How to Build a Dragon Fruit Trellis and Plant Your First Dragon Fruit Cutting

[@jonimeeth3046]

Mine are definitely ready for the trellis. Thank you for showing exactly how to do it. I'm excited instead of intimidated.

[@nursekjf]

I have learned more about Dragonfruit in two days than I've ever understood. Excellent videos. I have a plant and I just watered it. Not knowing I had to pollinate it and building a trellis. You guys are the best!

[@LW0625]

We made two trellises today using your dimensions. Thanks so much for your help. Love all your videos.

[@lynlalalala]

My thought process on buying tools for a projects is: It is still cheaper than paying someone else to build it. I gain more experience and the satisfaction of building it myself. On top of all that.... I have the tools for future projects and repairs. 😉😉😉

[@lexica510]

Yes! Plus, once you have (for example) a good drill, suddenly you start noticing all the things that need a drill to do/fix/improve that are now possible!

[@ryandixon1102]

On the money. I am a minimalist except for things to build and create.

[@dlsdyer9071]

You could use the Japanese burn method of treating the wood that is below the soil.

[@epicgardening]

Totally agree

[@dlsdyer9071]

@@Grauenwolf Some people just char it. Others then brush it afterwards creating a grey sheen. TA Bushcraft has done it on some of their "historic" builds where there is ground contact. I have not heard of using linseed oil, but that may have to do with smoothness or strength needed for a tool handle. On a side note, I do not like using any type of treated wood in food growing areas and avoid purchasing wood if at all possible since I have a lot full of pine, oak etc.

[@mariamaldonado2177]

Just built my trellis! Your video was incredibly helpful - i can't wait to see mine grow too. Thank you so much for all of your resources!!

[@ilocanodetoy2225]

Been in Dragon Fruit for 15 years and the passion is still growing.

[@mormongirl97]

Do you need to pollinate it in order to bear fruit indoors?

[@ssm1093]

Thought about your Pitaya plant yesterday while watching Law & Order: Criminal Intent. A med student tried to smuggle the fruit from South America so I had to give my husband the rundown on the beautiful plant and fruit. 😂

[@Anthonybrother]

Bringing fruits in the country is illegal?

[@ssm1093]

@@Anthonybrother Unless it is commercially processed (canned) and declared, the USDA restricts or prohibits entry of agricultural products.

[@terrytexas8257]

I used a wagon wheel at the top so that spokes could keep the branches fully separated and grow very full!

[@TamarLitvot]

Terry Texas that would also be very decorative!

[@nancyfrazier4731]

Where did you get the wagon wheel

[@kathybrinson283]

I Love the idea of using a wagon wheel!!!

[@journeyoflovelight]

Thank you.. I like how you teach.. To the point and from the heart.

[@stacygray9852]

My husband bought a dragonfruit this summer so we could try one. And I told him we have to save the seeds. We did and I planted them at the end of June. And by the end of May I had over 50 (maybe over 75) seeds sprout and they have been doing really good. I am planning on seperating them out and potting them up soon. Then I can use the free take out container they are in to pot up some cactus seeds I got on my 20th anniversary back in July. I want to hurry and plant them before fall hits. Thank you so much for telling us to use regular potting soil and cactus and succulent soil to pot them up. I have done that with my Thanksgiving cactus but hadn't thought about it with the dragonfruit. So thanks for that tip!!!

[@epicgardening]

Wow, well done!

[@cmorr2010]

This was my weekend project after buying a cutting at your garden sale. I got most of the wood pieces cut at Home Depot but made the pinwheel a little short so I need to bust out a saw for that. Thanks for making this!

[@epicgardening]

Love to hear it!

[@jamtea388]

Wow, dragon fruit cactuses are so beautiful!

[@webneko9842]

I used a plastic container (Lowe's had 20 gal laundry containers on sale for cheap) and built one of these. I actually put a few screws through the bottom of the container into the pinwheel base and it stabilized it a lot.

[@lotus....]

I run a piece of rebar through the pot into the ground to prevent my large potted plants & tropical fruit trees from getting knocked over by high winds here in FL. You can also place some big/coarse gravel in the bottom of the pots.

[@TheBluntATP]

I've been thinking of trying dragon fruit. I'm currently building an 18 ft raised bed to house my saffron croms. I'm in Riverside and noticed that a lot of people do well with them.

[@KayleighAnnWilliams]

Alternate title: How to Train Your Dragon Fruit Cutting

[@cooperschwartz318]

Dude your comment is so underrated, I love it

[@seanfraley3377]

lol

[@gloriawalker9745]

Love them

[@contactjoy4140]

Actually, Kayleigh, this is not a cutting that is being trained. This is actually a plant. It was a cutting when it was cut off from the parent plant, then put into soil or water to create roots.

[@Ratkwad]

Yeah took a bit of a turn, shouldve been a two parter but hell yeah grwat tips and totally dig!

[@wbstone4388]

Great video! I’m building 4 of these right now. Thanks for the clear instructions, first one is done and ready!

[@gorgoroth4ever]

I built my first Trellis today thanks to your video. Many thanks from California bro

[@mattrix2007]

I came up with a slightly different way which gives maximum stability and maximum pot space. I made the bottom wooden ''base'' the same size as the top. i used big plastic pots which i cut a square in the bottom centre to slide over the main centre leg and sit on top of the bottom ''base''. i then slid a length of pvc pipe down over the centre leg so it sat on the bottom of the pot and came just above the soil line (to slow or hopefully stop the wood from rotting out) and sealed it to the bottom of the plastic pot to stop moisture rising up wooden leg. (once all was in place i attached the top ''platform'' to the main leg). You can then attach either rope handles to the wooden base, or put small heavy duty wheels/rollers under the wooden base for easy moving.

[@gwrace]

Built six of these out of cedar. But for the bottom used these BuildTuff 4-in x 12-in x 12-in TuffBlock Polyolefin Plastic Deck Blocks. Fastened each to the bottom and sides of post using 2.5 inch wood screws. Seems very wind stable even outside the pot. About 8 dollars each at Lowes.

[@donlewis777]

After building several trellises like this I found it better to sandwich the center post instead of placing it on the top. Takes one more board, but is so much more stable. Now I have to go back and re-do six. Hope this helps someone.

[@tradernz2038]

Thank you sir, I was given 5 of these unusual cactus plants called dragon fruit and knew nothing about them until I stumbled across you and your expert friend. Thanks for all the tips and free advice.

[@SpicyMoustache]

I’d love to do an experiment next summer and grow it in UK climate. Good job mate, it’s gonna be awesome when they start growing!

[@Oliegames-w6d]

I live in the UK too I’m hopefully doing the same

[@RafaSan032]

Building my 1st trellis before the next rains. Thank you.

[@shampudey9952]

I made one and I am going to plant my 3 of dragon fruit plants there😊

[@janineloftin2151]

Hello Kevin, That was a great tutorial. Keep on teaching. Have a blessed afternoon. 🌸

[@senaruryuin2773]

Just bought my mother a dragon fruit (I think its an American Beauty Red Dragonfruit?) Sent this vid to my Uncle so lets hope we can get the little guy off to a great start! Thanks for posting this informative video, and including not just the how to for the trellis but tips on how to mount the plant to it and what soil to go with!

[@rickhohwart82]

This worked very well. Depending on the pot proportions you will need to be flexible with the in pot supports - (4) 9" long 2x4 (23cm) . I had the local supplier cut all the pieces to length but had to reduce these to 8". You may need to adjust the lengths to suit your particular pot as well so be prepared.

[@thecosmos9303]

You covered the drainage hole with the trellis, won't that be a problem?

[@samanthakopis4050]

This makes me want to grow it so bad, even though I live in northern Washington where it's always cold and wet! Maybe I"ll try it indoors someday....

[@SunGodLuffy_5]

Buy a greenhouse! It's a great investment. Grow outdoors in the summer and move your pots inside the greenhouse when it gets cold. There isn't nearly enough light indoors for a dragon fruit to groq and flower. So that's kind of your only option.

[@amadamiaaa]

1:00 Kevin, you're the same color as your pots...now THAT'S a dedicated gardener 🌻

[@epicgardening]

Bahahaha

[@DrMice760]

Hi Kevin, where did you purchase those terracotta pots? I would like to get something around that size and have no idea where to look. I live in the same general area so local places work. Thank you!

[@anthonigrande]

So excited about how your project is growing, from making humble videos on your phone in your room to still maintaining the humbleness but stepping the game up, I want you to be my teacher, like a proper degree or something and ditch my job for this.

[@epicgardening]

Appreciate you saying this, means a lot

[@waynesolo7052]

Very straight forward and simple to follow on how to build and plant dragon fruit. Can’t wait to build my own trellis and plant them. Thank you.

[@entityunknown2]

i grew about 40 dragon fruit plants out of seeds in the winter. they are 1 year old now. i gifted some away and a few died but i still have about 30.

[@socalsurfadventures4627]

Perfect timing as I was just gifted some special cuttings! This will be my first foray into dragon fruits 🤞🏼

[@paultremblay2343]

Hi Kevin, I live in San Diego and have a great source for black nursery pots. I just picked up 2 and my source only charges $10 per pot (found him on Amazon Marketplace). He has plenty in stock

[@BenSullinsOfficial]

Can we do an episode making cocktails with these?

[@epicgardening]

You know it

[@PeteCarroll1962]

I plan on making a shrub out of mine, I got the red variety so it should make a hot pink hue!

[@mango1250]

this is such a well made, patient, high quality video. thanks so much.

[@GardeningInCanada]

That’s going to be amazing. Do you think a dragon fruit would survive indoors in Canada? Or do you think you’d need a pretty serious setup

[@henrythenaturalist4950]

I live in Michigan, and I'm trying to grow one indoors as well. I have a friend who got his to a pretty big size indoors just by giving it a really well lit window, so I imagine as long as light needs are met, you could. Maybe even a grow light to balance it out some would make it easier.

[@GardeningInCanada]

Plant Life with Henry good to know. Did you get your cuttings online? Or home did you find them

[@henrythenaturalist4950]

I believe my friend started his through seed, and I got my cuttings from him.

[@michellestauch2185]

I would think you could manage with a grow light. Worth a shot!

[@GardeningInCanada]

Michelle Stauch just seems like such a huge plant 😂

[@bijoubug6535]

I'm in San Diego as well, can I ask where you bought the terracotta pots? Great Video! Thank you

[@sharonrimsza7960]

Someone has some toys. My very favorite (yard toy) is the reciprocating saw. Thank you for all the information on Dragon Fruit.

[@ralstoneverett1842]

Thank you so much, I made mine today. I'm pretty sure I might need a bigger planter. I wish I could upload a picture.

[@jam_is_jammin]

What a lovely project!

[@seanfraley3377]

ye

[@LetsGoHelio]

Dude you’re perfect at explaining.

[@ryanquinn1257]

Also just made my dragon fruit trellis. Used some 2x3 fir for trellis part as in SD county I don’t have to worry about rain as much. Same redwood posts but I used the pier blocks as they haven’t seemed to affect ppl’s setups that are years in and so I don’t worry about balancing and leveling it. Parts you’ll be handling / tying things to I sand down a bit with 60 then 80-100 as I hate splinters. I also don’t like putting them in the soil as much. Their bodies are acting like leaves partially and can rot if in water too much around there. If anything whittling down a little of their branch ends. Nurseries initially did it to make staking easier.

[@epicgardening]

Nicely done!

[@sportsjunkie9589]

4x4 Cedar post are quite steep now. So, I plan on using two, 2x4 screwed together. Should be lot cheaper. Thanks for the video.

[@missg6709]

I liked the video. I expect you to show up soon and help me with these dragonfruit seeds of mine 😁

[@josram5902]

Trellis complete. Thanks for the video.

[@usp211816]

Tape measures have a number on them. That number is how big the body is. Just add that to the measurement when measuring an inside angle to the wall, or in this case the pot.

[@stephaniebuzzella1]

we’re planning on moving to the pitcairn islands & i’m trying to plan my gardens, thanks for the info

[@emeelius]

I live in Canada and am watching these videos lmao

[@Seraphi89]

Come for the Dragonfruit details, stay for the nursery tape ASMR for me.

[@tashaangelic3933]

Much gratitude 🙏🏼 for sharing your passion with us!

[@annporter982]

We here in Australia we just put in a pot on top of a stump n bang we have fruit. No screws no wood no worries.

[@lauranilsen8988]

But how do you transfer it inside when a freeze comes? Or do you not get below 32?

[@zxbui1]

Good video! But I have not seen you mention cut/drill more drain holes on the bottom pot. Keep in mind that drainage is very important to the DF life and one of the easiest ways to kill DF plants is too much water stays in the pot. Keep up the good work Epic Gardening!

[@censusgary]

If you use plastic pots, you can screw the bottom of the trellis to the bottom of the pot. Be sure to use rust-resistant screws (I think you did, but you didn’t say so in the video).

[@lunasmewstinaread584]

Cool - i didn’t think the aerial roots were a big deal- I’m growing mine inside (alberta) - no blooms yet at 4 yrs old - hopeful my trimming and repotting and fertilizer will help ..

[@No_Smoking]

Where on earth did you get those Super Mario Bro's Tube terracotta pots!! I love them

[@Saamniferu]

I got a terracotta pot of a similar size at home depot for $4.50 it was the best purchase ive ever made

[@TheEagleKing12]

New subscriber, have a few dragon fruit plants growing but i needed a much better set up. Thank you

[@danielpaoli3110]

It’s funny how similar cultivation of dragon fruit and cannabis is! Super dope💪🏻

[@liaroozendaal8797]

Hi Kevin, do you mind sharing where you sourced those pots? I am having a hard time finding 20 gal. terracotta cylinder style pots. I am in Northern CA. Love the videos and I love the Birdie beds. I am putting them together now!

[@Samantha-sy7ww]

No return comment! Same question from me! KEVIN!!!!

[@Kibatsume1]

Depending on your climate I'd highly recommend just getting a large PVC pipe you can get in the plumbing section at Home Depot and cutting it down as they only come in 10 feet fill the inside with concrete/ rebar at the top criss-crossing to help top support system.. I recently had one of my dragon fruit the wooden post rotted thankfully I caught it in time to save most of the plant with heavy pruning I was able to move it to the PVC pipe. I am currently about to lose my oldest dragon fruit.. I've spoken with other individuals who grow them in my area they've had the same issue with the wood rotting

[@sandiago7564]

may I ask what area you have had success with this method?

[@Kibatsume1]

@@sandiago7564 I am in Florida unfortunately the rain humidity wooden post don't last long. Using the PVC pipe is something I learned from watching a video Spicy Exotics they are located in Louisiana they put their Post in the pot so they can move them, I planted my post in the ground. Tropical storms in my area would be a risk of knocking it over.. from what I was told the post should well out live the plant. Anything has to be better than the five years I got out of the wooden one.. many of the Farms use concrete post rebar up top with something going around it for support

[@kathybrinson283]

@@Kibatsume1I’m in So FL. Rainy season hits & my beautiful Dragonfruit just MELT, turn yellow & the plant just disappears💔💔💔💔HELP!!!

[@lexica510]

That's an elegantly simple trellis! Do you think that form would work for other plants as well? I'm now looking around and seeing so many places I could tuck a large pot… 🤔🤔🤔

[@jedigothic6652]

Great video thank you 🙏🏼 I have one little baby dragon fruit so this is a must build for me 👍🏻

[@celestedanos179]

What I currently have is a Horse water/food bucket with drain holes in the bottom! I really need a trellis! I can use all the help in trying to get the flower going to fruit!

[@FknNefFy]

If your pot has a hole in the bottom you could also use a pole with a flat base like an umbrella stand or something that shape

[@bradmaas6875]

You asked a week or two ago about vid lengths. To me this was good, with enough information and a link to more information. Could possible go up to 30 minutes. IMHO. A little downward angle, 1/2", on the pinwheel legs should help with stability and give just enough clearance for drainage.

[@dianeallred9288]

I love the input for the downward angle

[@geeyoupee]

I'm trying to figure out the drainage hole too. I have treated lumber and terra cotta pot. If I do the downward angle, wouldn't that put press on the screws because the weight of the trellis is not directly on the post but the legs which gets transferred to the post? Treated wood is pretty soft so I think the weight will eventually break the wood around the screws. . I was also considering cutting a v shaped groove on the bottom of the post, to allow water access to the drain hole but I found out that cut ends of treated wood will deteriorate faster. Any suggestions? Edit: Maybe I'll cut 2 rectangular wood pieces about 1x2 (.5 thickness) to put under the post, this will leave the center open for water to drain out. Then I can screw on the legs not at an angle but flat to the bottom of the pot. Or find some material that won't rot and do the same.

[@bradmaas6875]

@@geeyoupee I would not use treated lumber to build in conjunction with food production plants. I don't care to add toxins to my food

[@geeyoupee]

@@bradmaas6875 I ended up using a masonry bit to drill holes. Treated lumber is a touchy subject.

[@ChristopherEPineda]

$40 is an awesome price for those pots!

[@simonesmit6708]

I have one of these and I've never seen a fruit but I'm in Canada. And the pot is too small. I got know of these plants from a 90+ year old neighbour. She loves them and has had some plants for 60+ years. Her oldest plant is one she got from one of her aunts. It is still doing well and flowering.

[@BMWROB]

I built this set up and it's perfect!

[@merianfontelera2941]

Shared your videos to my friends in Pangasinan, Ph. Thanks

[@TotallyNot_Gemma]

Built two today!! Great tutorial!!

[@NavyCopMA1]

I saw someone else already mentioned the 3 inch tape measure body (so you don't have to bend the tape) but look for a post level. They are not expensive and clip onto the post to give you 2 sides of level without having to play around with the long level.

[@epicgardening]

Great tips

[@DannyRenstrom]

QUICK TIP... Measuring tapes tend to be 3 inches long. So all you have to do is stretch it straight and add 3 inches... that way you don't have to bend the measuring tape when you're in a tight or awkward spot.

[@DannyRenstrom]

It might actually be 2 inches. Some measuring tapes have the length imprinted on the bottom or side of the tape.

[@jhosvlog7010]

Thanks for Sharing your beautiful ideas..

[@theahronec5903]

Where did you purchase the 25 gallon tarracotta pots for about $40?

[@tamtamathome]

Exactly what I was thinking. I’ve looked near and far. Still can’t find any for that price. Let alone that style pot. I’m only coming across pots that taper, the top is 3-4x’s wider than the bottom.

[@nathanielarch8783]

Yes!! I want soooo badly to grow dragon fruit! Sadly I live in Illinois, but these videos give me hope though!

[@nathanielarch8783]

Jonathan Allen wow, Thanks so much!

[@DragonPrepper]

Thanks 👍! I have been wondering how to build a dragon fruit tower. Love your videos 💕.

[@jesstheone231]

If you are worried about the wood rotting, maybe you could do a cement footing using cardboard or pvc with a galvanized metal 'post holder' (idk what its really called), or maybe there is a safe paint or coating you could apply to an untreated fir or pine post.

[@yeahyeahyeahyeah1111]

Beeswax

[@drakedeming]

Thanks Kevin. I hope to plant a couple soon here in south Florida!

[@elkewerner6994]

What are your thoughts on a 20 gallon grow bag? I also can’t find the nursery pots and terracotta is cost and weight prohibitive bc I’m growing on a balcony.

[@FLHerbologistLaura]

Soooo when you coming over 😁😝😉 I hit the like button!! I have tons of dragonfruit but definitely not set up like yours. I bet I would get twice the harvest if I set them up like that! Looks like I have a new project! As always, great video ✌️💙🌿 but you do make it look too easy 😝

[@epicgardening]

On the way!

[@FLHerbologistLaura]

Epic Gardening 🙌🙌 😆 Epic Gardening in the tropics!

[@natel1590]

can you please make a video about small pot plants that could bear fruits or veggies? we only have a really small spare space and very limited sun exposure...thanks☺️

[@teresadelgado1372]

Awesome, like the trellis for them. Have some dragon fruit. Don't know which kind. Right now is growing against a palm tree but have a few babies from it.

[@seanfraley3377]

i love your vids there grete

[@MrPicklu123]

One can easily use a tyre for that top. I have done that. Plant is growing fast

[@lw6502]

Wow! You’re REALLY into dragonfruit....

[@LeahBrooksJeremiahGardens]

You're so great at explaining things. Thank you!

[@ArtPomelo]

They live 10 to 20 years but when i take a cutting will it survive for another 20 years or die as the mother plant?

[@epicgardening]

Survive

[@thechaosgardener]

depends on the age of the tissue in the cutting. If the cutting tissue is a month old the new plant will be a month old.

[@ArtPomelo]

@@thechaosgardener so they die all at a similar time? Fascinating.

[@crimsonraen]

Thanks so much for the video! Can't wait to start growing my own!

[@steveupton7996]

If you were to use pine for the trellis instead of cedar do you think it would possibly last the productive life of the dragon fruit plant ?

[@user-wg9yt7bl2v]

Hi Kevin, I am watching your videos however everything I have done to help my plants is after the fact...along with building the trellis and gently forcing branches up and on to cooperate. I had to use the rust hard core spray in some places. My plant is 3 years old. I live in Corona CA.

[@Wolf-E-Romeo]

Ive been eyeing this structure for awhile now. I cant grow dragon fruit in my area, but im wondering how I could mold it for zucchini plants to grow vertically. I know its possible. So next year im going to try to make something for them using something like this....hopfully.

[@berri5769]

That’s a really good idea!

[@sabin97]

it's already next year, did you try it?

[@edcreleration]

Thank you for your videos - I am now excited to try planting Dragon Fruits! You make it clear on what to do that even I think I can manage! Quick question: you commented in your videos that you have 4 plants per container, all of the same variety. Can I put 4 different varieties in one pot, especially mixing 2 self-pollinators and 2 that are self-sterile? Would that work?

[@debrafrederick5300]

edcreleration, This is exactly my question. Especially since I have some that are not self-polinated (LaVerne). Did you ever find out if different varieties are ok in one pot?

[@edcreleration]

@@debrafrederick5300 Never got an answer one way or the other but I went ahead and planted them together. So far, after a year, the self pollinators are growing very well and the self-sterile ones are growing "reluctantly". I have to keep pruning the self-pollinators so they don't overrun the slower ones. I understand they take about 2 years from planting to get to flowering stage, if I am lucky, so it will be a year or more before I know if the experiment works. If they don't cross pollinate, I could hand pollinate them, and at least, they would be close to each other saving me the walk from pot to pot! Good luck with your plants!

[@yvonnew.116]

I’m gonna try it!

[@IFeelLikeAG6]

Love it! So simple 😊 Also, peeling asmr is on point lol.

[@violethouseworth5943]

I seen a video where the ole boy concreted the post into a plastic pot>>Put the whole pot in the bottom and put dirt around it>>>But the pot was not a pot but a car ttire so that pot sits right in the middle being supported by that round rubber where the rim would sit

[@shazzbotz]

I'm ready for your mixed tape with those tape sound effects!