code: 948
fleshy stems reaching up to twenty feet long in old
Family: Cactaceae
Common name: Hylocereus megalanthus, Yellow Pitahaya
Plant Classification: Half hardy shrub
Minimum Height: 60 cm
Maximum Height: 3.0 meters
Packet Content(approx.): 8
This unusual climbing terrestrial or epiphytic cactus has thin, twining, fleshy stems reaching up to twenty feet long in old, mature plants. The yellow fruits are smaller than the common red dragon fruit, and contain prominent spikes until ripening time, when the spikes drop off. Widely known for its sweet-tasting fruits, the taste is said to be superior to most other cacti, being very popular eaten chilled, out of the hand, and it is also used to flavour drinks and pastries. Although it prefers partial sun, and can tolerate down to 32F, it prefers to be kept above 40F/4C. The climbing stems tolerate very high temperatures as well, as this cactus originates from tropical places such as Bolivia, Ecuador, Peru and Columbia. It is commercially grown to a limited extent in Columbia and fruits are occasionally exported to Europe and Canada.
Sowing advice:
For best results, sow seeds in good light at any time onto a good soil-based compost. Cover the seeds with fine grit or compost to approximately their own depth. We recommend germinating at 15 to 20 degrees C. Seeds should ideally germinate in between 2 and 6 weeks although they make take considerably longer. Pot on seedlings before finally planting out into a container or a well-drained spot.
Flavor:
When testing for sweetness of the Dragon Fruit a device called a refractometer is used. It uses the brix scale of sweetness. This scale ranges from 0 to 32. The higher the number the sweeter the fruit. In addition to sweetness any unique attributes such as size and flavor are also considered when giving this rating.
Fruit Production:
For the rating we look at how many fruits are produced from a single plant. Also, how easy or difficult it is to grow is considered. For example, a variety that is self-fertile will get a higher rating than an non self-fertile variety.
Growing:
This is a rating of the overall hardiness of the plant. In addition to this, we also look at how quickly the plant adapts from cuttings and how long it will take before producing the first fruit.
Health Benefits of Yellow Dragonfruit
Detoxifies body
Formation of RBCs
Cardiovascular health
Strengthen immunity
Lowers inflammation
Enhance beauty
