The dragon fruit is the edible fruit of a cactus that contains numerous seeds inside. New cactus plants can be easily grown from the seeds, which are quite vigorous and frugal and can produce beautiful flowers.
Interesting facts about pitahaya seeds
The most commonly available species of dragon fruit (bot. Hylocereus undatus) has scaly, light to dark pink skin and white flesh interspersed with many small, black seeds. Rarely you get the dragon fruits with pink flesh or those with yellow skin.
Each of the varieties contains the edible seeds that are also known from kiwis. The pips give the gelatinous, non-fibrous flesh a bit more 'bite'. Among other things, the seeds are said to contain protein-splitting enzymes that can promote digestion or even have a laxative effect.
Propagation by seeds
The new dragon fruit plants are obtained by both generative and vegetative propagation. If you can get a cutting, it's easier. This only needs to be placed in a substrate of earth and sand, where it roots after a short time. Growing from seed requires a few more steps:
- Free the seeds from the pulp, if necessary let them dry a little,
- Place seeds in a pot with sandy soil and do not cover,
- keep the soil evenly moist by spraying,
- only water moderately after the two cotyledons and the main shoot have appeared,
- separate larger plants.
Germination temperature and duration
The germination temperature is between 18° and 25° C. The higher temperature shortens the germination time. With sufficient humidity and warmth, it takes about two weeks for the first green to appear. Covering the seed with a clear plastic or glass jar may help; but don't forget the occasional "airing".
Further care
The cactus plants like it light and warm. The earth ball should also dry out completely in between, before the plant is watered vigorously again. Waterlogging should be avoided in any case, as it leads to root rot. Above a certain height, these climbing cacti need some kind of scaffolding, support, or tree that they can climb up with their adhesive roots.
tips and tricks
If no pitahaya fruit can be found in stores at the moment, the seeds of the pink exotic can also be ordered from an online shop.