has been giving fruit.I loved to look at the flowers at night, but never knew what the pink was after the flower fell.One day a young girl from Vera Cruz was walking down the street and told me it is a fruit.That was last year.I t was the frist time I tried the furit.I love it .I've heard tha you can make tea with the flowers .Can someone tell me how to do that?
patricia gad
10th June 2009 6:51am
#UserID: 0
amanda says...
I wonder...maybe a solar light at nite would help attract the moths for pollination? What pollinates a dragon fruit in it's native environment?
My grandad used to boil up meat in his glasshouse in NZ to bring in the blow flies to pollinate the tomatoes - worked a treat! He was Irish... ;)
Ants do a lot of pollinating for me here too.
I wonder...maybe a solar light at nite would help attract the moths for pollination? What pollinates a dragon fruit in it's native environment?
My grandad used to boil up meat in his glasshouse in NZ to bring in the blow flies to pollinate the tomatoes - worked a treat! He was Irish... ;)
Ants do a lot of pollinating for me here too.
amanda
geraldton.WA
10th June 2009 9:39am
#UserID: 2309
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randey says...
hi amanda, in its native mexico habitat the dragons are usually pollinated by moths and bats and living in the west like me i become the moth.the flowers usually open at night and must be crossed before they start wilting early in the morning. their window of opportunity is quite small. to make sure that they do get pollinated i get up at about 5-6 am and using a clean unused artists brush spread the pollen around. i have a 90% success rate. my red has still got about 4 fruit on it and its nearly the middle of winter.
hi amanda, in its native mexico habitat the dragons are usually pollinated by moths and bats and living in the west like me i become the moth.the flowers usually open at night and must be crossed before they start wilting early in the morning. their window of opportunity is quite small. to make sure that they do get pollinated i get up at about 5-6 am and using a clean unused artists brush spread the pollen around. i have a 90% success rate. my red has still got about 4 fruit on it and its nearly the middle of winter.
randey
perth
11th June 2009 6:26pm
#UserID: 2306
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randey
perth
11th June 2009 6:59pm
#UserID: 2306
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amanda says...
Hey Randey - I have a white too - it's a machine! Made the fatal mistake of planting it in between the rain water tanks - which are 'plastic'..duhh.. it can't stick onto them - but seems to love the afternoon shade.
I had a great business idea for anyone out there who can make fishing nets - custom made one's to throw over our ugly rainwater tanks so that we can use the vertical space for growing and aesthetic purposes - and the lovely cool root-run underneath???
Hey Randey - I have a white too - it's a machine! Made the fatal mistake of planting it in between the rain water tanks - which are 'plastic'..duhh.. it can't stick onto them - but seems to love the afternoon shade.
I had a great business idea for anyone out there who can make fishing nets - custom made one's to throw over our ugly rainwater tanks so that we can use the vertical space for growing and aesthetic purposes - and the lovely cool root-run underneath???
amanda
geraldton.WA
11th June 2009 9:57pm
#UserID: 2309
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Toby
Perth
12th June 2009 4:08pm
#UserID: 2325
randey
perth
15th June 2009 10:38pm
#UserID: 2306
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randey says...
hey amanda, why not just use 50% shade cloth, much more readily available and the weave allows for the epiphyte roots to take hold. one other suggestion to utilise these roots to your and the plants advantage is to use a solid timber or concrete post buried up to 600mm into the ground with something like an enlarged rose hoop attached to the top. wrap some hessian or similar around the post and fill a container with water and fertiliser and fit the hessian into the pot. as the hessian draws up the mixture the roots get a double helping. have seen it working.
hey amanda, why not just use 50% shade cloth, much more readily available and the weave allows for the epiphyte roots to take hold. one other suggestion to utilise these roots to your and the plants advantage is to use a solid timber or concrete post buried up to 600mm into the ground with something like an enlarged rose hoop attached to the top. wrap some hessian or similar around the post and fill a container with water and fertiliser and fit the hessian into the pot. as the hessian draws up the mixture the roots get a double helping. have seen it working.
randey
perth
15th June 2009 10:48pm
#UserID: 2306
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amanda says...
Randey - that's a very clever idea! I was going to relocate the plant - but the idea (for me) was to keep it near the back door so that I can leave the outside light on at night when it flowers - hopefully this will attract the night bugs for pollination..??
The tanks are 2x 25,000 litres but I reckon I could sew up that shadecloth ok. It would keep the water cool too. Thanks for the tip :)
Randey - that's a very clever idea! I was going to relocate the plant - but the idea (for me) was to keep it near the back door so that I can leave the outside light on at night when it flowers - hopefully this will attract the night bugs for pollination..??
The tanks are 2x 25,000 litres but I reckon I could sew up that shadecloth ok. It would keep the water cool too. Thanks for the tip :)
amanda
geraldton.WA
16th June 2009 11:33am
#UserID: 2309
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randey says...
hey amanda,my nephew is going up to gero on friday to see his sister and asked if i would like to accompany him.if you would like i could possibly bring some plants up with me. if that meets with your approval give me a call on 08 9451 9339 after 5pm nightly and tell me where in gero you are. hope to meet you soon.
hey amanda,my nephew is going up to gero on friday to see his sister and asked if i would like to accompany him.if you would like i could possibly bring some plants up with me. if that meets with your approval give me a call on 08 9451 9339 after 5pm nightly and tell me where in gero you are. hope to meet you soon.
randey
perth
17th June 2009 7:25am
#UserID: 2306
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randey says...
to anyone who is interested try this website. www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop or google dragon fruit in the negev desert ( as in israel) definitely worth a look.
to anyone who is interested try this website. www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop or google dragon fruit in the negev desert ( as in israel) definitely worth a look.
randey
perth
17th June 2009 8:11am
#UserID: 2306
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Ian
Perth
20th July 2009 6:18pm
#UserID: 0
amanda
Geraldton.WA
20th July 2009 10:08pm
#UserID: 2309
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Ian
Perth
21st July 2009 7:18pm
#UserID: 0
amanda
Geraldton. WA
21st July 2009 7:26pm
#UserID: 2309
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Ian
Perth
22nd July 2009 9:34am
#UserID: 0
randey
perth
3rd August 2009 11:24pm
#UserID: 2306
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ellen
Smithfield
4th August 2009 12:21am
#UserID: 0
randey
perth
9th August 2009 4:11pm
#UserID: 2306
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Ellen
Smithfield
9th August 2009 4:30pm
#UserID: 1339
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JUJUBE FOR SALE IN MELBOURNE says...
Hi all,
There is a good growing note on Dragon fruit on the link:
http://www.nt.gov.au/d/Content/File/p/Fruit/FG1_pitaya_dragon_fruit.pdf
Hi all,
There is a good growing note on Dragon fruit on the link:
http://www.nt.gov.au/d/Content/File/p/Fruit/FG1_pitaya_dragon_fruit.pdf
JUJUBE FOR SALE IN MELBOURNE
Melbourne
10th August 2009 9:35am
#UserID: 2706
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Dinh
Geelong
23rd August 2009 12:01am
#UserID: 0
JUJUBE FOR SALE IN MELBOURNE
Melbourne
23rd August 2009 7:39am
#UserID: 2706
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roel amon says...
Dear Bazza,
use chicken manure for rapid growth of plant because it is rich in potassium and organic,for more increase in growth use fertilizers high in nitrogen N30, P10, K10. to increase fruit use fertilizers with higher potassium & posporus (P and K) and no nitrogen (N) fertilize once a month do it for four months then stop.too much fetilizer will kill the plant
Dear Bazza,
use chicken manure for rapid growth of plant because it is rich in potassium and organic,for more increase in growth use fertilizers high in nitrogen N30, P10, K10. to increase fruit use fertilizers with higher potassium & posporus (P and K) and no nitrogen (N) fertilize once a month do it for four months then stop.too much fetilizer will kill the plant
roel amon
philippines
25th September 2009 4:32pm
#UserID: 2835
roel amon
philippines
25th September 2009 4:39pm
#UserID: 2835
PeterC
perth, WA
1st October 2009 9:21pm
#UserID: 2860
Justin
Bayswater
22nd October 2009 12:29am
#UserID: 0