Selenicereus costaricensis / Hylocereus costaricensis ‘Red Flesh’ – Red Dragon Fruit, Red Pitaya, Pink Pitaya, Pink Dragon Fruit, Pinkfarbene Pitahaya, Drachenfrucht, Pink Pitahaya, Nightblooming Cactus

Description

Red Dragon Fruit, also known as pitaya or pitahaya, is a fruiting cactus variety native to Central and South America. The plant grows to around 10 to 15 feet high with multiple stems and branches, and produces stunning white flowers that bloom during the night from early summer to early fall.

The fruits, which have bright-red skin and red to pink flesh, are oval to oblong in shape and grow to between 3 and 5 inches long and 2 to 4 inches thick. Flavor is sweet and delicate, and often described as a blend of kiwi, watermelon, and pear. Texture is soft and slightly crunchy.

Start indoors by sowing seeds on the soil’s surface in small, individual pots, then cover pots with plastic. Keep soil warm and moist until germination, which may take up to 30 days. 6 to 8 months to maturity. Flowering Time: Summer – Fall