How to Germinate Flying Dragon Citrus Seeds

Procure the tree seeds in early spring by either removing them from a flying dragon fruit or purchasing them. Cut the fruit in half and remove the seeds. Wash the fruit pulp off of the seeds. Place the seeds in a bowl or glass of water to determine seed viability. Viable seeds will sink to the bottom. Throw away seeds that float to the top. Place the viable seeds on several layers of paper towel or newspaper to dry.

Wrap the clean, dry seeds in dry paper towel by folding it over the seeds several times and place them in a sealed baggie or clean plastic container. Put the seeds in the refrigerator in the vegetable drawer for two to three weeks. Refrigeration provides cold stratification, which is commonly required for germination. This refrigeration may have already been done when the fruit or seeds were stored before being sold. However, an additional two or three weeks will not harm the seeds and may improve germination.

Place the seeds in a sturdy plastic or glass container. Cover them with water to a depth of about 1 inch. Heat the water to 85 degrees F and let the seeds soak for 24 hours prior to planting. Maintain the water at that temperature by placing it on top of an appliance that stays warm or placing the container on a heat mat designed for seed germination.

Fill a seed flat or small individual 2- to 3-inch diameter peat pots with a soil-based commercial potting mix. Remove the seeds from the 85 degree F water. Pour the water over the potting mix to moisten it before planting the seeds. Use additional warm water if necessary to completely moisten the potting mix. Plant the seeds in the potting mix at a depth that is two to three times the length of the seed. Space the seeds 2 inches apart when planting in a seed flat.

Set the seed flat or peat pots in a rectangular plastic container with sides that are 2 to 3 inches taller than the seed containers. Cover the plastic container with a piece of clear plastic or glass to help retain moisture. Place the container on top of a heating cable or similar heat source. Maintain a consistent soil temperature of 80 to 85 degrees F.

Use a grow light to provide 16 hours of light each day. Do not allow the seeds to dry out. Keep them moist by misting them or watering them with a gentle stream of water when the top of the potting mix begins to dry. Be careful not to displace the seeds. Germination should take place in two weeks but may take as long as three months.