Dragon Fruit, Red Flesh

Dragon fruit plant is an exotic cactus that grows flavorful fruit, loves warm, humid climates, and needs very little water or care. This cactus grows thick, triangular, succulent-like branches that love to climb and spread. The vibrant red and yellow dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, pitahaya, or strawberry pear, is incredibly tasty and nutritious! Dragon fruit plants also produce beautiful, large yellowish-white flowers with a rare tropical scent. These special flowers are known as “night-blooming cereus”, are one of the largest flowers in the world and only bloom for a night before wilting by daybreak.

There are four types of fruit: red, white, pink, and yellow flesh, and all with black seeds. The yellow-colored fruit has white flesh inside, and the pink-colored ones are either pink or white inside.

These plants bear fruit for five months every year, between June and October. Fruit development occurs shortly after flowering.

This reddish-purple flesh dragon fruit has red skin and a sweet taste. It is delicious to eat raw in smoothies, fruit salads, sweet salsa, and much more! You can just scoop out the flesh and eat it by itself, it’s that inviting.

Days to Maturity: 6-8 months in the ground, potentially 1-2 years for container-grown plants.

Plant size: 5-10 ft. tall and likes to climb on walls, rocks, or trees (will need support)

Plant spacing: 6 ft. apart

Sun, soil, and water requirement: Dragon fruit prefers hots, sunny locations in rich, well-draining soil. It can tolerate heavy rains and requires consistently moist soils so be sure to water it during hot spells as needed.

Harvesting: You can begin harvesting the fruit 30 days after they begin to develop. They will continue to grow and become sweeter the longer they are left on the cactus. Fruit will be mature and ready to eat after being left on your counter for 1-2 days. Eat them when they are a little soft (but not too soft). They can also be stored in the refrigerator for 2-3 days.

Culinary: Great for eating raw, include in salads, smoothies, ice cream, and other desserts.

Nutrients: Dragon fruits are loaded with health benefits and are a true superfood. It helps remove toxic substances from your body, contains antioxidants and vitamins which are good for healthy immune systems, and can help boost your iron levels.

Special considerations: Dragon fruit is pollinated by moths during the evening and hand pollination can help boost fruit development.

Companion planting: Dragon fruit can get big if grown in the ground and is most productive if given its own small, raised bed or container. They love to climb trees or rock walls so planting them along a tree hedge or rock wall fencing is an ideal form of support.

Locally sourced seed

Container friendly

Please Note:

** Pots and plants may vary from the picture depending on the size and maturity ordered. All plants have been carefully hardened off and are ready to be transplanted into their permanent garden home or pot once delivered.

** Growing details provided are general. Conditions will change depending on your location, elevation, climate, rainfall, and accessible sunlight.

** Nutritional information is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or another qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.