What is a Dragon Fruit?
A pitaya or pitahaya is the fruit of several different cactus species indigenous to the region of southern Mexico and along the Pacific coasts of Guatemala, Costa Rica, and El Salvador.
Where Can I Get Dragon Fruit In South Africa?
Dragon Fruit SA Plant Supply & Support
Address: With Wood Plank Gate IT IS IMPORTANT TO MAKE AN APPOINTMENT WITH THE OFFICE, 1 Milfoil Rd, Pretoria, 0001, South Africa
Hours: Open ⋅ Closes 5 pm
Phone: +27 82 856 9925
Is there dragon fruit in South Africa?
Dragon fruit is grown in the Natal Midlands and coastal regions of KwaZulu Natal, the Lowveld area from Nelspruit and Tzaneen, the Eastern Cape, and the Western Cape. The biggest new plantings in South Africa are around the Dendron and Louis Trichardt areas in the Limpopo province.
How much is dragon fruit per kg in South Africa?
The price varies from R28/kg to R200/kg in local markets (January 2022). Taking into account that a plant can last up to 25 years, the long-term potential to supply the hungry local market is huge,’ says Max van Heerden of Dragon Fruit South Africa (DFSA).
How long does dragon fruit take to grow?
Plants can begin flowering in as little as six to eight months, although container-grown plants may take up to two years to bear fruit.
The good news is that once the plant is mature, you could see four to six fruiting cycles a year from a plant that is capable of bearing fruit for 20 to 30 years.
How tasty is dragon fruit?
Dragon fruit may look exotic, but its flavors are similar to other fruits. Its taste has been described as a slightly sweet cross between a kiwi and a pear. Dragon fruit is a tropical fruit native to Mexico and Central America. Its taste is like a combination of a kiwi and a pear.2
How do you grow dragon fruit in South Africa?
Dragon fruit is best propagated from cuttings. The plants prefer well-drained and composted soil in warm areas with a rainfall of at least 400 mm and up to 1,500 mm per year.
High-density planting of up to 1 250 plants/ha is easily managed, with a spacing of 4 m x 2.5 m to 5 m x 2.5 m, depending on trellising systems.