Dragon Fruit Plants for Sale

Self-fertile Dragon Fruit, also known as Pitaya, Pithaya and Hylocereus

Dragon Fruit plants sell quickly.

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Premium Dragon Fruit Varieties for South Florida Gardens

Discover standout Dragon Fruit, or Pitaya, cultivars from Pepe’s Plants. These varieties are hand-selected for flavor, productivity and ease of growing in South Florida’s hot, humid subtropical climate.

Whether you are building a food forest, adding vertical interest to a patio or trying to grow delicious exotic fruit at home, these vigorous Hylocereus hybrids are excellent choices. Dragon Fruit plants are fast-growing, evergreen cactus vines that thrive on sturdy trellises or arbors in full sun and well-draining soil.

The plants produce massive, fragrant flowers that open at night. Under South Florida growing conditions, fruit normally develops approximately 30 to 45 days after flowering.

Natural Mystic Dragon Fruit

Pollination

Natural Mystic is fully self-fertile and reliably sets fruit using its own pollen. It is one of the relatively few red-fleshed varieties that does this well. Natural Mystic is also an excellent pollen donor and may be used to pollinate self-sterile varieties such as Physical Graffiti for larger harvests.

Fruit and Flavor

The fruit has red skin with deep red to rich magenta-red flesh. Its flesh is generally darker and more intensely colored than American Beauty. Fruits consistently weigh around one pound and may reach more than two pounds with hand-pollination and bud thinning.

Natural Mystic fruit is semi-sweet to sweet, averaging approximately 15 to 19 Brix, with refreshing watermelon, cherry or tropical berry flavor notes. It is a juicy and consistent producer that may provide as many as four fruiting cycles per year in Florida.

Plant Characteristics

Natural Mystic has distinctive, meaty, three-sided stems with small-to-medium spines. It is a fast-growing hybrid of Hylocereus polyrhizus and Hylocereus undatus. Originally from Thailand, it has proven itself under South Florida growing conditions. Its large nocturnal flowers have white inner petals and red-tipped outer petals. It is a tough, productive variety suitable for containers and smaller growing spaces.

American Beauty Dragon Fruit

Also known as Bien Hoa Red and Quang Ong Self-Fertile

Pollination

American Beauty is fully self-fertile and sets fruit easily using its own pollen, making it a good choice for beginning Dragon Fruit growers. Hand-pollination may help increase fruit size and overall production.

Fruit and Flavor

The fruit has hot-pink to red skin with green fins. Inside, the flesh is bright magenta to vibrant purple-magenta. It is lighter and more fuchsia-toned than the deeper red flesh of Natural Mystic.

American Beauty produces medium-sized, round fruit that generally weighs between one-half and one pound. The fruit is sweet, juicy and slightly tart, with delicious watermelon, strawberry and berry flavor notes.

Plant Characteristics

American Beauty is a fast-growing Guatemalensis hybrid with three-sided stems and small spines. Young plants may initially appear somewhat spindly, but they fill out vigorously as they grow. It is a prolific bloomer, a reliable producer and one of the most popular Dragon Fruit varieties.

Growing Dragon Fruit in Florida

Natural Mystic and American Beauty are hardy in USDA Zones 10 and 11. Plants should be protected when temperatures fall below 32°F.

Dragon Fruit plants are shipped from our nursery in Davie, Florida, as healthy cuttings or potted plants. They may begin producing fruit within one to two years after planting and benefit from Florida’s long growing season.

Jason Pepe’s Growing Tip: Grow at least one self-fertile variety, such as Natural Mystic or American Beauty, alongside Physical Graffiti to make pollination easier and encourage larger crops.

An Easy Fruit to Grow in Containers

Dragon Fruit plants are easy to grow in containers as long as they are provided with a strong support structure. A sturdy trellis or arbor allows the cactus vines to climb and supports the weight of mature branches and developing fruit.

Dragon Fruit may have red, white or pink-colored flesh, depending on the variety. Growing your own vine gives you the opportunity to enjoy fresh, exotic fruit with friends and family.

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Dragon Fruit Nutrition

Dragon Fruit offers nutritional benefits and contains antioxidants. The information presented here is for general informational purposes and is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease.

How to Pick a Ripe Dragon Fruit

The best Dragon Fruit you will ever eat may be the one you grow yourself.

Pick Dragon Fruit approximately 35 to 40 days after the fruit first appears on the vine. Look for fruit with a deep red-orange, almost evenly developed color. A ripe fruit should feel just slightly soft when gently touched.

Anyone who knows how to select a ripe kiwi at a produce stand should have little difficulty recognizing a ripe Dragon Fruit. Fruit that remains very firm is not ready to harvest. Do not be concerned when the spurs, fins or wings remain green, because that is normal.

Storing and Eating Dragon Fruit

Freshly picked Dragon Fruit may be eaten immediately. Its flavor is refreshing and tasty.

After harvest, refrigerate the fruit and enjoy it within three days for the best flavor. Fruit left on a kitchen counter may spoil within a few days and may lose its sweetness.

For longer storage, puree the flesh in a food processor and freeze the pulp for later use in smoothies, desserts and other recipes.

Jason Pepe’s Favorite Dragon Fruit Drink

Blend fresh Dragon Fruit with coconut water and ice. It is simple, refreshing and delicious.

The Legend of Dragon Fruit

According to an ancient Chinese legend, Dragon Fruit was created thousands of years ago by a fire-breathing dragon. During a battle, the dragon released a final burst of fire containing the magnificent bright-red fruit.

The legend says that people who ate the exotic flesh of the fruit received the dragon’s strength, vitality and immortality. We cannot promise immortality, but the fruit’s appearance and refreshing flavor are certainly legendary.

Questions About Growing Dragon Fruit?

Pepe’s Fruit Trees
Local pickup in Davie, Florida
Phone: 954-740-4070

— Jason Pepe, Pepe’s Plants

Dragon Fruit Plants Can Sell Out Quickly

Click below to see which Dragon Fruit plants and cuttings are currently available.

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FDA Disclaimer: Statements about plants or products on this website have not been evaluated by the United States Food and Drug Administration. They are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease. The information is provided for informational purposes and is not a substitute for advice from a physician or other qualified healthcare professional.

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