Best Fertilizer for Dragon fruit in winters

Hello and welcome to this blog post where we’ll discuss the best fertilizer for dragon fruit during winters.

As many of you know, dragon fruit farming in India has been growing rapidly over the past few years. Many new farmers are moving away from traditional crops and exploring this new and profitable farming option. However, due to a lack of proper information, beginners often face various challenges.

This is especially true in North India, where temperatures can go as high as 45°C in summer and drop to as low as 2°C in winter. In such conditions, dragon fruit plants require special care, and one of the most important aspects of this is choosing the right Fertilizer for Dragon Fruit during winter months.

Let’s dive deeper into how to select and use the best fertilizers for dragon fruit in cold weather.

Right NPK Fertilizer for Dragon Fruit

Dragon fruit prefers slightly acidic soil, and depending on the season—winter, summer, or fruiting—a different mix of fertilizers is used. In this post, let’s focus on the best fertilizer for dragon fruit during winters.

First, it’s important to understand the stage and age of your plant. In North India, winter typically lasts from November to February, and temperatures can drop as low as 2°C. When the temperature falls below 10°C, dragon fruit plants begin to experience stress. That’s why your knowledge and regular care are key to keeping the plants healthy through the cold.

For young dragon fruit plants, avoid over-fertilizing. Focus on giving them only humic acid and essential amino acids in small amounts. As the plant matures, you can gradually increase its nutrient intake.

Although dragon fruit is a heavy feeder, it’s better to fertilize 4 times a year in smaller doses than giving a large amount all at once. The basic rule is simple: give your plant what it actually needs. The more time you spend observing your plants, the better you’ll understand their requirements.

Also, consider a few important factors:

• Is your plant less than a year old?
• Is it facing its first winter?
• Is it older than two years and has already started fruiting?

Depending on these conditions, the fertilizer mix should be adjusted accordingly to reduce stress and help the plant prepare for the cold months ahead.

Water soluble fertilizer for Dragon Fruit: My Personal Experience

As a dragon fruit farmer in Himachal, I’ve experimented with several fertilizers to ensure my plants get the right nutrients for healthy growth and bountiful fruiting. After years of trial and error, I’ve found that water soluble fertilizer work wonders for dragon fruit, making it easier for the plants to absorb nutrients. Here’s what I’ve been using on my farm and how it has helped improve my yield.

1. 19-19-19 (NPK Fertilizer)

This balanced fertilizer has become my go-to choice for promoting overall plant health. It contains equal amounts of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K), making it perfect for healthy leaf growth and strong roots.

• How it helped: It encouraged quicker growth and supported strong root systems, which is essential for dragon fruit plants, especially during their early stages.
• Usage Tip: I mix about 20-25g of 19-19-19 per liter of water and apply it once a month during the growing season.

2. 13-0-45 (Potassium Fertilizer)

When my plants started fruiting, I switched to 13-0-45, which is rich in Potassium (K). Potassium is crucial for enhancing fruit quality and size.

• How it helped: This fertilizer improved the size and taste of my dragon fruit, and I saw better shelf life as well.
• Usage Tip: I apply 10-15g of 13-0-45 per liter of water once my plants show signs of fruiting.

3. Calcium Nitrate

Calcium is another essential water soluble fertilizer nutrient that helps plants develop strong cell walls, which is particularly important for dragon fruit.

• How it helped: After using calcium nitrate, I noticed fewer issues with weak plants and poor fruit set.
• Usage Tip: I apply 15g per liter of water every 15-20 days during the growing season.

4. Magnesium Sulfate (Epsom Salt)

Magnesium plays a vital role in photosynthesis and helps plants stay healthy.

• How it helped: It improved the color and overall health of my dragon fruit, making the fruit visually appealing and nutrient-rich.
• Usage Tip: I use 5-10g of magnesium sulfate per liter of water every 2 weeks.

In-Organic Fertilizer

Mix all these ingredients with the fertilizer for better results.
(Per pole – for 4 plants)

• 10-15 kg of cow dung manure
• ½ kg of neem cake
• 50-80g of DAP

For DAP:

• 100g per plant for 1-year-old plants
• 200-250g per plant for plants over 2 years old

Additionally, you can use 19-19-19 and 13-0-45 fertilizers once a month.

If you have an issue with termites in your soil, you can use Carbofuran Granules at 2-3 kg per acre.

Also Read: wood Ash Benefit in dragon fruit farming

Organic Fertilizer

As you may already know, both the soil and plants prefer organic matter. If you want to use organic fertilizer for dragon fruit in winters, you can apply the following quantities for each pole, meaning 4 plants:

• 10-15 kg of cow dung (from cows or buffaloes), or
• 5-6 kg of goat dung, or
• 3-4 kg of chicken manure

Make a mixture of these in the following ratio:

• 70% cow dung and 30% goat or chicken manure.

Along with this, you can add:

• 400g neem cake or mustard cake
• IFCO Sagarika Seaweed Fertilizer (25kg/acre) – Benefits of Sagarika fertilizer

Additionally, for calcium, you can use crushed eggshells.

Note: Always use eggshells in powdered form because whole eggshells don’t release calcium into the soil effectively.

Also, continue using Trichoderma and Pseudomonas to maintain healthy plant growth.

Before using cow dung as fertilizer for dragon fruit, mix Trichoderma and Pseudomonas with the manure a few days before applying it. Add a small amount of water regularly to ensure that any harmful bacteria and fungi in the compost are eliminated. Only use the compost after 15-20 days.

Also read: New Option for Himachal Farmers – Dragon Fruit

Conclusion:

Dragon fruit requires fertilizer 3–4 times a year, and the type of fertilizer should be changed based on the plant’s needs and the season.

Young plants require sagarika fertilizer uses, while mature or over 2-year-old plants need more. Dragon fruit is both sturdy and sensitive, especially during winter. If the temperature drops too much, the plants may begin to hibernate (go into deep sleep to protect themselves). This increases the risk of bacterial infections and fungi, which can be harmful to the plants. Therefore, always consider the climate and the plant’s condition before using any fertilizer.

FAQ:

Q1: What is the best fertilizer for dragon fruit?
Ans: Like all plants, dragon fruit prefers organic content. However, the best fertilizer for your plant depends on your soil and plant’s condition. You can refer to the options mentioned earlier in this blog for guidance.

Q2: What is the price of dragon fruit?
Ans: Dragon fruit is in high demand in the market today and is sold for 500 to 800 INR per kg. Based on its quality, our Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, has named it “Kamalam” and encourages progressive farmers to cultivate it.

Q3: What is the Hindi name of dragon fruit?
Ans: The Hindi name of dragon fruit is Kamalam. The government named it Kamalam because its shape resembles the lotus flower, and the nutritious fruit is a symbol of progress.

Q4: What is Pitaya?
Ans: Pitaya is another name for dragon fruit. It comes from a variety of cactus plants found in the Americas and is mainly cultivated in Asia.

Q5: How many colors does dragon fruit come in?
Ans: There are more than 150 registered varieties of dragon fruit, but the most common differentiation is based on the color of the fruit’s flesh. Mainly, it comes in two colors:

1. Red flesh (most popular)
2. White flesh