DRAGON FRUIT

Pitaya or also known as dragon fruit, which is the fruit of a plant from the cactus family, is a white or red fruit with black seeds similar to sesame under its pink, thick and distinctive shell.

We say white or red because the color of the inner part of the pitaya varies according to the species.

This beautiful fruit, which has started to spread gradually in Turkey, especially in Mersin, can be found in many different places in the world such as Mexico, Central and South America, Indonesia, Vietnam and Malaysia.

Seeds separated from the fruit flesh are dried and stored, ideally ripe fruits with no defects.

The seeds grow well in compost or mix soil if grown as a houseplant - the plants germinate in about 11 to 14 days after frequent sowing. Over watering should be avoided while they are cacti. As their development continues, this climbing plant seeks a place to climb, forming basal roots as well as lateral auxiliary roots. When the plant reaches a weight of 4.5 kilograms, you can start to see its flowers.

Pitaya cacti bloom at night and fade in the morning. Creatures such as bats or moths use the plant for pollination with another pittaya. Self-pollination does not cause fruit production, which forces those who grow these cacti at home. Because, not one but two plants are needed for fruit.

However, the plant can bloom 3 to 6 times in the required growth medium. Most importantly, like other cacti, if a healthy stem, the stem part of the plant is broken off and buried in the ground, this stem can take root and form a separate plant. This is a shortcut for reproduction and fruiting.