🍎 Dragonfruit

Hylocereus undatus

fruits Perennial

☀️ Sun

Full sun

💧 Water

Moderate, drought-tolerant once established

🗺️ Zones

10–12

🪴 Soil Type

Sandy loam, well-draining cactus mix

🧪 Soil pH

5.5–7.0

💧 Drainage

Well-draining

📏 Spacing

3–5 ft (on trellis)

📐 Height

10–20 ft (climbing cactus)

📅 Days to Maturity

365–730 (1–2 years from cutting)

🍴 Edible Parts

🍽️ Fruit (flesh and seeds)

🤝 Companions (8)

🤝 Basil

Repels pests, attracts pollinators

🤝 Marigold

Nematode suppression, pest deterrent

🤝 Nasturtium

Ground cover, aphid trap crop

🤝 Chives

Deters aphids and mites

🤝 Yarrow

Attracts beneficial insects

🤝 Sunflower

Provides partial shade for young plants

🤝 Beans

Nitrogen fixation benefits soil

🤝 Oregano

General pest repellent

⚠️ Keep Apart (2)

⚠️ Potato

Competes for nutrients, attracts pests

⚠️ Fennel

Allelopathic, inhibits growth

💊 Medicinal Uses

Rich in antioxidants, vitamin C, fiber, prebiotics; supports digestion, blood sugar regulation, and immune function.

📜 History & Traditional Uses

Native to Central America; cultivated by Aztecs; now widely grown in Southeast Asia, Israel, and Australia.

📝 Notes

Epiphytic climbing cactus; needs sturdy trellis; night-blooming flowers pollinated by bats and moths; self-fertile varieties available.