Red Dragon Fruit Seeds

Red Dragon Fruit is a vigorous tropical climbing cactus prized for its striking red-fleshed fruit, ornamental growth, and large night-blooming flowers. Hylocereus costaricensis can be grown from seed as an attractive container plant in cooler climates or outdoors in warm tropical and subtropical regions. With warmth, bright light, and proper moisture, the seeds can begin germinating within several weeks.

Botanical Information

• Botanical Name: Hylocereus costaricensis
• Common Name: Red Dragon Fruit
• Family: Cactaceae
• Plant Type: Tropical climbing cactus
• Life Cycle: Perennial
• Native Range: Central America
• Mature Height: 10–20+ feet with support
• Growth Rate: Fast
• USDA Zones: 10–11
• Sun: Full sun to partial shade
• Soil Preference: Well-draining sandy or cactus soil
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral
• Water Needs: Moderate
• Drought Tolerance: Moderate once established
• Salt Tolerance: Low to moderate
• Deer Resistance: Moderate
• Wildlife Value: Flowers may attract nighttime pollinators
• Container Friendliness: Excellent
• Landscape Uses: Tropical gardens, edible gardens, patios, containers, trellises, and ornamental plantings
• Pre-treatment: Soak seeds in water for 36 hours

Germination Instructions

1. Soak the seeds in water for approximately 36 hours before planting.
2. Fill a container with a well-mixed, well-draining seed-starting mix.
3. Plant the seeds approximately 1/4–3/8 inch deep and lightly cover them with soil.
4. Use a heated propagator mat to maintain a soil temperature of 80–85°F.
5. Place the container under a grow light or near a bright, sunny window.
6. Keep the soil consistently moist but never wet or waterlogged.
7. Red Dragon Fruit seeds are small and fragile. Use a spray bottle to gently mist the soil so the seeds do not become displaced or buried too deeply. Seeds planted too deeply may rot.
8. Germination can be erratic and may occur anywhere from 1–8 weeks. Continue maintaining proper warmth and moisture, and do not discard seeds that fail to sprout quickly.

Growing Information

• Provide bright light as seedlings develop.
• Gradually introduce young plants to stronger sunlight to prevent sunburn.
• Use a well-draining cactus or succulent soil mix when transplanting.
• Allow the upper layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings once plants are established.
• Avoid overwatering because excessive moisture may cause root rot.
• Provide a trellis, post, or other sturdy support as the climbing stems grow.
• Protect plants from frost and prolonged cold temperatures.
• Grow in containers indoors or move plants inside during cold weather in cooler climates.
• Fertilize lightly during the active growing season with a balanced cactus or fruiting-plant fertilizer.

Seed Quantities Available

• 20 Seeds
• 50 Seeds
• 100 Seeds