Birds and bats can be some of the toughest visitors to manage in the garden — especially when dragon fruit starts to ripen!

At Rare Dragon Fruit, we’ve learned that balance is key.

By using companion plants, clever tricks like painted rocks, and timely harvesting, you can protect your crops naturally without harming wildlife.

Do you live in Melbourne, Tasmania, Sydney, Adelaide, or other cooler parts of Australia that experience frost — but still want to try your hand at growing Pitaya (dragon fruit)? Don’t worry, it’s possible! With a little extra care and planning, you can enjoy growing dragon fruit even in southern states. Here are some practical tips to help your plants thrive in cooler climates.

Self-fertile dragon fruit varieties may set fruit on their own, but hand pollination can greatly improve your harvest. In this post, we share why it’s worth taking the extra step — from unpredictable weather to better fruit set , With a simple morning pollination routine, you can achieve a 99% success rate and enjoy healthier, more abundant fruit.

Looking for a unique farm experience in Australia? 

Visit our boutique dragon fruit farm in Agnes Water, Queensland, where travelers can enjoy hands-on learning, sustainable farming practices, and the chance to experience life on a tropical fruit farm.

Our guests and WWOOFers help with planting, harvesting, and caring for over 150 varieties of dragon fruit, while also exploring permaculture, companion planting, and zero-waste living.

Just minutes from the beach, it’s the perfect way to combine travel in Australia with an authentic farm stay experience.

Dragon fruit has evolved from a few original varieties into thousands of hybridized types, thanks to breeders and researchers creating more productive, flavorful, and commercially viable plants for global markets.

Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya or pitahaya, is a tropical cactus fruit native to Central and South America. It was introduced to Indochina in the 19th century and is now grown in more than 30 countries, with China, Vietnam, India, Thailand, and Indonesia leading production. The cactus produces spectacular night-blooming flowers that, once pollinated, form fruit ranging from 200 g to 1.5 kg. A mature plant can yield 20–60 kg per season under good conditions.

Beyond “dragon fruit,” the fruit goes by many names around the world, including strawberry pear, night-blooming cereus, and queen of the night. In local languages it’s known as thanh long in Vietnamese, huǒlóng guǒ 火龙果 in Mandarin, fruta del dragón in Spanish, and fruit du dragon in French. These names highlight both the fruit’s mythical associations and its global popularity.

Queensland Garden Expo 2025 – A Weekend to Remember!

What a fantastic time we had at this year’s Queensland Garden Expo! This event is always a highlight on our calendar, and 2025 certainly didn’t disappoint.

Dragon fruit growth is stimulated by increasing daylight hours and rising temperatures. Here is a quick guide on the Australian dragon fruit season in Queensland. 

Learn how to make this easy melt-and-pour soap using real dragon fruit! This simple recipe creates a naturally coloured bar with gentle exfoliation from dragon fruit seeds — a fun and nourishing addition to your zero-waste routine.

Dragon Fruit Swirl Cheesecake 

A deliciously creamy, no-bake treat with a rich brownie base, smooth cashew cheesecake layer, and a vibrant dragon fruit swirl.