Dragon fruit Farming in rooftop gardens is prevalent these days. The importance of a rooftop garden in meeting the family’s nutritional needs is immense. Below is a detailed description of how to grow in a rooftop garden.
Introduction
This fruit of the cactus species is also known as pitaya. Scientific name: Hylocereus undatus.
This fruit is grown in Vietnam, China, India, Malaysia, Mexico, Israel, Central America, and South America. This fruit is multi-colored. However, the red-colored dragon is more common, and this variety is the most popular.
Dragon fruit
Which Month Is Best For Planting Dragon Fruit?
You can generally cultivate dragon fruit year-round. Being a resilient and cactus-type plant, you can nearly always plant cuttings or seedlings.
How Will The Pot/Drams Be Suitable For a Rooftop Garden?
You can use plastic drums to grow dragon fruit in your rooftop garden. But it is best if you choose a 20-inch drum. Because in this size drum, the seedlings can spread the prey well, and the yield will be much better.
Tub
How To Prepare The Soil of The Tub To Grow Dragon Fruit Farming on The Rooftop Gardens?
Dragon fruit is best grown in soil rich in organic matter. The success of growing plants in tubs/pots depends largely on the preparation of the soil mixer. You must remove unwanted matter from the soil by pulverizing the soil. Take the required amount of soil, mix 0.5 grams of dolomite Powder ( The powder rich in Calcium & Magnesium ) for every kg of soil, and wrap it in polythene for 8-10 days.
Urea at the rate of 1 gm, Triple Super Phosphate(TSP), and Muriate Of Potash (MOP) at the rate of 0.5 gm should be added to the treated soil by mixing a quantity of bio-fertilizer / Trico-compost and coco peat per kg of mixture. In pots/tubs/ Drams, the ratio of soil: compost: cocopeat mixture will be 2:1:1.
Soil Mix
How To Fill The Soil in The Tub/Dram?
For adequate drainage of excess water from the tub, it is advisable to create three to four holes at the bottom, each measuring approximately 2-3 centimeters. If creating holes isn’t feasible, position 3/4 brick pieces over the holes to prevent soil blockage.
While filling the tub with soil, you should keep 0.5 to 1 inch on top of the tub and 1.0 to 1.5 inch in case of half drum free for proper fertilization and watering. Fill the tub/pot/drum to the specified height with manured soil. It would help if you planted Dragon cuttings or seedlings after leaving the filled pot/drum for 12-15 days.
Soil mixture fills up the tub.
How To Do Irrigation And Water Management in Dragon Fruit Farming in Rooftop Gardens?
Irrigation management is the most important aspect of dragon fruit in roof gardens. However, you can give little water to the cultivation of cactus plants. Take special care in watering after planting dragon cuttings/seedlings so that water does not accumulate at the base. The success of roof garden establishment depends on regular moderate irrigation. Just as under-watering is harmful, over-watering is also harmful to plants. Due to excess watering, various diseases occur in tub/potted plants. Even trees/plants die.
Only watering the plant when the roots are dry is essential to ensure healthy growth. If the roots are already wet, refrain from watering. Reduce the water given during flowering but continue to provide a small amount regularly at the base. Otherwise, the lack of water may disrupt the flowering of the dragon tree in the roof garden.
How To Care For Dragon Fruit on The Rooftop Gardens?
Proper care of the dragon fruit tree is essential to achieve a good yield. Dragon trees face various diseases, but consistent environmental care significantly reduces the risk of these diseases. After planting, you should keep the drum in a sunny place. Because the stems of the dragon tree are like vines, they should tie them to the poles as soon as the tree grows lightly so that the tree does not fall easily. You should cut the side shoots of the dragon tree regularly; it improves the tree’s growth.
Dragon Fruit Collection:
You can harvest good quality dragon fruit nine to 14 months after planting. Usually, flowering starts in April; the fruit is ready to eat only 35-40 days after flowering.
Conclusion:
By following the tried and tested techniques of dragon fruit farming in the rooftop garden described above, you can quickly produce safe and successful fruit. You can contact us free of charge to get advice about dragon farming.
READ MORE:
- Onion Leaf Blotch Disease: How To Treat.
- How To Treat Banana Tree Diseases.
- Watermelon Farming In The Off-Season: A Complete Guideline.
References:
- Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
- Department of Agricultural Extension, Khamarbari, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
Acknowledgment:
- Development of Production Package With Special Emphasis on off-season Flowering of Dragon Fruit (Project ID-538). Competitive Research Grand (CRG).
I am Gaushoul Agam,
𝐂𝐨-𝐅𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐫 & 𝐂𝐄𝐎,
ToAgriculture
As an experienced SA Horticulture Officer in the Horticulture Wing of the Department of Agricultural Extension, Ministry of Agriculture, Government of the People’s Republic of Bangladesh, I am dedicated to advancing agriculture and farming.
With a mission to address global food safety challenges amid a growing population, diminishing arable land, and the impacts of climate change on agriculture, I founded ToAgriculture. Through this platform, I empower readers with modern agricultural techniques, effective pest and disease control, and sustainable agricultural management, leading to a more secure and prosperous future in agriculture.
With over four years of expertise in field crops and seven years in horticulture crops, my knowledge spans fruit and vegetable farming techniques, adept pest-disease management, proficient irrigation strategies, and the art of grafting. Join me on this journey of discovery as I share insights and experiences to guide readers toward a sustainable future.
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