Dragon fruit Farming in rooftop gardens is very popular these days. The importance of a rooftop garden in meeting the nutritional needs of the family 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.

Different Colored. Image source: Wikipedia, pixels & Collection.

Which Month Is Best For Planting Dragon Fruit?

Dragon fruit can usually be cultivated throughout the year. As it is a hardy and cactus-type tree, cuttings/seedlings can almost always be planted. But to get a good yield, it is best to plant the seedlings in the month of April to September.

How Will The Pot/Drams Be Suitable For a Rooftop Garden?

Tubs fillup By soil.

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.

How To Prepare The Soil of The Tub To Grow Dragon Fruit Farming on The Rooftop Gardens?

Soil prepare for tubs.

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. By pulverizing the soil, the unwanted matter must be removed from 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.

Soil mixture

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.

How To Fill The Soil in The Tub/Dram?

Soil Mixture Fill up.

Three to four holes should be kept at the bottom of the tub to drain excess water from the tub. 2/3 cm at the bottom of the tub. If this is not possible, 3/4 brick pieces should be placed on top of the holes so that the holes are not blocked by soil. While filling the tub with soil, 0.5 to 1 inch on top of the tub and 1.0 to 1.5 inch in case of half drum should be kept free for proper fertilization and watering. Fill the tub/pot/drum up to the specified height with manured soil. Dragon cuttings or seedlings should be planted after leaving the filled pot/drum for 12-15 days.

How To Do Irrigation And Water Management in Dragon Fruit Farming in Rooftop Gardens?

Irrigation and Water Management. Image Source: pexels.com

Irrigation management is the most important aspect of dragon fruit in roof gardens. However, you don’t need to give much 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. For this reason, water can be given only when the root of the plant is dry, if the root is wet, no water can be given. The amount of water should be given less when the plant flowers, but a small amount of water should be given 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?

If the dragon fruit tree is not properly cared for, the yield will not be good. Dragon trees are attacked by several diseases, but if other environmental care is taken regularly, the disease is largely avoided. After planting, the drum should be kept in a sunny place. Because the stems of the dragon tree are like vines, they should be tied to the poles as soon as the tree grows lightly, so that the tree does not fall easily. The side shoots of the dragon tree should be cut regularly, it improves the growth of the tree.

Dragon Fruit Collection:

Ripe Dragon fruit.

Dragon Flower

Good quality dragon fruit cuttings can be harvested 9 months 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 easily produce safe and successful fruit. You can contact us completely free of charge to get advice about dragon farming.

READ MORE: 

1. Onion Leaf Blotch Disease: How To Treat.  
2. How To Treat Banana Tree Diseases.
3. Watermelon Farming In The Off-Season: A Complete Guideline. 

References:

1. Bangladesh Agricultural Research Institute, Gazipur, Dhaka, Bangladesh.
2. Department of Agricultural Extension, Khamarbari, Dhaka, Bangladesh.

Acknowledgment:

1. Development of Production Package With Special Emphasis on off-season Flowering of Dragon Fruit (Project ID-538). Competitive Research Grand (CRG).