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Abnshrek
08-30-2013, 04:03 PM
American Beauty doing just fine.. :^)
http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/DFAB083013_zps144b6939.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/DFAB083013_zps144b6939.jpg.html)

edzone9
09-12-2013, 10:34 AM
I gotta get me one of those maybe yellow dragon of natural mystic types..

Nicolas Naranja
09-12-2013, 01:52 PM
I'm going to plant some this spring where I have had my trellised beans and tomatoes.

Snookie
09-12-2013, 02:34 PM
OH that's what the AB means you marked on the DF you sent me American Beauty:}

Abnshrek
09-12-2013, 06:59 PM
OH that's what the AB means you marked on the DF you sent me American Beauty:}

That's right.. :^)

Abnshrek
09-25-2013, 10:24 AM
http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/DF092513_zps874c912f.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/DF092513_zps874c912f.jpg.html)

Hammocked Banana
09-29-2013, 01:13 PM
Do you have any support on top of that pole? Or do they just hang on with their air roots(and plant ties) up thar?

Abnshrek
09-29-2013, 01:32 PM
Do you have any support on top of that pole? Or do they just hang on with their air roots(and plant ties) up thar?

I have a rubber covered steel wrap on top of the 1st post the other two don't require any help yet. There is a crap-load of roots on the 1st post.. Here is a closer look..

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/DFAB092913_zps1ac22bd0.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/DFAB092913_zps1ac22bd0.jpg.html)

Abnshrek
10-01-2013, 09:42 PM
What Fertilizer's work good on Dragonfruit.. I wonder if Richard's Hawaiian Bud would work good? :^)

caliboy1994
10-01-2013, 10:13 PM
I have used fish emulsion and kelp meal. I have also thrown some Azomite on them. Mine seem to be pretty happy. :)

Richard
10-02-2013, 12:47 AM
I have used fish emulsion and kelp meal. I have also thrown some Azomite on them. Mine seem to be pretty happy. :)

Well of course they are happy with sources of nitrogen and gibberellic acid. The canonical blooming time for Hylocereus species is after the summer solstice - and so introduction of a bloom stimulant before then is likely to produce an immature crop of fruit. The best practice I have seen in field trials here (San Diego county) is to feed the plants a 2:1:3 NPK ratio during the growing season - like most fruits, and receive a bountiful harvest during the production period.

caliboy1994
10-16-2013, 02:54 AM
Well of course they are happy with sources of nitrogen and gibberellic acid. The canonical blooming time for Hylocereus species is after the summer solstice - and so introduction of a bloom stimulant before then is likely to produce an immature crop of fruit. The best practice I have seen in field trials here (San Diego county) is to feed the plants a 2:1:3 NPK ratio during the growing season - like most fruits, and receive a bountiful harvest during the production period.

They are the ones I received from you, Richard. I planted them in the ground this summer. They grew in pots the previous year (the Paul Thomson is still in a pot, I need to find a spot for it), and they seem to be adapting very well to the new conditions. Could I expect a harvest next year? The location they are in is semi-sheltered from wind and cold and receives part sun, and I built a trellis. I'll see if I can get some pics.

caliboy1994
10-16-2013, 10:52 AM
Here we go. From left to right: Hylocereus guatemalensis (American Beauty), Hylocereus ocamponis, 'Physical Graffiti.'

https://scontent-b-pao.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-prn2/v/1378271_10200763896041871_579748766_n.jpg?oh=b8770e9ed388cbd79c0 018bbb730f8dd&oe=5260DC51

Abnshrek
01-18-2014, 01:25 PM
American Beauty.. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/AB122713_zpsb4aa816c.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/AB122713_zpsb4aa816c.jpg.html)

Worm_Farmer
01-18-2014, 07:19 PM
How tall does the post really need to be? Can I make it short so that the plant is not growing over my fence line?

sunfish
01-18-2014, 07:22 PM
How tall does the post really need to be? Can I make it short so that the plant is not growing over my fence line?

You can make it as short as you want

Abnshrek
01-18-2014, 08:21 PM
How tall does the post really need to be? Can I make it short so that the plant is not growing over my fence line?

For people that are going to bring them indoors I'd say keep the length to 6.5' or so.. :^)

sunfish
01-18-2014, 08:26 PM
How tall does the post really need to be? Can I make it short so that the plant is not growing over my fence line?

Yes you can make it short so it is not growing over your fence line

Richard
01-18-2014, 08:46 PM
How tall does the post really need to be? Can I make it short so that the plant is not growing over my fence line?

At the UC agricultural field station in Irvine CA there have been trials of Dragonfruit varieties and cultivation methods going on for about a decade now. Their constant recommendation on height of post is "shoulder height of the operator". This is so that when the plant fruits, the fruit will be easy to harvest.

http://ucanr.edu/blogs/anrnews/blogfiles/13035.jpg

Abnshrek
02-07-2014, 10:51 AM
American Beauty Growing a bunch of skinny's & a crapload of roots.. Yes, it's top-heavy.. or the box wouldn't be there.. :^)


http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/AB020714_zps51e86c7f.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/AB020714_zps51e86c7f.jpg.html)

Richard
02-07-2014, 02:21 PM
American Beauty Growing a bunch of skinny's & a crapload of roots.. Yes, it's top-heavy.. or the box wouldn't be there.. :^)

I expect the roots and skinnies are due to lower light conditions. At my previous residence some of my Dragonfruit plants were growing outdoors in 15 gallon pots just under the drip line of a 40-foot tall Ficus benjamina (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ficus_benjamina). The growth habit in the filtered sunlight was identical to what I see in your picture.

Abnshrek
02-28-2014, 01:24 PM
Here's what's been going on.. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/DFAB022814_zps855fb58d.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/DFAB022814_zps855fb58d.jpg.html)

Abnshrek
04-17-2014, 08:14 PM
American Beauty going outside, getting strapped to the rail.. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/DFAB041714_zpsbe3b6af7.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/DFAB041714_zpsbe3b6af7.jpg.html)

Moving this bad-boy was almost fun.. lol

Abnshrek
04-25-2014, 07:53 AM
One thing I noticed in the difference between the Fat growth & skinny stuff is this. The Skinny burns where as the Fat growth I haven't had that problem to date.. I'm trimming all the skinny stuff off just to make her more manageable. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Photo1438_zpsc47860cc.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Photo1438_zpsc47860cc.jpg.html)

Abnshrek
04-30-2014, 05:52 PM
I was told by one fellow that this would help get blooms, and possibly fruit.. I guess this would depend on how far along your plant is, and how healthy. Mine is 2 years old I think it could afford to have a couple blooms, not anything crazy.. What do you experienced folks think?

http://www.homedepot.com/catalog/productImages/400/a6/a61ec103-4a50-455e-b397-e4007d6ae5bd_400.jpg

Richard
04-30-2014, 10:42 PM
I was told by one fellow that this would help get blooms, and possibly fruit.. I guess this would depend on how far along your plant is, and how healthy. Mine is 2 years old I think it could afford to have a couple blooms, not anything crazy.. What do you experienced folks think?

For perennials (and also my experience with bananas in sub-tropic climates), forcing blooms and fruit out of the plants natural clock usually results in poor fruit quality. In your area, I think the bloom cycle for Hylocereus starts in June -- but check with other members here. For Hylocereus, if the plant has reached maturity and it has been fed a reasonable diet it will bloom. My experience with cuttings has been that this occurs in 2-3 years depending on the cultivar.

The supplement you are showing in the photo is ok for fruiting plants -- it boosts both phosphate and potash. The phosphate will (among other things) stimulate blooming and the potash will provide the resources to produce viable fruit. If you are feeding your plant 16-8-24 Fruit Fuel then I see no reason to add it -- in fact it would supply too much potash. On the other hand, the 0-10-10 is a good complement to someone using an "even" formula like 5-5-5 or 16-16-16.

If you are using Fruit Fuel and want to experiment forcing blooms -- then choose something that is primarily phosphate; for example 0-50-0 or 5-50-17.

Dangermouse01
05-01-2014, 02:24 PM
In your area, I think the bloom cycle for Hylocereus starts in June -- but check with other members here.

In central Florida, my DF (except the yellow) usually start blooming sometime in May (yea!!!! it's May )

DM

Abnshrek
05-01-2014, 04:19 PM
In central Florida, my DF (except the yellow) usually start blooming sometime in May (yea!!!! it's May )
DM

So this is normal for every kind you have other than the yellow..
What's the latest do they start?
What type is the slowest other than Yellow?
What do you feed your DF? Thanks :^)

Hammocked Banana
05-01-2014, 04:42 PM
Also, you should probably include an update pic.... ;-)

What's the coldest temp a potted dragon fruit will take without damage? I'm still to scared to put them out in there new trellis pots because the lows are dipping down to 3C (37F) on Sunday/Monday and I don't want to have to move them again until fall....

Dangermouse01
05-01-2014, 06:37 PM
So this is normal for every kind you have other than the yellow..
What's the latest do they start?
What type is the slowest other than Yellow?
What do you feed your DF? Thanks :^)

All started from cuttings in pots in late 2011, put in the ground spring 2012, first fruits 2013. So my bloom months are based on one year of data.
Bloom Months:
May thru Sept: Dark Star, Haleys Comet, Physical Graffiti, Purple Haze.
July thru Sept: American Beauty, Vietnamese Jaina
Aug thru Nov: Yellow (known to be late bloomer)

http://www.bananas.org/f8/dragon-fruit-trellis-branching-15087.html

http://www.bananas.org/f8/dragon-fruit-4831-35.html

I usually just throw some Vigoro Citrus fertilizer on them or the banana fertilizer that I get from Going Bananas when I am down there, top dress with composted cow manure once a year, sometimes spray with kelp, fish powder and Southern AG citrus nutritional spray when I am spraying everything else, mulch around the base with chopped up old banana trunks.

DM

Hammocked Banana
05-01-2014, 10:41 PM
Mike did your purple haze turn out to be a halleys comet?

Abnshrek
05-01-2014, 11:15 PM
Mike did your purple haze turn out to be a halleys comet?


I don't know you'd have to ask flaflowerfloozie that's where I got mine from, other than my American Beauty.. :^)

Hammocked Banana
05-02-2014, 04:29 AM
Oops sorry other Mike... I got my PH from dangermouse so juat trying to keep track of things

Dangermouse01
05-04-2014, 12:38 PM
All started from cuttings in pots in late 2011, put in the ground spring 2012, first fruits 2013. So my bloom months are based on one year of data.
Bloom Months:
May thru Sept: Dark Star, Haleys Comet, Physical Graffiti, Purple Haze.
July thru Sept: American Beauty, Vietnamese Jaina
Aug thru Nov: Yellow (known to be late bloomer)


Found 1 bud on my American Beauty this morning (May 04), didn't see any on any of the others yet.

DM

Richard
05-04-2014, 10:06 PM
wow. I won't see any flower buds on my Hylocereus for at least a couple of months.

Abnshrek
06-29-2014, 02:39 PM
More Growth maybe some flower's next year.. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Photo1695_zpsf002b65a.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Photo1695_zpsf002b65a.jpg.html)

I need to do some tieing on this one.. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Photo1710_zps51d4a08f.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Photo1710_zps51d4a08f.jpg.html)

I_GROWER
07-01-2014, 01:45 PM
Snagged this guy blooming for $8.50

http://i.imgur.com/8AqOFGo.jpg

Abnshrek
07-22-2014, 09:52 AM
I finally have the beginnings of my 1st flower.. I'm :goteam: :v)

Hammocked Banana
07-22-2014, 10:49 AM
I finally have the beginnings of my 1st flower.. I'm :goteam: :v)

Congrats!!!!!

kubali
07-22-2014, 02:53 PM
Hope you have better luck than me mike, I had 2 blooms really big flowers and it rained 5 days in a row and the flowers dropped nothing set at all. I'm hoping maybe one of my other 2 plants will flower still this year.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56375&size=1

Dangermouse01
07-22-2014, 03:02 PM
Hope you have better luck than me mike, I had 2 blooms really big flowers and it rained 5 days in a row and the flowers dropped nothing set at all. I'm hoping maybe one of my other 2 plants will flower still this year.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56375&size=1
What variety DF is that? And did you go out there with a art type paint brush and try to help out with the pollination during the night?

DM

kubali
07-22-2014, 05:35 PM
Yes I did, it is a Haley's comet.
everything looked cool till all the rain then the flower pod got yellow and fell off.

Abnshrek
07-24-2014, 09:07 PM
You you think? :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/DF072414_zps77a859d0.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/DF072414_zps77a859d0.jpg.html)

Richard
07-24-2014, 10:15 PM
You you think? :^)

Nice bud! It's a young plant, so don't fret if it doesn't make it to flower stage. You at least know that it can flower :)

At my previous home my experience was that in the first couple of years only about 1/4 of the buds would mature to flower, and only a few of those would produce fruit (with hand pollination). But when a plant reached 3+ years, the success rate from bud to fruit was something like 9 out of 10.

Snookie
07-25-2014, 06:47 PM
[QUOTE=Abnshrek;249475]You you think? :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/DF072414_zps77a859d0.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/DF072414_zps77a859d0.jpg.html)[/QUOTE

Hey Neighbor...

Looks like a "Girl" to me:} :nanadrink:

Kat2
07-25-2014, 07:31 PM
Enjoying this thread and the pictures very much.

I finally found a DF to buy--it was purple inside and fuchsia outside. Maybe what you guys are growing tastes better but I wouldn't waste space on this. Yes, it's possible it was too ripe but I really didn't like it. BTW, I used to grow prickly pear cactus but only for the flowers; the fruit was disgusting to me. I have a feeling, after tasting jam and juice, I wouldn't be a fan of guavas either; I have never been impressed by star fruit. Of the tropical fruits this Yankee gal really only likes avocados and mangoes it seems. Ah, well, carry on.

Worm_Farmer
07-25-2014, 07:34 PM
Enjoying this thread and the pictures very much.

I finally found a DF to buy--it was purple inside and fuchsia outside. Maybe what you guys are growing tastes better but I wouldn't waste space on this. Yes, it's possible it was too ripe but I really didn't like it. BTW, I used to grow prickly pear cactus but only for the flowers; the fruit was disgusting to me. I have a feeling, after tasting jam and juice, I wouldn't be a fan of guavas either; I have never been impressed by star fruit. Of the tropical fruits this Yankee gal really only likes avocados and mangoes it seems. Ah, well, carry on.

I got a Purple flesh one from local produce stand. It was kind of small and almost round in shape. To me it tasted like Perfume and was not very good at all.

Richard
07-25-2014, 11:44 PM
The good ones taste like melon and the poor ones like castor oil.

Kat2
07-26-2014, 12:09 AM
The good ones taste like melon and the poor ones like castor oil.Mine was pretty tasteless. After hearing about them for ages and coveting just a taste, the one I purchased didn't deliver a melon or castor oil flavor but just mushy blah. Decent to add to a smoothie I suspect but I'm not into those. Add in that I prefer under ripe fruit and I'm done with persnickety DF. It was worth $1.79 to test but not worth the effort of growing these fuchsia ones IMO.

Worm_Farmer
07-26-2014, 06:57 PM
The good ones taste like melon and the poor ones like castor oil.

LoL! Right on!

I think the Purple Haze tasted like a kiwi with out any of the acid. My wife and I really liked the Dark Star as is seemed so Sweet!

More than the flavor, I think I read they are really healthy for you.


--
I am really considering Ripping out my Kiwi vine's and replacing them with DF.

merce3
07-29-2014, 07:39 PM
is this ready? i'm afraid to let it go another day since it's the only one that's full size
http://i.imgur.com/dXny3Zq.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/b535GA7.jpg

Richard
07-29-2014, 08:01 PM
Could be. Picking fruit is a learning process. Use shears to detach it from the branch, otherwise you'll risk damaging the plant.

merce3
07-29-2014, 08:26 PM
thanks richard. i will probably pick it tomorrow afternoon and give it a try. i'm not sure what type it is so i don't really know what to expect. i guess i'll find out tomorrow. more pics to come.

merce3
07-30-2014, 09:41 AM
I did some research this morning and you typically want to wait until the green tips turn completely brown/yellow. the fruit can be soft but there should be very little spotting.

Richard
07-30-2014, 06:08 PM
I did some research this morning and you typically want to wait until the green tips turn completely brown/yellow. the fruit can be soft but there should be very little spotting.

Yes and no. In humid climates like yours, the fruit might be ripe when the sepals are only brown about half way down. In your photo I see you've been clipping the tips of your sepals so its a bit hard to tell.

The fruit should be soft yes, and when you cut it open there should be some juice, but not runny like an over-ripe beefsteak tomato.

merce3
07-30-2014, 06:31 PM
Yes and no. In humid climates like yours, the fruit might be ripe when the sepals are only brown about half way down. In your photo I see you've been clipping the tips of your sepals so its a bit hard to tell.

The fruit should be soft yes, and when you cut it open there should be some juice, but not runny like an over-ripe beefsteak tomato.

thanks for the additional info. i haven't clipped anything, so i guess the sepals are naturally shrinking. maybe something to do with the cultivar? i dunno, it's my first time around the block with these.

Abnshrek
07-31-2014, 02:36 PM
I have a bloom on my American Beauty... :v)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps22000364.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps22000364.jpg.html)

Abnshrek
07-31-2014, 06:34 PM
My bloom on a 2 yr old cutting from Flaflowerfluzie.. :v)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps3d2beb28.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps3d2beb28.jpg.html)

merce3
07-31-2014, 07:36 PM
man, that was delicious. unlike any other fruit i've had. here's the final product:
http://i.imgur.com/RVtVQc5.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/3RSTeoR.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/QbBbKhR.jpg

Abnshrek
08-07-2014, 01:10 PM
American Beauty had another flower hiding.. :v)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps07286ba0.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps07286ba0.jpg.html)

Abnshrek
08-07-2014, 01:14 PM
Hey are flowers suppose to be this color?

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps538491d9.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps538491d9.jpg.html)

Hammocked Banana
08-07-2014, 01:31 PM
man, that was delicious. unlike any other fruit i've had. here's the final product:
http://i.imgur.com/RVtVQc5.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/3RSTeoR.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/QbBbKhR.jpg

Nice pimp nail! Im sure Fred is jealous haha.

Dangermouse01
08-07-2014, 03:42 PM
Hey are flowers suppose to be this color?

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps538491d9.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps538491d9.jpg.html)
Doesn't look like that one is going to make it, will probably fall off in the next few days.

DM

Hammocked Banana
08-07-2014, 05:05 PM
Do the flowers of the yellow type look like that?

Abnshrek
08-07-2014, 06:14 PM
Do the flowers of the yellow type look like that?

No, it's a purple fleshed I believe.. Or could've been..

merce3
08-07-2014, 09:06 PM
Nice pimp nail! Im sure Fred is jealous haha.

lol! that's my wife's hand. :)

Dangermouse01
08-08-2014, 08:14 AM
Do the flowers of the yellow type look like that?
Flower buds on my Yellow DF, look like this.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n200/dangermouse2006/flowers%20and%20plants/Dragon%20Fruit/yellow_08-08-2014_zpsb0c18b90.jpg

DM

Snookie
08-08-2014, 09:47 AM
Groovy!!! :08:

2woodensticks
08-09-2014, 09:49 AM
Flower buds on my Yellow DF, look like this.
http://i112.photobucket.com/albums/n200/dangermouse2006/flowers%20and%20plants/Dragon%20Fruit/yellow_08-08-2014_zpsb0c18b90.jpg

DM

are they self pollinating??or do you help with the deed???

Dangermouse01
08-09-2014, 11:51 AM
are they self pollinating??or do you help with the deed???

They are said to be self pollinating and that they will set fruit on their own.
Will let you know if that is true in a few days. Had some flowers open the last few nights and didn't notice them until the morning, so I didn't have a chance to go out with the paint brush. Have more opening in the next few nights, might tag half of them and not do anything and see how they do.
The ones that opened in June, I went out in the evening with the paint brush and they all set fruit.

DM

Abnshrek
08-22-2014, 11:12 PM
I can say all 3 of my flowers fell off, the last one fell off Wednesday.. Maybe next year.. :v)

Abnshrek
09-05-2014, 06:24 PM
As they say keep trying.. DF by sweetheart has over 24 blooms in the beginning stages.. Hopefully some make it.. :v)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsbd6de2ec.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsbd6de2ec.jpg.html)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps9771384b.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps9771384b.jpg.html)

Richard
09-05-2014, 08:37 PM
Go plants go!

kubali
09-06-2014, 09:08 AM
good luck abnshrek ,I just lost 2 more blooms turned yellow and just fell off.
got 2 more coming but I'm sure they will fall off too.
I think it is just too hot. Been 95-97 everyday now for awhile.

Abnshrek
09-06-2014, 12:04 PM
good luck abnshrek ,I just lost 2 more blooms turned yellow and just fell off.
got 2 more coming but I'm sure they will fall off too.
I think it is just too hot. Been 95-97 everyday now for awhile.

As happy as it is where they are ( getting some shade from the sweetheart) I hope to salvage something.. :v)

Abnshrek
09-12-2014, 05:50 PM
Ok I have a Q? I think the ants are eating portions of my DF growth and are all over the flowers.. Would be best to rid myself of them? And has anyone has problems w/ Ants on their Dragonfruit? Thanks:v)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsdc4c34b1.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsdc4c34b1.jpg.html)

Hammocked Banana
09-12-2014, 09:15 PM
Well I haven't had any blooms yet, but I have had ants on my plants amd had something eating the growth tips at the same time. Not sure if it was the ants or if they attracted something else that did the damage.

Abnshrek
09-12-2014, 09:51 PM
I spray then, not worry.. :v)

Abnshrek
09-13-2014, 09:01 AM
This is the damage I'm talking about from Ants.. Banana leaf is shading the growth from the sun. I've trimmed a lot of this off this year..

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps66407041.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps66407041.jpg.html)

I have no ant problem this morning.. The ants damaged several flowers so I'm glad I did not wait to spray.. :v)

Abnshrek
09-13-2014, 11:05 AM
Ant damage.. I still have 17 good flowers.. They knocked off numerous small buds besides these.. Have more damage pics when I'm not mobile..

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps468373c5.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps468373c5.jpg.html)

Dangermouse01
09-13-2014, 01:28 PM
Ant damage.. I still have 17 good flowers.. They knocked off numerous small buds besides these.. Have more damage pics when I'm not mobile..

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps468373c5.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps468373c5.jpg.html)
From your picture, it looks like you are starting to have some brown soft mushy rotting issues at the base of this plant.

DM

Abnshrek
09-15-2014, 12:36 PM
American Beauty with 5 flowers in early development.. Its getting a lil more sun these days so hopefully that will help.. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/DFAmericanBeauty091214_zps56048d45.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/DFAmericanBeauty091214_zps56048d45.jpg.html)

DM: that DF is the one that only has 4 flowers on it.. Hopefully drying it up will help..

Abnshrek
09-17-2014, 02:09 PM
Well down to 13 flowers on the 2 by the fence.. No more ants.. Only one flower on the one w/ the soft spot..

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsb05430a4.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsb05430a4.jpg.html)

Abnshrek
09-17-2014, 06:37 PM
American Beauty way behind the other two.. :^)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/IMG_0424_zpsd90f4e43.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/IMG_0424_zpsd90f4e43.jpg.html)

merce3
09-17-2014, 07:23 PM
looking good man!

Abnshrek
09-20-2014, 03:46 PM
I can't believe how fast they grow.. :v)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps5632ef58.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps5632ef58.jpg.html)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsda25c1ef.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zpsda25c1ef.jpg.html)

Abnshrek
09-28-2014, 10:02 AM
American Beauty DF w/ 5 flowers coming on.. :v)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps8672e8fe.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps8672e8fe.jpg.html)

Abnshrek
09-28-2014, 12:44 PM
Well there is 6 flowers.. :v)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps219d4408.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps219d4408.jpg.html)

I don't know how I could miss that big flower in the back..

scashaggy
09-28-2014, 08:39 PM
Just picked up my first DF cactus, it said it was the Halley's Comet variety. I set a pole for it and will top it off with something in the future.

I am also looking for DF cuttings of different varieties in the South FL area.

Here is my setup as it currently stands.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/scashaggy/20140928_154203.jpg


I also planted some cuttings of the HC that were loose or broken due to transport.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/scashaggy/20140928_154317.jpg

Dangermouse01
09-29-2014, 04:53 AM
I also planted some cuttings of the HC that were loose or broken due to transport.
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/scashaggy/20140928_154317.jpg
The one in the center appears to be planted upside down compared to the other two, or could just be an illusion.

Enjoy.

DM

boffcheck
09-29-2014, 07:15 AM
Hey there,

I got quite shocked some minutes ago while reading an article about DF... Is it true that there will go 20 YEARS of f***ing time down the river till a DF fruits from putting seeds in the ground? I was like dafu**k.. this sounds sooo not like a "omg I cant belive how fast it grows" plant to me...

Abnshrek
09-29-2014, 08:58 AM
DF grow pretty fast even from Seed.. If they are similar to plumeria in growth from seed.. I'd say 3-7 years depending on how you feed them, soil, and environment.. They are to easy to grow from Cuttings. Cuttings ship great, root easily, and don't weight alot so getting them shipped isn't anything like a corm banana pup (cost effective).. :^)

boffcheck
09-29-2014, 09:09 AM
lol ok.. what would a cuttin cost? but a cutting will also take 3-7 years to flower?!

Abnshrek
09-29-2014, 09:24 AM
lol ok.. what would a cuttin cost? but a cutting will also take 3-7 years to flower?!

My cuttings that are flowering are 2 years old in my environment..

boffcheck
09-29-2014, 09:33 AM
hmm.. ^^ ok I'll keep that in mind! My gf is killing me anyway if I get my hands on any other plant ^^

do you have a favorite type?

Abnshrek
09-29-2014, 10:18 AM
hmm.. ^^ ok I'll keep that in mind! My gf is killing me anyway if I get my hands on any other plant ^^

do you have a favorite type?

Someone has, but not me.. I like growing pokey stuff, and the fact that it can fruit is a Bonus.. :^)

amantedelenguaje
10-04-2014, 05:28 PM
O.K., so how are Abnshrek's buds and flowers doing? Also, I watched some of my DF new growth. Sometimes I can see tiny droplets of a sticky, sap-like substance. Perhaps this is what the ants are after.
http://4.bp.blogspot.com/-p87mSzOKXs8/VBoJEaqSQvI/AAAAAAAADqA/1dzyjM9XIBg/s1600/20140917_163914-701201.jpg

Abnshrek
10-04-2014, 06:12 PM
All my blooms fell off the ones by the fence. 6 blooms already opened up and one on the way on the American Beauty.. Next year the ones on the fence will be by the American Beauty.. :v)

http://i1362.photobucket.com/albums/r698/Bucko13f/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps4acfa8f7.jpg (http://s1362.photobucket.com/user/Bucko13f/media/Mobile%20Uploads/image_zps4acfa8f7.jpg.html)

scashaggy
10-04-2014, 06:52 PM
Today I was driving around in Homestead, I saw this and had to pull over.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/scashaggy/20141004_131415.jpg

scashaggy
10-14-2014, 07:47 PM
This has been the last couple of nights at my house.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/scashaggy/20141013_214140.jpg http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/scashaggy/20141013_214132.jpg

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/scashaggy/20141012_231115.jpg

scashaggy
10-15-2014, 04:43 PM
Noticed some new growth on one of my HC dragon fruit cuttings.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/scashaggy/20141015_153516.jpg

Richard
10-15-2014, 05:36 PM
Noticed some new growth on one of my HC dragon fruit cuttings.

It appears we will have an "Indian summer".

HC (Haley's Comet) is definitely an improvement on white-fleshed dragon fruits. For my taste buds, I agree with Pine Island Nursery's statement that it is equivalent to Physical Graffiti.

I recommend you try American Beauty -- which is really just the species Hylocereus guatemalensis. There are several online sources for cuttings but be careful of the source.

The only improvement I've tasted (for my taste) on that is Hylocereus ocamponis. You'll need room for this plant: it's "pods" are typically 4' to 8' long and in comparison to other Hylocereus it has serious spines. It's stalk color is often slightly blueish. The sepals are wildly colored but it has the typical white blossom. It can be a shy bearer -- typically at the tips in the first couple of years. For these reasons it is not in commercial production but as a backyard plant has a lot of potential.

scashaggy
10-19-2014, 10:17 AM
Here is my lone DF fruit.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/scashaggy/20141019_103433.jpg

kubali
10-28-2014, 10:15 AM
after trying several times I got 2 fruits by hand pollinating them.
now I just need to learn how to spot them when they are ripe and ready.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56973&size=1
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56972&size=1

Richard
10-28-2014, 03:51 PM
after trying several times I got 2 fruits by hand pollinating them.
now I just need to learn how to spot them when they are ripe and ready.

Congratulations! Hand pollination works well when they are young. It also helps to have a perennial flowering plant nearby that blooms incessantly so that the bees are already there on a daily basis. For your climate (USDA 9B), "Tuscan Blue" Rosemary, or African Blue Basil in full sun in a pot would probably work. Kubali - you are a very experienced gardener in your climate so perhaps you've other ideas about worthwhile bee-attracting perennial plants.

Hey so, how to know when they're ripe?! It's kind of trial and error in each microclimate and each Hylocereus species. I wait until the tips of the sepals start to brown and then check for softness of the fruit. The "springiness" of a ripe orange is about right. Use clippers to remove it. Over time you'll become an expert in yet another plant!!
:woohoonaner:

kubali
10-28-2014, 05:43 PM
Congratulations! Hand pollination works well when they are young. It also helps to have a perennial flowering plant nearby that blooms incessantly so that the bees are already there on a daily basis. For your climate (USDA 9B), "Tuscan Blue" Rosemary, or African Blue Basil in full sun in a pot would probably work. Kubali - you are a very experienced gardener in your climate so perhaps you've other ideas about worthwhile bee-attracting perennial plants.

Hey so, how to know when they're ripe?! It's kind of trial and error in each microclimate and each Hylocereus species. I wait until the tips of the sepals start to brown and then check for softness of the fruit. The "springiness" of a ripe orange is about right. Use clippers to remove it. Over time you'll become an expert in yet another plant!!
:woohoonaner:

Thank-you very much Richard for your words of wisdom.They are such beautiful looking fruits, cant wait to be able to taste my first fruit of my labor
As for the bees I love them, they do so much work for me.My wife says I'm nuts to grab them and let them sting my fingers, but I tell her it's like wd-40 for my joints....lol I put out bowls of sugar water for them around my fruit trees as a offering of thanks for all their work......

Richard
10-28-2014, 08:31 PM
..lol I put out bowls of sugar water for them around my fruit trees as a offering of thanks for all their work......

Cane sugar is so-so for bees in the long run, the inexpensive aloe syrup sold by CostCo would be better ...
:)

bengal tiger nanas
10-29-2014, 02:05 PM
Thank-you very much Richard for your words of wisdom.They are such beautiful looking fruits, cant wait to be able to taste my first fruit of my labor
As for the bees I love them, they do so much work for me.My wife says I'm nuts to grab them and let them sting my fingers, but I tell her it's like wd-40 for my joints....lol I put out bowls of sugar water for them around my fruit trees as a offering of thanks for all their work............................................................ ................................................................ ......... wow, i had gone twenty years without being stung, till last month.it sure eased my joint pain.i wish i had found out sooner. thanks

Funkthulhu
10-29-2014, 02:11 PM
So, I finally ate my first Dragon Fruit this week. They were "on sale" (ie actually available in Nebraska) for $6.99 each.

This was a hefty fruit, about a pound and a half with white flesh inside. The flavor was. . . vague. Kind of like superdense watermelon texture with mini crunchy seeds and a taste like kiwi and pear, but less sweet. I have no way of knowing if I had a "ripe" specimen, but the experience was pleasurable.

I now have several dozen seeds from said fruit. Is there anything special I need to do to get them to sprout?

Richard
10-29-2014, 04:06 PM
... I now have several dozen seeds from said fruit. Is there anything special I need to do to get them to sprout?

Toss them. If you are going through the trouble of growing DF in Nebraska, then get the "American Beauty" cultivar. Someone here might offer you cuttings, or you can buy them rooted from the Pine Island Nursery website.

Hammocked Banana
10-29-2014, 06:12 PM
I can ship you some AB cuttings in the spring, as well as purple haze, and physical grafitti. Although u can probably get really cheap shipping from some in the US.

scashaggy
10-30-2014, 04:41 PM
Nothing special to grow DF from seeds.

As an experiment I put some white DF seeds on a paper towel, put it in a plastic container and added water.

I did this on 10/24, below are the seeds today. Granted, it would probably take forever for the plants to grow or get fruit, but I just wanted to see what would happen.

http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/scashaggy/20141030_172511.jpg

Dangermouse01
10-30-2014, 06:17 PM
Toss them. If you are going through the trouble of growing DF in Nebraska, then get the "American Beauty" cultivar. Someone here might offer you cuttings, or you can buy them rooted from the Pine Island Nursery website.

I am with Richard on this. White DF are bland whether store bought or home grown. Much better tasting varieties available.

You could probably get somebody to send you cuttings for the price of shipping (or have something to trade), and you just might be able to get somebody to throw in one of their last fruits of the season. ;)

Medium size flat rate box is $12.65

DM

kubali
11-05-2014, 03:48 PM
after trying several times I got 2 fruits by hand pollinating them.
now I just need to learn how to spot them when they are ripe and ready.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56973&size=1
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=56972&size=1

Well, I just picked my df and I must say amazing taste kinda like apple pear taste with a hint of kiwi sweet and very juicy.
over all I really enjoyed it. I have white, red, purple, and yellow dragon fruit
having read the white was the least tasty of them all, will be great to see next year what the others taste like in comparison to the white.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=57009
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=57011

scashaggy
01-18-2015, 11:21 AM
http://i57.photobucket.com/albums/g208/scashaggy/20141015_153854copy.jpg (http://s57.photobucket.com/user/scashaggy/media/20141015_153854copy.jpg.html)

merce3
05-28-2015, 09:01 AM
pollinated these bad boys last night
http://i.imgur.com/gT3NAd6.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/3Bd4GGr.jpg
http://i.imgur.com/gJcOHsK.jpg

Mark Dragt
05-28-2015, 09:42 AM
I'm jealous. Just started my dragon fruit a week and a half ago. Got some cuttings off eBay. Red,white,and purple. Can't waite for my plants to look as good as yours.
Mark

kubali
05-28-2015, 11:28 AM
Last year I got 2 fruit, This year so far I have a total of 16 fruits on this one Haley's comet. And 2 of them are just a few days from being ready to eat.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=57951
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=57950
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=57948
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=57949

I think these plants and fruit are so cool and love to grow them.

RRedBBeard
05-29-2015, 09:31 AM
I'm jealous. Just started my dragon fruit a week and a half ago. Got some cuttings off eBay. Red,white,and purple. Can't wait for my plants to look as good as yours.
Mark

I'm in the exact same boat as you Mark, just bought the same colors, same time, expecting rooted cuttings to arrive here on Tuesday, maybe Monday. Here I sit with big pots and my potting material...typical newbie!

Happy growing!
Rick in CT
banana wrangler :camelnaner: :ropingnaner:

Richard
05-29-2015, 11:32 AM
... Got some cuttings off eBay. Red,white,and purple. ...
There are large differences in taste, even among the same "color". What cultivars did you purchase?

Mark Dragt
05-29-2015, 09:22 PM
I'm in the exact same boat as you Mark, just bought the same colors, same time, expecting rooted cuttings to arrive here on Tuesday, maybe Monday. Here I sit with big pots and my potting material...typical newbie!

Happy growing!
Rick in CT
banana wrangler :camelnaner: :ropingnaner:

I did the same thing. Got the pot all ready and waited for the plants to arrive. Then I got a message from the guy an he said he was on vacation. So I had to wait another week. Mine are not rooted so you might get more growth this year than my plants. Good luck and keep the updates coming.

Mark Dragt
05-29-2015, 09:30 PM
There are large differences in taste, even among the same "color". What cultivars did you purchase?

No idea which cultivars. Mainly bought them as an experiment. I found a ad on eBay selling the three cuttings for $15 and free shipping. So I bought them.

That being said. How would I figure out which cultivars I have? Are the flowers different? Growth rate? Or different tast of fruit. If the fruit isn't any good I will just use it in a margarita. That will fix it.

RRedBBeard
05-29-2015, 09:41 PM
Umm....cultivars??
This is what happens when newbies go shopping on their own!
LOL

Rick :camelnaner::ropingnaner:
banana wrangler
(wannabee!)

Mark Dragt
05-29-2015, 10:17 PM
Sometimes my wife tells me that I need adult supervision.:nanadrink:

Richard
05-30-2015, 12:18 AM
That being said. How would I figure out which cultivars I have?
You won't. Just chalk it up to experience with eBay sellers of plants.

In my own experience, sometimes reflected in the double-blind taste tests at the UCI Field station:
Best white: "Paul Thomson" cultivar of Hylocereus undatus.
Best pink: "Physical Graffiti" hybrid.
Best red(1): "American Beauty" - trade name for Hylocereus guatemalensis.
Best red(2): "Pitahaya roja" - traditional name for Hylocereus ocamponis; the pods are thorny in comparison to other Hylocereus species and the plant is often a sparse bearer, the fruits though are unsurpassed in my opinion.

sputinc7
05-27-2016, 09:09 PM
So, American Beauty would be best overall for a beginner?

Richard
05-27-2016, 09:57 PM
So, American Beauty would be best overall for a beginner?

In my opinion, from the "gardening" perspective any of them are good for a beginner but in terms of taste "American Beauty" is one of the best you can grow.

sputinc7
05-28-2016, 07:39 AM
Thanks. I have only tasted a couple whites as that is all they had at the store near us, at $5.99 / lb, so we didn't get too many. Like others said, they were ok, but not really with flavor, just sweet nothing, except one bite I got from the center of the first one... It was good. Hope the price comes down and they get some reds later in t he year. Maybe a whole one that tastes like that one bite did.
I got a couple free starts off Craigslist, but do not know what kind or color. Planted them a few months ago and they sprouted and grew, but then stopped, and haven't changed in over a month now. No idea why. I fertilized and water a couple times a week...?

barbc
05-28-2016, 10:22 AM
Does anyone here agree/disagree with the flavor ratings for dragonfruit on the Pine Island Nursery website?

Dangermouse01
05-28-2016, 11:31 AM
Thanks. I have only tasted a couple whites as that is all they had at the store near us, at $5.99 / lb, so we didn't get too many. Like others said, they were ok, but not really with flavor, just sweet nothing, except one bite I got from the center of the first one... It was good. Hope the price comes down and they get some reds later in t he year. Maybe a whole one that tastes like that one bite did.


Since the dragon fruit around you are just starting to flower, in about a month google search "Dragon Fruit Farm Merritt Island", contact her and see if she has fruit available, much cheaper than getting them from Thrifty, Jason's Best or Downtown Produce, and better tasting to (I think she mostly grows Natural Mystic type, those are the ones she let me taste at work last year).
I have one "new to me" type that I am monitoring, blooming for the first time this year, 6 flowers so far and looks like they will be 6 fruits, didn't give them any help with the pollination. One was from a few weeks about so I feel good about it holding, the other 5 were last week or so and look good so far like they are going to hold. Any flowers on it this year are own their own to see if it pollinates on it's own.

DM

Worm_Farmer
05-28-2016, 06:15 PM
I really liked the Dark Star & Purple Haze much more so than American Beauty.

manuman79
03-03-2017, 10:49 PM
Hi all new to the site looks excellent.just getting into growing dragon fruit & got given some cuttings photos below.not to sure what variety they are? Could anyone please help me out.probably a stupid question but how do I go about potting them up?
Cheers 😃

manuman79
03-03-2017, 11:40 PM
2956

2957

Does anyone know what variety these are? Thanks

manuman79
03-03-2017, 11:42 PM
2958

This ?

sputinc7
03-04-2017, 12:15 PM
I really liked the Dark Star & Purple Haze much more so than American Beauty.

Anyone who has only ever tried the white ones does not know what they are missing... Dark Star is great! Tastes kinda like blackberries to me

You cannot tell what variety until it fruits as far as I know, actually until you cut into the fruit... If anyone can tell by looking at that pic, I have another pic for you to look at...