Dragon fruit
Selenicereus undatus
A climbing cactus whose flowers open for one night.
Hardiness: zones 10 to 12
Light: full sun to part shade
Size: about 15 ft tall, 6 ft wide
Harvest: June to November
From: Central America
Drought-hardy once established
Here: Too tender to overwinter outdoors on the Lake Erie shore (zone 6b to 7a): grow it in a pot and bring it in, or treat it as an annual.
Good for: food, pollinators.
Native to: Mexico, Central America & the Caribbean. Hardy in zones 10 to 12.
The story
Pitaya is a climbing cactus from the forests of Central America, grown by the Maya and carried by the French to Vietnam, where it became a major crop. The flowers open for one night and are pollinated by moths and bats.
Planting
Full sun or light shade, sharp drainage, and a post or trellis to climb; it is a cactus with aerial roots. Plant a cutting in warm weather.
Growing
Water when dry, feed lightly, and tie the stems up until they arch over the top of the post. Hand-pollinate at night with a brush for a reliable set.
Harvest and use
Fruit ripens about a month after flowering, through summer and autumn; pick when the skin is fully coloured and the wings begin to wither.
What to watch for
Rot in wet soil, sunburn on young stems in desert sun, and frost.
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More tropical and subtropical food plants
General guidance, not professional advice. Conditions vary by yard and year; for local specifics ask your county extension office. Never eat a wild plant you cannot identify with certainty. Traditional uses are shared as history, not medical advice. © 2026 Sean Priest · Irie Orchard. Terms & credits · Privacy · Home