Dragon Fruit - Bloody Mary - 10 Seeds

Bloody Mary dragon fruit is a bold and flavorful variety of Hylocereus featuring dark red skin and vibrant crimson flesh. Renowned for its sweet and slightly earthy taste, it has a juicy texture and high antioxidant content. The plant is a vigorous grower, producing stunning night-blooming flowers and reliable fruit yields. This variety is ideal for those seeking a dramatic and nutrient-rich dragon fruit for fresh eating or culinary creations.

Growing Dragon Fruit

Thrives in warm climates. Ideal temperature is 18–29°C.

Needs 6–8 hours of sunlight daily. Partial shade works in hotter climates to prevent scorching.

Plant in a seed-starting mix and keep the soil moist.

Germination can take 1–4 weeks.

Soil Requirements

Well-draining soil is crucial to prevent root rot.

pH Slightly acidic to neutral (6–7).

If growing in pots, use a cactus potting mix or make your own with sand, compost, and perlite.

Watering

Keep the soil moist but not soggy.

Water deeply but allow the soil to dry out between waterings.

Reduce watering in winter when the plant is dormant.

Support Structure

Dragon fruit is a climbing cactus and needs support as it grows.

Use a sturdy trellis, post, or frame.

Tie the vines loosely to the support to guide their growth.

Fertilizing

Use a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Apply compost or organic fertilizer to enrich the soil.

Avoid over-fertilizing, as this can lead to excessive vine growth without fruiting.

Pollination

Some varieties are self-pollinating, while others require cross-pollination.

Hand-pollination may improve fruit set. Use a brush to transfer pollen between flowers at night (as they bloom overnight).

Pruning

Remove dead or overcrowded branches to promote airflow and reduce disease risk.

Prune to shape the plant and encourage healthy growth.

Harvesting

Fruit is ready 30–50 days after flowering when

Skin colour brightens.

The fruit is slightly soft to the touch.

Twist the fruit gently to detach it from the vine.

Common Issues

Pests Watch for aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects.

Diseases Root rot and fungal infections are common in overwatered plants.

Sunburn Provide partial shade in intense sun.