Dragon Fruit

Prioritise airflow and plant spacing, prune lower growth to improve ventilation, and aim to finish flowering before prolonged wet weather. Use a polytunnel or temporary cover in spells of heavy rain to keep buds drier.

Aim for 40 to 50 percent relative humidity during flowering to limit mould and bud rot. Lower the RH gradually as trichomes mature to protect aroma and potency.

Keep canopy density moderate, remove excess fan leaves, and maintain steady air movement around buds. Harvest a little earlier on marginal plants rather than risking extensive rot.

Monitor trichome colour and start planning harvest when most trichomes show milky opacity with some amber. In years with early autumn rain consider earlier picking and finish drying indoors.

It can succeed near the coast but needs shelter from strong winds and salt spray and protection from persistent damp. Choose south-facing, well-drained sites and consider windbreaks.

Use a balanced feed in veg then reduce nitrogen and increase phosphorus and potassium during flowering. Feed lightly and flush carefully to avoid nutrient lockout in wet soils.

Dry slowly at 45 to 55 percent RH and around 16 to 19 degrees Celsius until stems snap rather than bend. Cure in glass jars with short daily burps for the first two weeks to develop aroma and smoothness.

Watch for aphids, spider mites and fungus gnats, checking undersides of leaves and new growth regularly. Early detection and biological controls like predatory mites help avoid outbreaks.

Yes, low-stress training, topping and SCROG can increase bud sites and even out canopy light exposure. In a short season these methods help ripen more bud sites before autumn.

Autoflower versions can be advantageous in short outdoor seasons because they finish on a fixed timetable, while feminised photoperiods give more control over vegetative growth. Match seed choice to your season length and shelter options.