Dragon fruit, also known as pitaya, has gained considerable interest among home gardeners for its unique appearance and flavor. Among its many varieties, the ‘American Beauty’ dragon fruit, scientifically known as Hylocereus guatemalense or Selenicereus guatemalense ‘American Beauty’, stands out. This popular cultivar is sought after for its striking visuals and desirable taste, making it a rewarding addition to many home gardens.
Defining Characteristics
The ‘American Beauty’ dragon fruit is recognized for its impressive visual appeal. The fruit presents with vibrant pink or magenta skin, accented by green scales that often blend into the pink, creating a gradual color transition. Its shape is generally round, with fruits commonly weighing between 0.5 to 1 pound (225 to 450 grams).
Upon cutting, a deep red or fuchsia-colored flesh is revealed, speckled with small, edible black seeds. The pulp is notably juicy, though it can sometimes lack firmness. This variety has a sweet and slightly sour taste, with flavor notes likened to a mix between a kiwi and a pear.
Growing American Beauty Dragon Fruit
Successful cultivation of ‘American Beauty’ dragon fruit involves careful attention to its environmental needs and ongoing care. Providing the right conditions helps ensure healthy growth and robust fruit production.
Site Selection and Planting
American Beauty dragon fruit plants thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal fruit yield. They prefer well-drained soil, ideally sandy or loamy, enriched with organic matter. A slightly acidic to neutral pH is suitable for its growth.
As a vining cactus, the ‘American Beauty’ dragon fruit requires a sturdy support structure, such as a trellis or robust post. When planting, ensure the base of the plant is firmly established at the support, allowing the stems to climb.
Watering and Fertilization
While ‘American Beauty’ dragon fruit can tolerate some drought, consistent watering is important during the active growing season. Water deeply, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Regular feeding with a balanced fertilizer promotes growth and fruit production. Fertilizers with lower nitrogen content are preferred, as excessive nitrogen can encourage vegetative growth over flowering and fruiting. Organic compost or a slow-release granular fertilizer can be applied periodically.
Temperature and Pruning
‘American Beauty’ dragon fruit plants prefer temperatures between 18°C and 29°C (65°F and 85°F) for optimal growth and fruit development. Protection from frost is necessary, as prolonged exposure to freezing temperatures can cause damage.
Pruning maintains plant health, shapes the plant, and encourages fruit production. This involves removing dead, diseased, or overcrowded stems to improve air circulation and light penetration. Strategic pruning also encourages branching, leading to more flowering and fruit set.
Pollination for Fruit Set
The ‘American Beauty’ dragon fruit is self-fertile, meaning it can produce fruit using its own pollen. This makes it a good choice for home growers, as a single plant can yield fruit.
Despite its self-fertile nature, hand-pollination is recommended for optimal fruit set and larger, more consistently shaped fruits. Dragon fruit flowers are nocturnal, opening at night and closing by morning. Hand-pollination involves collecting pollen from the anthers of a freshly opened flower, using a small brush or cotton swab. This pollen is then transferred to the stigma of the same flower or another flower on the plant. Successful pollination is indicated by the flower wilting and closing by morning, followed by the ovary swelling, signaling fruit development.
Harvesting and Culinary Uses
Harvesting ‘American Beauty’ dragon fruit at the right time ensures the best flavor and quality. The fruit typically takes about 43 days from bloom to harvest in suitable climates. Ripeness is indicated by a vibrant color change from greenish-red to deep pink or magenta across the skin. The skin should also have a slight give when gently pressed.
To harvest, carefully twist the fruit from the stem or use a clean, sharp knife to cut the stem just above the fruit. This prevents damage to the fruit and vining stem.
‘American Beauty’ dragon fruit is versatile in culinary applications. It is often enjoyed fresh, either sliced in half and scooped out, or peeled and cut into cubes. The fruit also makes a vibrant addition to smoothies, fruit salads, desserts, or refreshing beverages.