Dragon fruit season in Vietnam: main crop and night-lighting crop
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Short answer. Vietnamese dragon fruit is harvested all year. The natural main crop runs from May to September; from October to April growers use night lighting to produce an off-season crop. Export shipments are busiest from October to February, and supply is tightest around March.
Which crop is harvested in which month?
| Month | Crop | Note |
|---|---|---|
| January–February | Night-lighting crop | Busy export months |
| March | Night-lighting crop | Supply tightest |
| April | Night-lighting crop | |
| May–September | Natural main crop | Peak volume |
| October–December | Night-lighting crop | Busy export months |
The calendar is indicative. Volumes are confirmed with each quotation.
Why is there fruit all year?
The plant flowers naturally from May to August, and fruit is harvested about one month later. Outside that window growers light the orchards at night to induce flowering. For export lots the fruit is harvested 28–32 days after flowering, fully coloured and firm, with green bracts and the stem cut to 15–25 mm. It reaches the packing house the same day and is pre-cooled within 12 hours.
Where is it grown?
In Binh Thuan (now part of Lam Dong province), Vietnam's largest dragon fruit area, in Long An (now Tay Ninh) and in Tien Giang (now Dong Thap). The orchards are 1–3 hours from Ho Chi Minh City's port and airport. The geographical indication Bình Thuận was registered in Vietnam on 15 November 2006 and is protected in Japan (since 7 October 2021) and in the EU; Châu Thành in Long An is also a registered geographical indication.
Is the season different for red flesh?
No. Red flesh follows the same pattern: main crop from May to September, night-lighting crop from October to April.
What does this mean for planning?
Fruit is available every month. Ask early for shipments from October to February, when export demand is highest, and expect the tightest supply around March.
Frequently asked questions
When is the peak?
May to September, the natural main crop.
Which month is hardest for supply?
Around March.
Which variety should I choose?
See white or red dragon fruit; packing is in dragon fruit cartons and container loading.
Full specifications are on the dragon fruit page, with separate pages for white flesh and red flesh. To check availability, use the dragon fruit quotation form.
Last reviewed 12 November 2026 by VIET FARM EXPORT COMPANY LIMITED, Ho Chi Minh City. Figures come from our dragon fruit specifications; they are indicative and confirmed with each quotation.