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Richard
07-24-2009, 10:30 PM
About two years ago I obtained some fruiting Hylocereus (Dragon Fruit) cuttings and rooted them in pots. When they became of size, I placed them alongside a west-facing fence and erected horizontal lattice over them at about shoulder height. The varieties I have are:
Hylocereus guatemalensis
Hylocereus undatus 'Paul Thomson'
Hylocereus x 'Physical Graffiti'
Hylocereus ocamponis

They have grown ... and grown ... and grown!

Here they were at installation in February 2008:

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=7820&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=7820)

Here they are now (July 2009), amid various clutter:

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=19829&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=19829)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=19830&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=19830)

The exciting part is the bud formation on the 'Paul Thompson' and 'Physical Graffiti':

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=19831&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=19831)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=19832&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=19832)

LilRaverBoi
07-24-2009, 10:49 PM
Looks like they're doing great! That's exciting that you're getting some buds. I've never had a dragon fruit...what do they taste like?

Richard
07-24-2009, 11:09 PM
Looks like they're doing great! That's exciting that you're getting some buds. I've never had a dragon fruit...what do they taste like?

The tastes are variations of melon: some sweet like honeydew, some more like a bland watermelon, some like cantalope x boysenberry, etc. People that have been to the double-blind taste trials at the South Coast Research Station will tell you that there are also some with a very poor taste, something like unripe cucumber.

harveyc
07-25-2009, 01:25 AM
They've grown a lot since I saw them last June. Congratulations on the flower buds!

Dalmatiansoap
07-25-2009, 03:56 AM
Hey folks, what is big secret of this Dragon fruit? I dot think we have that here :(.
Can it be germinate from seeds? Cuttings? Something else?
:woohoonaner:

island cassie
07-25-2009, 05:16 AM
Congratulations Richard - thay have grown well.

Richard
07-25-2009, 06:21 AM
Hey folks, what is big secret of this Dragon fruit? I dot think we have that here :(.
Can it be germinate from seeds? Cuttings? Something else?
:woohoonaner:

See PTP_2008_03_Pitaya (http://www.plantsthatproduce.com/column/PTP_2008_03_Pitaya.htm)

Dalmatiansoap
07-25-2009, 06:31 AM
THX Richard
U have very usefull web :). Lot of good information that are easy to undersand and follow.
:woohoonaner:

sbl
07-25-2009, 07:29 AM
I just recently got a bud that is about to open--it is a red that I grew from seed started a couple yrs ago--I grew it in a hanging basket--it now has many stems that are over 2 ft long.

Bob
07-25-2009, 08:51 AM
Great idea using a hanging basket. Any problems with segments breaking off? This might be a good choice for me since they're not hardy here and I can't use the traditional espalier.

Ohio'sBest
07-25-2009, 09:38 AM
I was looking at some pics, and since we are on the subject of Dragon Fruit. What is the green fruit to the left of the DF in this pic?

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=19841 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=19841&ppuser=5663)

Richard
07-25-2009, 09:59 AM
Great idea using a hanging basket. Any problems with segments breaking off? This might be a good choice for me since they're not hardy here and I can't use the traditional espalier.

Here's an idea for a roll-away espalier:

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=12553&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12553)

capthof
07-25-2009, 11:03 AM
The fruit to the left are Sugar apples.
By the way I have found that Dragon fruits love to climb the cabbage Palms.
But then you can't take them inside if it freezes.

harveyc
07-25-2009, 12:27 PM
A friend of mine in Puerto Rico had said his have never flowered but yesterday discovered that he had many flowers and fruits. They've climbed up his trees 40-50 feet and it seems that the were too deeply shaded until they dropped back down to get sunlight. Fortunately, he said his trees have a good branch structure to make for easy climbing. I still don't know that I'd limb that high up in a tree to pick fruit, though. Fortunately, I don't think I'll ever have that problem. Even my PR friend says he plans to eventually plant some on a trellis.

I'm going to eventually plant mine into portions cut out of 50 gallon plastic barrels and will probably build a trellis similar to what Richard has shown. I'll move mine around in the loader bucket of my small tractor (I have fork attachments so I can move around pallets).

Lagniappe
07-25-2009, 12:43 PM
You guys shouldn't post these sort of threads here. I'm already swimming in plants and now I absolutely must have Pitaya. Perhaps another homemade greenhouse is in order........

Patty in Wisc
07-25-2009, 01:22 PM
I was looking at some pics, and since we are on the subject of Dragon Fruit. What is the green fruit to the left of the DF in this pic?

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=19841 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=19841&ppuser=5663)

Those are sugar apple or Cherimoya.
Bob, I'll post a pic somewhere of my trellis made of pvc in a plastic (17X20) shallow bin. I can cart it in & out on a dolly. I also have a hanging basket of them.

LilRaverBoi
07-25-2009, 01:47 PM
I really wish I could find a place to buy exotic fruit like this in my area. They don't even sell plantains or starfruit here....it's pathetic. Damn you Missouri!!! Probably the most exotic it gets here are mangoes or Asian pear apples :(

adrift
07-25-2009, 03:31 PM
I really wish I could find a place to buy exotic fruit like this in my area. They don't even sell plantains or starfruit here....it's pathetic. Damn you Missouri!!! Probably the most exotic it gets here are mangoes or Asian pear apples :(

(like many things) They are better if left to ripen on the plant but they have very little shelf life after that so the ones at the market are not only expensive, but not as sweet. More better to grow your own.

Simply Bananas
07-25-2009, 04:50 PM
I really wish I could find a place to buy exotic fruit like this in my area. They don't even sell plantains or starfruit here....it's pathetic. Damn you Missouri!!! Probably the most exotic it gets here are mangoes or Asian pear apples :(
I saw some in the asian store here on wednesday. Did not get one as I was working and had no place to keep it safe. Will get one and a durian soon.

Dalmatiansoap
07-25-2009, 05:13 PM
Grrrrr,.....
Im affraid that I ll have to quit with .org :(.
You guys are going to make me poor, poor man.
WHERE AM I GOING TO GET ALL THESE PLANTS FROM????
Sugar apples, pitayas,.........,...... :waving:
:woohoonaner:
I am on pooo pooo way.....

Patty in Wisc
07-25-2009, 05:20 PM
From ME Ante! I'll send you some:) (cuttings that is)

Dalmatiansoap
07-25-2009, 05:23 PM
From ME Ante! I'll send you some:) (cuttings that is)

:woohoonaner:
:woohoonaner:
:woohoonaner:
Patty rules!!!

Patty in Wisc
07-25-2009, 05:31 PM
I don't want you to go poo poo on us :)
I have Vietnames Jaina (red) & Yellow & they really took off this last 2 months for a few nice cuttings. If you want, I can pick out nice ones - not too big or little, & start to root them. Or no, they need a little time to harden off anyway so, a good cutting to send on long trip... they root easily.

Dalmatiansoap
07-25-2009, 05:47 PM
Or no, they need a little time to harden off anyway so, a good cutting to send on long trip... they root easily.
Long trip?
8-11 days needed from USA to Croatia if as send by airmail.
All banana pup I recived from US members came in perfect condition.
Thanks to pioneer spirit of few brave .org members:ha::ha::ha:
God bless us all
:woohoonaner:

sbl
07-25-2009, 07:08 PM
Great idea using a hanging basket. Any problems with segments breaking off? This might be a good choice for me since they're not hardy here and I can't use the traditional espalier.

No problems with breakage, they are pretty tough. I had to move it in and out of my shop several time during winter, but it has sat in one place on a stand since spring. I have a couple pictures, but will upload them later when I get a picture of the flower.

sbl
08-01-2009, 07:22 AM
No problems with breakage, they are pretty tough. I had to move it in and out of my shop several time during winter, but it has sat in one place on a stand since spring. I have a couple pictures, but will upload them later when I get a picture of the flower.

Here they are! It finally opened.http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=20236&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=20236&ppuser=5736)

Here is a picture of the whole plant:http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=20237&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=20237&ppuser=5736)

Check out my gallery for a series of pictures beginning about 1 week before bloom.

sbl
08-01-2009, 02:53 PM
I was really surprised at the size of the flower--over 9 inches long and when it was full open, probably 9 inches across!

Anyone know how long it takes from flower to ripe fruit?

harveyc
08-01-2009, 03:09 PM
Fruits sampled at California pitaya festival tastings were harvested 37-46 days after blooming.

Rmplmnz
08-01-2009, 04:49 PM
[QUOTE=Ohio'sBest;86370]I was looking at some pics, and since we are on the subject of Dragon Fruit. What is the green fruit to the left of the DF in this pic?

Definitely Sugar Apple....awesome fruit (one of the best you will ever eat)!

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11541&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11541)

Patty in Wisc
08-01-2009, 05:18 PM
My DF is on a 6ft high trellis & 3 segments are 5,6 & 8 ft long & a bunch of new segments on top hanging down & I can't get a flower!

Dalmatiansoap
08-01-2009, 06:08 PM
[QUOTE=Ohio'sBest;86370]I was looking at some pics, and since we are on the subject of Dragon Fruit. What is the green fruit to the left of the DF in this pic?

Definitely Sugar Apple....awesome fruit (one of the best you will ever eat)!

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11541&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11541)

Wow, these are huge!
Real beautyes :)
:woohoonaner:

sbl
08-01-2009, 08:07 PM
My DF is on a 6ft high trellis & 3 segments are 5,6 & 8 ft long & a bunch of new segments on top hanging down & I can't get a flower!

I have another one that I trained to grow up--it is over 6 ft but has not bloomed. I also grew a white one from seed and it is much smaller than the red. Longest segement is only a little over a ft.

sbl
08-01-2009, 08:10 PM
[QUOTE=Ohio'sBest;86370]I was looking at some pics, and since we are on the subject of Dragon Fruit. What is the green fruit to the left of the DF in this pic?

Definitely Sugar Apple....awesome fruit (one of the best you will ever eat)!

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=11541&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=11541)

How hard are the sugar apples to grow--how long to get fruit?

Richard
08-01-2009, 08:56 PM
It looks like the few buds that came out last week were just the beginning of a major event! I'm finding new buds daily and the original ones are 4 times their original size.

In addition to monthly feedings, I have been giving these plants a weekly foliar feeding. I understand many of you also have water soluble formulas like 15-5-30, 20-5-30, 30-10-20, etc. that you use on your bananas. Try washing the dragon fruit plants down once per week at 1 tablespoon per 10 gallons of water.

Rmplmnz
08-01-2009, 09:42 PM
[QUOTE=Rmplmnz;87813]

How hard are the sugar apples to grow--how long to get fruit?

Very easy...rapid growers and prolific fruiters. If you have the climate you should def. grow them.

Richard
08-01-2009, 11:48 PM
Pitahaya or Dragon Fruit Festival and Field Day

Saturday, August 29, 2009
7:30 am – 4:00 pm

UC South Coast Research and Extension Center
7601 Irvine Boulevard
Irvine, CA 92618

Please join us for this annual event which will include:
Tour of pitahaya research field plots
Several presentations
Lunch
Pitahaya fruit tasting, brix measurements and cutting distribution

Registration is $30.00 if postmarked or submitted online by Friday, August 21.

Registrations after August 21 are $40.00 and lunch is not guaranteed for registrations at the door.

More registration information and program details are in this PDF document: https://ucanr.org/sitebuilder/filegroups/calendar29-Jul-09-6662/15933.pdf

For those who want to register immediately (!), here is the online registration form: 2009 Pitahaya Festival and Field Day (http://ucce.ucdavis.edu/survey/survey.cfm?surveynumber=3954)

harveyc
08-02-2009, 01:47 AM
I'm registered. I'll be in Nicaragua the week before and hope to do some tasting there also.

Patty in Wisc
08-04-2009, 11:19 PM
Oh, please take notes of the tastings Harvey! I hear the red fleshed has best flavor & then I hear the yellow is best. I'll take your word for it!

Richard
08-04-2009, 11:37 PM
Each year they have double-blind taste tests, and consistently the winner is Hylocereus guatemalensis. Second place is always a hybrid such as Physical Graffiti. The fruits are mostly from the Irvine CA test bed but with others shipped in (e.g., Florida).

However, if the taste tests were performed with the same plants but grown in the tropics, then I think the results would be different -- very possibly with Selenicereus megalanthus (yellow fruited) on top. Those who have tasted it in the tropics say there is no comparison with the fruit grown elsewhere -- even in greenhouses.

capthof
08-05-2009, 06:38 AM
The Yellow is sweeter in my opinion. The only problem with the Yellow is spines which can fall off or be scraped off as it gets more mature.

I plan to take a series of pictures as my yellow develops just for grins. As with any fruit ripeness, nutrients, climate can play a huge role. A plant can be moved around and fertilized but genetics is harder to change.
The yellow doesn't seem to be able to climb as well as the Red or the White. The Yellows roots need a more porous material like burlap so it's roots can grab hold. My Yellow has trouble growing up the cabbage palms where as the Red and White just took off straight off for the top.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=19588&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=19588)

justjoan
08-05-2009, 07:29 AM
These plants are crazy growers, I got a couple from Patty too last year and they have gone crazy this summer, they are easy propagate and you can almost watch their progress!!! :2181:

Richard
08-05-2009, 10:10 AM
Capthof, have you tried H. guatemalensis or its cultivar "American Beauty" ?

capthof
08-05-2009, 11:23 AM
I picked up a cutting of American Beauty from a friend of mine and built a small 2X4 frame in a 15 gallon pot. They I rapped it with some hemp rope for the roots. I am waiting to see how it develops and if it will flower in a small setting.
The Others I got were just labeled White, Red and Yellow. The ones I got from Pine Island flowered but never set fruit and I don't have the time or the patience to run around with a paint brush in the middle of the night trying to find another species to cross pollinate them with.:bed: Especially considering they need to be cross pollinated within 48 hours of each other.:lurk:
But I do enjoy watching them flower at night and seeing what bugs and animals will visits them.
Scott

Lagniappe
08-05-2009, 12:36 PM
I got my cuttings from Richard and planted them in a pure compost mix. The nursery I bought the compost from uses it alone (on 1 gallon plants and up) with no amendments (other than osmocote) and has the most healthy plants I've ever seen.
I'll need much larger containers. Imagine that half of these cuttings are in the soil.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=20516&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=20516&ppuser=766)

sbl
08-05-2009, 01:03 PM
I picked up a cutting of American Beauty from a friend of mine and built a small 2X4 frame in a 15 gallon pot. They I rapped it with some hemp rope for the roots. I am waiting to see how it develops and if it will flower in a small setting.
The Others I got were just labeled White, Red and Yellow. The ones I got from Pine Island flowered but never set fruit and I don't have the time or the patience to run around with a paint brush in the middle of the night trying to find another species to cross pollinate them with.:bed: Especially considering they need to be cross pollinated within 48 hours of each other.:lurk:
But I do enjoy watching them flower at night and seeing what bugs and animals will visits them.
Scott

Bummer--I guess that means mine will not set since it was a lone flower.

Lagniappe
08-05-2009, 01:26 PM
Richard, I'd like to know more about pitaya flavors, etc. and was wondering if you could send me a copy or link to the tastings you've mentioned .

capthof
08-05-2009, 02:01 PM
SBL
Some species are self pollinating, I was bummed because after two years and twenty something blossoms the one variety I had never set fruit. The blossoms would open, a small fruit would form then turn yellow and fall off. My others are self pollinating and have done great, however you may increase fruit size and quality by getting out the night when they open up and playing the part of a bumble bee. Good Luck!

sbl
08-05-2009, 02:06 PM
I grew this one from seed, so I can only hope--Thanks!

capthof
08-05-2009, 03:01 PM
This is a picture of the same Yellow Dragon Fruit as it ripens. The spines fall off as it gets riper.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=20520&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=20520)

Richard
08-05-2009, 03:06 PM
Richard, I'd like to know more about pitaya flavors, etc. and was wondering if you could send me a copy or link to the tastings you've mentioned .

The information I've provided comes from (1) attending the annual Pitaya meeting at the South Coast Research Center in Irvine, (2) talking with Edgar Valdivia at meetings of mutual interest, and (3) talking with Ramiro Lobo, our local Ag extension advisor and lead researcher on the Pitaya test bed in Irvine.

There have been a few articles in the CRFG Magazine "Fruit Gardener" providing details and photos from the annual meetings. Perhaps a CRFG member here knows what issue(s) and has an electronic copy?

harveyc
08-05-2009, 03:46 PM
There's quite a bit of taste test information at Taste Results (http://www.edvaldivia.com/Tasting_Results.html) and the 2007 results are also contained in this UC publication: http://cesandiego.ucdavis.edu/files/63550.pdf.

The 2006 pitaya festival was covered in the January/February 2007 CRFG Fruit Gardener in an article written by Emory Walton, a friend of Edgar Valdivia. There's not really any mention about taste results in that article. Interestingly, the writer indicated his favorite pitaya is H. peruviana but Edgar hadn't brought any to the tasting that year.

Richard
08-06-2009, 02:33 PM
Here's a full-length photo of the dragon fruit espaliers, complete with lots of other clutter.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=20573&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=20573)

And the Physical Graffiti bud has now grown to 7 inches in length:

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=20572&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=20572)

:woohoonaner:

harveyc
08-06-2009, 02:44 PM
Looking good, Richard. Do your pitaya get some shade in the afternoon? Or do anything else to protect them from too much sunlight?

Richard
08-06-2009, 03:31 PM
Looking good, Richard. Do your pitaya get some shade in the afternoon? Or do anything else to protect them from too much sunlight?

So far it hasn't been a problem. I selected self-fertile varieties that perform well in full sun at the Irvine site.

Richard
08-07-2009, 11:29 PM
This afternoon, the largest of the buds began expanding in diameter.

By 8pm it looked like this:

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=20705&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=20705)

and by 9pm it had opened:

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=20706&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=20706)

capthof
08-08-2009, 07:02 AM
Awesome Flowers Both of them!
Is that the American Beauty to the right?

Richard
08-08-2009, 10:27 AM
Awesome Flowers Both of them!
Is that the American Beauty to the right?

Well that is my wife Sue, and I certainly think so!
The flower is on the hybrid cultivar "Physical Graffiti".

Lagniappe
08-08-2009, 10:44 AM
My Hylocereus undatus is freaking out!
I tried to get a good pic, but I believe my camera is at it's end. http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=20749&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=20749&ppuser=766)

Richard
08-08-2009, 11:19 AM
My Hylocereus undatus is freaking out!

Adventurous air roots!

Richard
08-08-2009, 11:24 AM
At 9am, the flower is about finished and starting to close. Look at the size of the stigma!

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=20752&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=20752)

Several hours earlier there were many insects (and my paintbrush for good measure) visiting the blossom.

Bob
08-08-2009, 12:35 PM
[QUOTE=Lagniappe;89438]My Hylocereus undatus is freaking out!
Get to a doctor..........fast:ha:

capthof
08-12-2009, 02:05 PM
Just to show a picture of a ripe Yellow Dragon fruit.
By the way Sue looks absolutely lovely Richard, tell her I said so.
I too am blessed with an "American Beauty."

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=21064&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=21064)

sunfish
08-24-2009, 06:58 PM
Just noticed these today. Any idea how long before they will open. Thanks
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=21535&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=21535&ppuser=2868)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=21835&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=21835&ppuser=2868)

harveyc
08-24-2009, 07:26 PM
Congrats, Tony! Richard posted photos of his on 7/24 when the buds were slightly smaller and then the first bloom opened on 8/7, so you shouldn't have more than a couple of weeks to wait. Please keep us posted.

I saw pitaya in Nicaragua but mostly just from our bus while we were driving from one town to another. Then, on our 4th or 5th day there my son spotted an open flower right at our retreat house. I hadn't noticed the pitaya growing up an old dead tree since there was so much else to look at but the flower made it stand out. It had well-developed and many small buds as well, so it appeared to bear fruit over a long period of time or maybe even continuously. The fruits there were very dark red/purple. I took a few photos and will post them as I get time.

capthof
08-24-2009, 07:30 PM
Look at Richard's Physical Graffiti Bud, when they get long like that they are about ready.
You will notice one evening that the green strips around the bud start to separate.
Be on watch that night because they only flower once.
But to answer your question a couple of weeks from this point, maybe a month.

sunfish
08-24-2009, 07:36 PM
tHANK YOU

Richard
08-24-2009, 07:43 PM
Hey Scott,

Nice bunch of bananas in your avatar!

Although I hand-pollinated that P.G. bud it did not set and fell off. The pollen was from the same flower. Perhaps I will need multiple flowers blooming the same evening?

sbl
08-24-2009, 09:38 PM
I hand pollinated mine the other night--I don't know if it is self fertile, but I hope it sets!

capthof
08-24-2009, 09:49 PM
Hey Scott,

Nice bunch of bananas in your avatar!

Although I hand-pollinated that P.G. bud it did not set and fell off. The pollen was from the same flower. Perhaps I will need multiple flowers blooming the same evening?

Richard; The bananas are what started me in this addiction; I figured that if the mahoi grew two bunches I would have a better chance to get at least one bunch.
I cut down a three year old growth of red pitaya because they never set fruit.
The white at my mothers gave us several fruits this year. I have been told that the cross pollinated taste the best but trying to find another bunch that blooms within 48 hours is difficult. I hope your flowers are many and your fruit is sweet.
Scott

harveyc
08-26-2009, 12:03 AM
Since the pitaya festival in Irvine was mentioned earlier in this thread, I thought I should mention that I received a notification tonight that registration has closed due to reaching occupancy limits. Fortunately, I registered early on.

The California Rare Fruit Growers will be hosting The Year of the Pitaya at the Festival of Fruit in Pomona next year on 8/14. There is room for 800 participants there so folks might want to plan for that.

FamilyManDude
08-28-2009, 10:47 PM
Hi Richard, I really enjoyed seeing your grow set-up on this thread. I really want a Dragon Fruit area similar to yours. I also enjoyed your online article. It is very informative. I have ordered several cuttings of Am. Beauty and Phys. Graffiti. I had noticed that you had recommended these varieties to another member. I hope that I can pull it off. What do you think my chances are for growing here in the central valley of California? Thanks and great-work regarding the pics and info, both were very inspiring.

Richard
08-28-2009, 11:24 PM
Orin, you're welcome.

If you can grow cold-sensitive citrus then your chances with the Hylocereus species of Dragon Fruit are good. No hard freeze allowed! Brief flurtations with 32 F or 30 F an hour before dawn is o.k. Sustained freezing temperatures from evening until morning is not going to work.

Visalia. Gateway to many fond memories in my life: System99 Trucking Depot, Exeter, The Sierras, Road #10, ...

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=10526&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=10526)

FamilyManDude
08-29-2009, 02:41 AM
Hey Richard, yep I remember that you are familiar w/ these parts. :) So average temp, around here, never drops below 32. I may need to put up some cover on any below-average evenings. Still, seems very doable. Thanks sir, I am jazzed about this. :08:

momoese
08-29-2009, 11:15 AM
My wife found Dragon Fruit at Gelsons Market of all places! Locally grown certified organic, $9.99 lb. This one fruit cost $7.00. It was delicious!

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=21829&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=21829)

sunfish
08-29-2009, 11:37 AM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=21835&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=21835&ppuser=2868)

harveyc
08-29-2009, 06:37 PM
My stomach aches a little from eating quite a bit of pitaya this afternoon (about 10 kinds).

Tony, you should start looking for flowers on plants of other owners where you might be able to collect pollen from other varieties which you can then use to cross oollinate yoyrs when it opens. I'm now an experienced pitaya pollinator. ;)

sunfish
08-29-2009, 06:54 PM
I know where there is some right around the corner from me. I hear the pollens only good for about twelve hours. So give use the scoop. On the Pitaya form they have a picture on how to pollinate but no instructions. I see another video in the works.

harveyc
08-29-2009, 08:38 PM
Edgar says the pollen is good 5-7 days when refridgerated in a jar. It's best in quality if collected early in the night and you can pollinate then or wait until the next morning. He collects the entire anthers using scissors and mixes the entire contents of the jar to have a wide variety. I watched his video last night and I'll try to post a photo or two tomorrow (I'm at the airport now.)

Richard
08-29-2009, 09:53 PM
Edgar is also adding fresh antlers to his jar on a nightly basis. Last year Ramiro Lobo said that a refrigerated sample is probably only good for 18 hours or so. It would be interesting to get an update from him.

harveyc
08-30-2009, 02:15 AM
Ramiro made did not make any comment today about hand pollination at the experiment station other than to say that they have never done it. He said he hoped the bees were doing it because he's hired them to do the job.

Paul Thomson wrote that pollen can remain viable for up to 8 days if kept in a jar and not opened or 4-5 days if the jar is opened only once or 3 days if opened nightly. He also wrote that a man had told him that pollen had remained viable after 30 days of being frozen. This is from Paul Thomson's book on pitayaha (p. 35-36 in edition printed after his death).

Richard
08-30-2009, 11:41 PM
Last week I had several blossoms bloom on the same evening and did not hand pollinate them. These appear to have set.

Also, this evening I noticed my American Beauty (Hylocereus guatemalensis) is sporting a few buds.
:woohoonaner:

harveyc
08-31-2009, 12:14 AM
Congrats!

:nanadrink: :lurk:

Want Them All
08-31-2009, 01:52 AM
sunfish: I see the green screen in your photo, what's the purpose? Do you drape it over the top at some time? Because in the photo, the screen is on the side of the pitaya grove.

Thanks,

sunfish
08-31-2009, 07:28 AM
That is shade cloth over my greenhouse. The Dragon fruit are in full sun.

Want Them All
08-31-2009, 11:46 AM
That is shade cloth over my greenhouse. The Dragon fruit are in full sun.

Do you have a pix of the greenhouse, any info ondimensions, lighting?
Thanks,

sunfish
08-31-2009, 03:48 PM
There are pix in my gallery. Don't have any lighting ,don't need it in San Diego

1=8WX12LX7.5H
2=8W10LX7H
3=10WX12LX11.5H

FamilyManDude
09-02-2009, 12:06 PM
Hi, I got my cuttings today. :woohoonaner: I got (2) Am. Beauty, (2) Phys. Graffiti, (1) Oblong, and (1) Red Ruby. I had not heard of the last two, so I will need to learn more about them. This is a dry climate so I should plant in something that holds maximum water, right?

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=22074&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=22074&ppuser=5721)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=22073&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=22073&ppuser=5721)

harveyc
09-02-2009, 12:27 PM
I thought I'd share links to some photos I took at the Pitaya Festival Irvine, California last Saturday:

Pitaya fruits:
http://www.chestnuts.us/images/Condor.jpg
http://www.chestnuts.us/images/Guatemala.jpg
http://www.chestnuts.us/images/GuatemalaG1.jpg
http://www.chestnuts.us/images/GuatemalaG2.jpg
http://www.chestnuts.us/images/Nicaragua.jpg
http://www.chestnuts.us/images/SeoulKitchen.jpg
http://www.chestnuts.us/images/Tricia.jpg

http://www.chestnuts.us/images/YellowColombian.jpg

Other fruits:
http://www.chestnuts.us/images/CereusPeruviana.jpg
http://www.chestnuts.us/images/Optunia.jpg (correct spelling is in photo)

Field photos, including trellis designs:
http://www.chestnuts.us/images/Flower.jpg
http://www.chestnuts.us/images/Method1.jpg
http://www.chestnuts.us/images/Method2.jpg
http://www.chestnuts.us/images/Method3.jpg
http://www.chestnuts.us/images/Method4.jpg
http://www.chestnuts.us/images/Method5.jpg


Other festival photographs:
http://www.chestnuts.us/images/EdTalk.jpg
http://www.chestnuts.us/images/EdgarPatAward.jpg

Clare_CA
09-02-2009, 04:05 PM
Great thread on Dragon Fruit. I grew it in the ground for a few years until I moved last year. I had one in a small pot that I took with me. Here are some pictures of mine in my gallery if anyone is interested in viewing them: Banana Gallery - DSC_0175 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=22088&cat=500&ppuser=6020) I included some shots of Dragon Fruit in Thailand. I think one of the shots is a different fruit -- Lychee or something like that.

CValentine
09-02-2009, 04:35 PM
Harvey...

The pics of the DF at the PTI are AWESOME!! :D ~Cheryl

Richard
09-02-2009, 06:31 PM
Hi, my cuttings came today. ... This is a dry climate so I should plant in something that holds maximum water, right?

Here's the text of some advice I recently sent to Cheryl:

Use a 20-gallon pot, so that you never have to transplant those spiny things again.
If your bananas are happy with the soil you are using, then use it for your dragon fruit.
Use one cutting per pot.
Bury the cuttings (vertical!) about 1/3 to 1/2 way in the soil. The goal here is to have them deep enough that they won't fall or get loose during watering.
They are cactus, but they are native to places like the Yucatan jungle. They need regular water.
They will not be happy with high temperatures if the humidity is low.
While they are trying to root, the soil should never be soggy. It should be just moist enough so that the plant will want to send exploratory roots.
Don't be surprised if the plants also sprout air roots.
Don't forget to have fun. :)

capthof
09-02-2009, 09:57 PM
Richard;
What would happen if you took your plan with the portable trellis and made it with a square for the bottom? It would be more stable, and the uprights could be more easily fastened to the sides.

Richard
09-02-2009, 10:41 PM
Richard;
What would happen if you took your plan with the portable trellis and made it with a square for the bottom? It would be more stable, and the uprights could be more easily fastened to the sides.

Yes, make the "pot" in the picture below into a rectangular wooden box.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=12553&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=12553)

Of course, I like every opportunity to play with my drill and fasteners :D

harveyc
09-03-2009, 12:08 AM
Edgar has posted his new pollination video which I previewed the other night. :)

YouTube - Pitahaya/Dragonfruit Pollination (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUf9MEENE6E)

Clare_CA
09-03-2009, 11:20 AM
By the way, if anyone is interested, I bought my Hylocereus undatus from Home Depot for $2. They are the root stock that is used in grafting those little colored ball cactus. I found two where the graft had failed, and new leaves were starting to grow, but you can easily pull the colored cactus off.

<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=22162><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=22162&size=1 border=0></a>

harveyc
09-03-2009, 12:17 PM
By the way, the CRFG Festival of Fruit will spotlight the pitaya next year (around 8/14, I believe). Edgar is going to provide Joe Real some pitaya fruit later this year as Joe accepted the request to make some pitaya wine for the festival. Joe and his friend received many awards for various fruit wines at the California State Fair this year.
:woohoonaner:

Patty in Wisc
09-03-2009, 01:05 PM
:woohoonaner: I would go just to try some of Joe's wine!!
And to taste a real dragon fruit - what a treat.

sunfish
09-04-2009, 07:59 PM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=22284&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=22284&ppuser=2868)

Blake09
09-04-2009, 08:40 PM
Thought Id share my new cuttings. :woohoonaner:

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=22191&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=22191&ppuser=5852)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=22192&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=22192&ppuser=5852)

The smallest cutting (already in a pot)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=22193&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=22193&ppuser=5852)

harveyc
09-04-2009, 10:22 PM
Thought Id share my new cuttings.

I'd PM you my address so you could share, but I have a boatload to plant already! ;)

Are these cuttings of some named varieties?

sunfish
09-04-2009, 10:40 PM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=22292&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=22292&ppuser=2868)

harveyc
09-04-2009, 10:42 PM
Congrats, Tony. I was thinking about posting earier "Tonight's the night!", but then I wasn't 100% sure. Now I am! :D

sunfish
09-04-2009, 10:51 PM
Thanks. When I could see some white showing earlier today I new it was going to open tonight.

sunfish
09-04-2009, 11:03 PM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=22296&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=22296&ppuser=2868)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=22295&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=22295&ppuser=2868)

Richard
09-04-2009, 11:05 PM
Oh yea, multiple blossoms. Those are bound to get pollinated!

harveyc
09-04-2009, 11:42 PM
David Karp was at the festival last Saturday.....Mitchel, he was shootting with a D3 :) .... and here's his article on the festival and the fruit economics, etc.

Pitahaya, or dragon fruit, finds a place at SoCal farmers markets -- latimes.com (http://www.latimes.com/features/food/la-fow-marketwatch4-2009sep04,0,3455235.story)

Pitahaya, or dragon fruit, finds a place at SoCal farmers markets
More growers are discovering this exotic fruit. The bright pink spineless cactus fruit has a mild, sweet flavor and edible seeds.

By David Karp

September 4, 2009

It's happening at farmers markets all over Los Angeles. A shopper stops short, agape, at a table of fruits that look like artichokes from Mars, and asks the vendor, "What on Earth are they?"

"They" are flaming pink, spineless cactus fruits, with neon magenta flesh and a mild, sweet flavor, reminiscent of watermelon. They have tiny, edible black seeds, similar to a kiwi's, which are not at all gritty, as are those in common prickly cactus pears.

They grow on climbing cacti native to the tropical forests of Mexico, Central America and parts of South America, where they are called pitahaya; in Southeast Asia, where they were brought by French colonists more than a century ago, they're known as dragon fruit. Now grown domestically, they mostly are eaten fresh, in wedges or cut in half and scooped out with a spoon, but imported juice also is trendy, as in the recently introduced Bacardi Dragon Berry rum.

The farmers market vendor is Pedro Gallardo, 41, who was born in Aguascalientes, in central Mexico, although he never encountered pitahaya there. After immigrating to the United States he worked for the Port of Long Beach, and made enough money in real estate that he was able to acquire 21 acres of farmland, including organically grown avocados and pitahayas, in De Luz, a gorgeous agricultural area in northern San Diego County. Last year he quit his day job and devoted himself to selling these fruits at farmers markets, and he is now at more than a dozen venues.

Henri Gerwig, who sold Gallardo the pitahaya planting and still farms it, also sells commercially under his DeVine Tropical Dragonfruit label; the fruit is often available in season at local supermarkets such as Whole Foods and Gelson's. The harvest started a month ago, and in most years peaks in September, although there's currently a slight lull; production ends some time from November to January, depending on the advent of rain and cold weather.

Adventurous farmers started trying to grow pitahaya in California in the 1990s, and began selling fruit commercially on a small scale early this decade. Now there are close to 200 acres, estimates Ramiro Lobo, a UC Cooperative Extension farm advisor for San Diego County, who has a test planting in Irvine of 19 varieties that he is studying to see which will perform best for local farmers. Compared with avocados, pitahayas require substantially less water, an important advantage in this time of mandatory cutbacks, he said.

Last Saturday, Lobo hosted a huge turnout, 140 home gardeners and aspiring growers, for the fifth annual Pitahaya Festival and Field Day, held at the UC ANR South Coast Research and Extension Center. Visitors attended lectures, received cuttings, toured the test plot and tasted varieties.

When pitahaya cultivation began in California, most growers planted white-fleshed varieties, which were predominant in Vietnam and could be grown without hand-pollination, which was thought to be required for many of the varieties with magenta and red pulp. That's no small matter, since the huge, showy white flowers bloom mostly at night.

"I like the red-flesh varieties because they're sweeter, but they're very difficult to do commercially," said La Do, a Vietnamese American whose Do King Dragon Fruit Farm grows 25 acres of pitahaya in Escondido, producing 200,000 pounds a year -- possibly the largest planting in the state.

Now Lobo is finding that at least some red-fleshed varieties can be grown without hand-pollination. It will be crucial for repeat sales that growers select varieties with superior flavor, he said.

Edgar Valdivia, a rare-fruit enthusiast who has been a major booster of California pitahaya cultivation, encouraged growers at the festival to experiment with seedlings, which vary from their parents in fruit characteristics, so as to come up with tasty new varieties adapted to local conditions.

Pitahayas were rare and expensive when they debuted here and are still quite pricey. Eco Farms, Gerwig's distributor, wholesales them for $4 or $5 a pound, and retail prices easily are twice that. At farmers markets, Gallardo and his workers sell pitahaya for $4 to $7 a pound, depending on size and quality.

Prices may decline in the face of increasing competition, both domestic and international. In the last decade Florida growers have also put in about 200 acres of pitahaya, and wholesale prices are lower than in California, about $1.50 to $4 a pound, said Roger Washington of Red Dragon Fruit Co., based in Redland, Fla.

Last year the U.S. Department of Agriculture permitted Vietnam, which grows more than 33,000 acres of pitahaya, to export the fruit, treated with irradiation to kill or sterilize fruit flies, to this country. However, the shelf life of pitahaya is only about two weeks under optimal conditions, so for fruit to arrive in good condition, it needs to be flown, which erases much of the cost advantage.

Serious competition may come some day from Mexico, which currently grows about 5,000 acres of pitahaya, and has for several years been permitted to export it from fruit-fly-free districts to the U.S. Most of the plantings currently are not in such areas, but if that changes, the fruit may become as common as mangoes here.

Pedro Gallardo (Pedro's Ranch) sells at these farmers markets: Hermosa Beach (Fri.); Huntington Beach (Fri.); Cerritos (Sat.); Santa Monica (Sat. Organic and Wed.); Torrance (Sat. and Tues.); Hollywood (Sun.); Montrose (Sun.); Silver Lake (Sun.); Manhattan Beach (Tues.); Huntington Park (Wed.). For locations and times, see the Los Angeles Times farmers market map.

Copyright © 2009, The Los Angeles Times

Blake09
09-05-2009, 08:03 AM
I'd PM you my address so you could share, but I have a boatload to plant already! ;)

Are these cuttings of some named varieties?

I ment share the photoes ;) I just got these and there my first DF plant...When I have a big plant in a few years I would share with ya...

The person who sent them to me dosent know the name to this varietie.

:)

-

island cassie
09-05-2009, 02:45 PM
I was going to compost my red-fleshed dragon fruit seedlings for lack of space - but the I followed this thread and saw the blooms - so I will keep some - who cares if they ever fruit - the flowers are enough!!!

sunfish
09-13-2009, 05:18 PM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=22947&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=22947&ppuser=2868)

Ten days after flower. How can I tell if they set fruit ?

capthof
09-13-2009, 05:38 PM
My experience has been when the fruit turns yellow, it is most likely about to fall off.

Want Them All
09-13-2009, 05:38 PM
Mine has sprouted lots of aerial roots, trying to attach themselves to the wooden fence. Does anything need to be done to these roots? Should I fasten the branches closer to the fence so those roots can contact it? As it is, some can make contact, some don't.

Thanks,

Richard
09-13-2009, 08:18 PM
Mine has sprouted lots of aerial roots, trying to attach themselves to the wooden fence. Does anything need to be done to these roots? Should I fasten the branches closer to the fence so those roots can contact it? As it is, some can make contact, some don't.

Thanks,

Let nature take its course.

Clare_CA
09-14-2009, 12:29 AM
I had lots of roots attaching themselves to my brick retaining wall. Air roots are a natural part of the plant, I think. I would give them some water from time to time. Sometimes, they become detached due to the wind or weight. They are epiphytes by nature, I believe, meaning they climb trees in the wild and get water and nutrients from their host via the roots.

<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=22963><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=22963&size=1 border=0></a>

Want Them All
09-14-2009, 12:54 AM
Clare CA: that's a healthy bunch of pitaya you got growing there. What city are you in?

Clare_CA
09-14-2009, 01:13 AM
WanThemAll, I should have clarified that that last one isn't my picture or my plant. I believe it was taken by a fellow gardener named Bob over at Dave's Garden, and I think it was taken at Huntington's Gardens.

My dragon fruit was getting to be fairly big when I had to move. The potted plant that I took with me is much smaller. Here's my plant that I was growing at my old place before I moved. I'm in Camarillo in Ventura County.

<a href=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=22090&ppuser=6020><img src=http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=22090&size=1 border=0></a>

capthof
09-14-2009, 06:43 AM
Want Them All,
I have and have seen post rapped in burlap, this makes is easy for the roots to attach to some medium. Because the burlap decomposes I have started to use burlap and then covered it with shade cloth as an experiment. It is my belief that the plants get some nourishment from the roots and I have seen faster growth from roots attached to burlap as opposed to plain wood. Good Growing!
Scott

Richard
09-14-2009, 09:15 AM
... It is my belief that the plants get some nourishment from the roots and I have seen faster growth from roots attached to burlap as opposed to plain wood. Good Growing!
Scott

I second that belief! It rains almost once a week in their native environment. I water both the plants and the ground, using a weak nutrient solution.

Want Them All
09-14-2009, 02:07 PM
I second that belief! It rains almost once a week in their native environment. I water both the plants and the ground, using a weak nutrient solution.

So can I use the 2 fertilizers I bought from you, if so which one is better?
28-8-18 or 20-5-30.

Richard
09-14-2009, 02:13 PM
So can I use the 2 fertilizers I bought from you, if so which one is better?
28-8-18 or 20-5-30.

As a rule, 28-8-18. For "well established subtropical plants", a potassium supplement in late autumn and late spring will give them endurance. You could do this by switching to 20-5-30 for a few weeks during those times.

FamilyManDude
09-14-2009, 04:50 PM
Hi Richard, I have acquired some more cuttings. This gives me a total of eight different varieties. These are supposed to be all self-pollinating. I have decided that I would like to plant in an orchard-style like I have seen posted on this thread. You know, on a post in the open and in rows. Anyway, here is my question: I will need to separate the varieties if I want to keep the fruit pure, right? If I plant them together, will I always have a mish-mosh due to cross pollinating?

Richard
09-14-2009, 05:59 PM
Hi Richard, I have acquired some more cuttings. This gives me a total of eight different varieties. These are supposed to be all self-pollinating. I have decided that I would like to plant in an orchard-style like I have seen posted on this thread. You know, on a post in the open and in rows. Anyway, here is my question: I will need to separate the varieties if I want to keep the fruit pure, right? If I plant them together, will I always have a mish-mosh due to cross pollinating?

The cross-pollination does not affect the taste or variety of fruit produced, but it can and very likely will affect the genetics of the seeds in the fruit. So for example, if H. undatus is cross-pollinized by some other variety then you will get a classic white undatus fruit but the seeds in it will produce plants that have some combination of attributes from both varieties.

FamilyManDude
09-14-2009, 06:09 PM
Oh I see. I am so glad that I asked. I did not understand that at all. Thanks for clearing that up.

Clare_CA
09-14-2009, 11:37 PM
Don't worry about planting different types together unless you plan to plant the seeds and make new plants, and then you will have a new hybrid if it cross-pollinated with another, but you won't have a new hybrid if it self-pollinated.

planetrj
09-15-2009, 12:46 AM
The tastes are variations of melon: some sweet like honeydew, some more like a bland watermelon, some like cantalope x boysenberry, etc. People that have been to the double-blind taste trials at the South Coast Research Station will tell you that there are also some with a very poor taste, something like unripe cucumber.

Richard, you're so right. I bought some 'Dragonfruit Chips' a couple years ago from Whole Foods. They tasted just like cardboard cutouts. Needless to say that they got discontinued shortly after that. lol!

SOCALROCKER
09-20-2009, 11:49 AM
Edgar has posted his new pollination video which I previewed the other night. :)

YouTube - Pitahaya/Dragonfruit Pollination (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GUf9MEENE6E)Harveyc
If it is possible to help me get in touch with this guy Edgar regarding the dragonfruit.I would really like to because I am starting to grow this fruit in my backyard and he lives close to me.I would really like to meet him for some help on growing this fruit.

Thank's very much,

Mitchell :waving:

harveyc
09-20-2009, 12:32 PM
Mitchell, I e-mailed you the information last night at 2:35am. Did you not get my e-mail?

SOCALROCKER
09-20-2009, 03:33 PM
Mitchell, I e-mailed you the information last night at 2:35am. Did you not get my e-mail?Harvey,
Yes I recieved your e-mail.It was very useful in going to his website.He just live's about 5 min's away from my home.


Thank's

Mitchell

dmreed
09-30-2009, 10:07 AM
I have 3 dragon fruit plants about 2' high in 5 gallon containers which are soon to be planted in the ground. one of the plants has developed dried white or light yellow blotches. what is this and what can I do about it?

Richard
09-30-2009, 02:21 PM
I have 3 dragon fruit plants about 2' high in 5 gallon containers which are soon to be planted in the ground. one of the plants has developed dried white or light yellow blotches. what is this and what can I do about it?

It is a fungal infection endemic to Hylocereus species. Treat it with "Liqui-Cop", available at the Walter Andersen's on the corner of Community & Scripps Poway Parkway.

Abnshrek
09-30-2009, 09:54 PM
hey what zones can dragon fruit grow in?

Blake09
09-30-2009, 10:01 PM
hey what zones can dragon fruit grow in?

I would think zone 10 in the ground. I know for sure that all zones smaller than 8 have to grow them in pots. You leave them outside all summer and then take them inside in fall (In my case, in my greenhouse) for the winter... They hate cold weather.

Richard
10-10-2009, 08:56 PM
Picked my first fruit this evening, 47 days after blossom set. It's a Physical Graffiti.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=24785 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=19829)

:woohoonaner:

capthof
10-10-2009, 10:07 PM
Congratulations Richard!
I have two blooming tonight on my cabbage palm.
That should put them ripening about Thanksgiving.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=24786&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=24786)

harveyc
10-11-2009, 12:09 AM
Congrats, Richard, I hope to have the same results one of these days. Is your fruit about a pound? Please give us a report on the flavor, etc.!

I served many relatives fruit of the 'Condor' variety as appetizers for my dad's 85th birthday party today. The flavor was good, not great, but people were amazed at the brilliant color!

Richard
10-11-2009, 12:36 AM
That Physical Graffiti fruit weighed 1 lb 2 oz. Let's see what is inside ...

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=24793&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=24793)

As for the flavor, I would say it is the Zinfindel of Dragon Fruits, whereas the Paul Thomson H. undatus is the Muscadine.

Richard
10-24-2009, 04:23 PM
Harvested this Hylocereus 'Physical Graffiti' fruit about 15 minutes ago ...

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=25687&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=25687)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=25688&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=25688)

These fruits were grown using:
'Certified Organic' tap water from the city of San Diego,
'Natural' water soluble Grow More 20-5-30 fertilizer,
'Natural' atomic radiation from the sun.

Dalmatiansoap
10-24-2009, 04:32 PM
Looking great.
I can only imagine the taste.
:woohoonaner:

frondly
10-24-2009, 06:06 PM
I've never seen such a beaute! I bet they would love to "merge" with my Thai Red! I promise not to look...:0519:

Want Them All
10-24-2009, 09:11 PM
"Physical Graffiti" ? One of my all-time favorite albums!
Organic water? Check.
Atomic radiation? Check.
Grow More 20-5-30? Check.

Now all I'm waiting for is fruits. Do you use a moisture gauge to check when to water?

Richard
10-24-2009, 10:35 PM
"Physical Graffiti" ? One of my all-time favorite albums!
Organic water? Check.
Atomic radiation? Check.
Grow More 20-5-30? Check.

Now all I'm waiting for is fruits. Do you use a moisture gauge to check when to water?

The 'Physical Graffiti' and H. undatus 'Paul Thomson' were started from large pods 2 years ago and bloomed this year. The H. guatemalensis and H. ocamponis were started from smaller plants at the same time but did not bloom this year.

The inexpensive moisture gauges (under $100) sold in nurseries are o.k. for potting soil and especially indoor plants. I don't trust them outdoors.

Want Them All
10-25-2009, 02:19 AM
The inexpensive moisture gauges (under $100) sold in nurseries are o.k. for potting soil and especially indoor plants. I don't trust them outdoors.

$100?? The $8 gauge from Home Depot must be a throw-away then. :ha: What do YOU use?

Richard
10-25-2009, 08:44 AM
$100?? The $8 gauge from Home Depot must be a throw-away then. :ha: What do YOU use?

Those inexpensive gauges are o.k. in clay-less soils such as commercial potting mix. The probes are relatively short so the use is limited to potted plants or shallow-rooted plants in a raised bed. I think they are a great idea for a beginning gardener with indoor plants. After awhile though I would hope the gardener would learn to judge for themselves; e.g., see Pot Culture (http://www.plantsthatproduce.com/column/PTP_2009_03_Pot_Culture.htm).

Outdoor trees and shrubs are a different matter. The zone of interest is 1 to 3 feet deep. Not only are the inexpensive meters too short for this range, but if there is even a small percentage of clay in the soil the meter will over estimate the amount of moisture. There are commercial systems that measure moisture and soil chemistry. By the time you've acquired all the software and required accessories you will have spent a few thousand dollars. They are cost effective for farmers with a commercial crop, but rarely for homeowners.

I rely on published reports and experience with my soils. Your state agriculture extension office or county farm advisor's office has reports on evapotranspiration for your soils and most categories of crops. From these you can determine what the requirements are for your fruit trees. Keep in mind these are a guide, not a hard-fast rule. Historically when I have had concerns about the water situation for a tree, I dig a deep hole a short distance away from the plant to find out what the actual conditions are.

I have written guides for a few categories of fruiting plants. They include information on watering and might be a good starting point for you, keeping in mind your local conditions. See: Gardening Guides (http://www.plantsthatproduce.com/guides/).

xmoose
10-25-2009, 09:43 AM
Oooh Man..... Those fruits look DELICIOUS !!! Now Im gonna have to find one of those plants around here somewhere........
Congrats on the Freat looking fruit !

conejov
10-25-2009, 10:16 AM
Hey Richard!

The Dragon Fruit Looks delicious! I always wanted to try one. How long have you been growing them before they fruited?

Richard
10-25-2009, 07:37 PM
Hey Richard!

The Dragon Fruit Looks delicious! I always wanted to try one. How long have you been growing them before they fruited?

The 'Physical Graffiti' and H. undatus 'Paul Thomson' were started from large pods 2 years ago and bloomed this year. The H. guatemalensis and H. ocamponis were started from smaller plants at the same time but did not bloom this year.


:)

FamilyManDude
10-29-2009, 12:08 PM
I planted seven DF cuttings on Sept. 6th and this is the only new growth so far. I took this pic today (10-29-09).
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=25873&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=25873&ppuser=5721)
This one is American Beauty. The other cuttings, planted on the same date, have no new growth. However, they remain firm with good color. There is no denigration or mushy texture to the cacti plant-matter. I am certain they are all alive and well.
I have planted more, for a total of 21 plants w/ 9 different DF varieties. I have just ordered a new one (Voodoo Child). I should receive it shortly.
Richard, your fruit looks awesome. Thanks for sharing the pics. Cheers :bananas_b

frondly
10-29-2009, 01:04 PM
Great photo. Bet your other DF will sprout on the new moon. I'm contemplating greenhouse trellis support for my young DF. Looking for a really unique design; but I better hurry....
Can't wait to see your DF convention.:woohoonaner:

moonboy87
11-05-2009, 12:52 PM
Hi, I got my cuttings today. :woohoonaner: I got (2) Am. Beauty, (2) Phys. Graffiti, (1) Oblong, and (1) Red Ruby. I had not heard of the last two, so I will need to learn more about them. This is a dry climate so I should plant in something that holds maximum water, right?


Where'd you get these cuttings from? And if anybody has any spare cuttings, please pm me, I'd love to try out this plant :D

cherokee_greg
11-05-2009, 04:44 PM
Where'd you get these cuttings from? And if anybody has any spare cuttings, please pm me, I'd love to try out this plant :D

Im not sure were they get them but I would like to know too !!!!
I found these here is a link.

Dragon Fruit Cactus (Hylocereus undates) Well-Rooted Cutting (Live Plant) Pitahaya (http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=3986827)

cherokee_greg
11-05-2009, 04:58 PM
Im not sure were they get them but I would like to know too !!!!
I found these here is a link.

Dragon Fruit Cactus (Hylocereus undates) Well-Rooted Cutting (Live Plant) Pitahaya (http://www.ecrater.com/product.php?pid=3986827)

They also have a listing on ebay the same company there on sale to two sizes
i hope this link works
eBay Store ? Two Willies Nursery: Search results for dragon fruit. (http://stores.ebay.com/Two-Willies-Nursery__W0QQ_sidZ67104749?_nkw=dragon+fruit)

I checked them out on davesgarden.com they have a good raiting too.

Richard
11-05-2009, 05:05 PM
Here's a great place to obtain dragon fruit plants:

Dragon Fruit Viewer - Pine Island Nursery (http://www.tropicalfruitnursery.com/dragon/)

cherokee_greg
11-05-2009, 05:23 PM
Have you ever saw these kinds

Barbed Wire Cereus - Pitahaya - Anaranjada - eBay (item 300296682264 end time Nov-22-09 18:31:55 PST) (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=300296682264)

Richard
11-05-2009, 05:49 PM
The price is reasonable ... but it is not "rare" as advertised. Also don't expect a fruit that looks like dragon fruit.

moonboy87
11-06-2009, 12:55 AM
Here's a great place to obtain dragon fruit plants:

Dragon Fruit Viewer - Pine Island Nursery (http://www.tropicalfruitnursery.com/dragon/)

Yeah, I've checked them out, but their prices are too rich for my blood ( sure, let me play you all the 'i'm poor,' violin solo ). I'll just stalk somebody until they are willing to give/sell me a cutting from the kindness of their heart. :P. I just really have a curiosity with this plant that I've never felt before...

:nanadrink:

supermario
11-06-2009, 02:46 PM
Yeah, I've checked them out, but their prices are too rich for my blood ( sure, let me play you all the 'i'm poor,' violin solo ). I'll just stalk somebody until they are willing to give/sell me a cutting from the kindness of their heart. :P. I just really have a curiosity with this plant that I've never felt before...

:nanadrink:

I've learned the hard way that quality comes at a price. I purchased many plants online only to end up dissappointed. The nursery Richard mentioned is not far from where I live and is an excellent place of business.

My negative experiences are not limited to online purchases either.. I purchased a jaboticaba and sapodilla plant from Richard Lyon's nursery, which is also nearby. I have been struggling to keep the sapodilla upright since the day I bought it because the root base was sooo small. The jaboticaba has done well, but I paid far too much for the plant. I know this because I found a nursery(Ray's Nursery right by Pine Island), which sold me a Jaboticaba tree 3 times the size of Richard's for only $10 more!! Richard also assured me that black pepper did not grow well here, yet I purchased a plant from Pine Island Nursery and I now have a monster of a plant loaded with fruit!

I guess what Im trying to say is.. based on Pine Islands reputation, their plants are a bargain! Richard Lyon's is more expensive and is complete garbage. Ebay sellers rarely have the real deal and usually ship plants bare root.

Also, in order to get the most out of the plant, you will need to make a significant investment into building a proper support structure. My plan is putting me over $100.. far more than I paid for the plant!

Here is a picture of a well established, properly supported plant.
http://i19.photobucket.com/albums/b158/damethod/dragon-fruit-plant.jpg

You can use lots of different techniques. I have to worry about hurricanes, so I am building and extra sturdy support. :) Either way though, I don't think there is a cheap way to build a good, strong support since the plants can weigh over 100lbs after only a few years!

P.S. Richard Lyon's nursery is not the Richard that posts on this site. Just wanted to make that clear. :)

cherokee_greg
11-06-2009, 03:45 PM
[QUOTE=supermario;107289]I've learned the hard way that quality comes at a price. I purchased many plants online only to end up dissappointed. The nursery Richard mentioned is not far from where I live and is an excellent place of business.


After reading about the plant I figured it was way to big for me and extra work which I donot need. I have to much on my plate for this plant. It sounds good and I bet the fruit is good. And your right about were you get plants and the quility with a price. I ordered a banana from ebay right when I potted it up it wilted and never recovered. And than I had others I received from members here on the org that are strong as a ox. There great and for less money and even free ! I have a nursery here were I live that have great banana plants 5 to 6 ft tall for about 25.00 and very healthy I have to say.I have to say the best plants I received in the mail are from gardners. Any how thanks

harveyc
11-06-2009, 07:54 PM
Mario, if you're picking up a plant in person it might be worth buying a rooted plant but these things root so easily I don't think it's worth paying that kind of price for them. There are many enthusiasts that can provide good cuttings for next to nothing and some of them even sell on eBay. A careful enthusiast is probably less likely to get a cultivar mixed up than a large nursery with many hands involved.

Richard
11-07-2009, 03:10 PM
Be careful. I have encountered many enthusiastic sellers of dragon fruit plants who have never fruited their cuttings or have any means of comparing them to known plant stock.

harveyc
11-08-2009, 02:04 AM
I've encountered many nurseries of various plants with the same problem. It's a crap shoot no matter what unless it's someone you really know well and can inspect the plant in person.

Dalmatiansoap
11-08-2009, 03:05 AM
How hardy DF are? I have one that cant fit my wardrobe greenhouse any more and I dont want to risk with it by taking it ouside if it isnt hardy.
:woohoonaner:

Richard
11-08-2009, 03:21 AM
How hardy DF are? I have one that cant fit my wardrobe greenhouse any more and I dont want to risk with it by taking it ouside if it isnt hardy.
:woohoonaner:

It will die if the tissue freezes.

Dalmatiansoap
11-08-2009, 03:28 AM
Only if it freeze? So it can do fotosyntese in low temp.?

supermario
11-08-2009, 09:18 AM
Mario, if you're picking up a plant in person it might be worth buying a rooted plant but these things root so easily I don't think it's worth paying that kind of price for them. There are many enthusiasts that can provide good cuttings for next to nothing and some of them even sell on eBay. A careful enthusiast is probably less likely to get a cultivar mixed up than a large nursery with many hands involved.


I could probably get a cutting from someone.. but I'd run the risk of obtaining a cultivar that requires cross pollination. Like Richard mentioned, you can receive a cutting and have it produce roots, but getting fruit is another thing. I prefer to pay for a well trained plant and be sure of what I am getting. I have never had a problem with Pine Island mixing up the plants, so I rest assured that the variety I have is "American Beauty". Sure, they may be making up the names as they go.. but as long as it produces the fruit they describe.. they could call it fruit ten from outer space for all I care. :)

A good example I can give is my own grandfather. He was the most enthusiastic gardener you could find.. and he would SWEAR that he had planted a cherimoya tree in my mother's backyard. In reality, it was a custard apple tree. If you were to ask him for cherimoya seeds, he'd send you custard apple seeds with his blessing and assurance.

I had the pleasure of finally tasting a real cherimoya in Barcelona of all places. The flavor is 10X better than the fruit in my mother's backyard. Cherimoya is also smaller and stays green when ripe, unlike the custard apple.

harveyc
11-08-2009, 11:13 AM
Mario, since you live close to PIN it's a natural choice. Shipping a rooted potted trained pitaya is not something I'd recommend, though. Shipping also adds another stage where things often get mixed up, especially if it's a cutting that is being bought, so that's something you're skipping by picking up in person.

If you'd like to try some nice cherimoya here in the states, you can order online from Dario here in California at cherimoya.com (http://www.cherimoya.com) in a month or so. You can plant seeds and graft it later. I know of several very reliable sources of scions from individuals (one operates as a nursery).

Dalmatiansoap
11-08-2009, 11:29 AM
So cherimoya cannot be grown from a seed but allways has to be grafted, right?
:woohoonaner:

supermario
11-08-2009, 11:51 AM
Mario, since you live close to PIN it's a natural choice. Shipping a rooted potted trained pitaya is not something I'd recommend, though. Shipping also adds another stage where things often get mixed up, especially if it's a cutting that is being bought, so that's something you're skipping by picking up in person.

If you'd like to try some nice cherimoya here in the states, you can order online from Dario here in California at cherimoya.com (http://cherimoya.com) in a month or so. You can plant seeds and graft it later. I know of several very reliable sources of scions from individuals (one operates as a nursery).

I'll take you up on that harveyc, thank you for the link! I would love for my mother to finally try the real thing! Unfortunately, I've been told the tree will not grow well down here.. or possibly grow, but rarely produce fruit.. so I don't think I'll make the effort to try and grow it. I just want my mom to try it.

As for Pine Island.. I don't disagree with you about being skeptical. I mentioned earlier that I don't trust the majority of online vendors. I give my personal endorsement of Pine Island because they also have 100% positive feedback on Dave's Garden watchdog. Like you mentioned, I'm lucky enough to have them nearby, so I've seen firsthand how they work and have also noticed the stacks of daily internet orders on their desk. I don't think they would achieve 100% feedback if they made the mistakes that many other online vendors make. Even if you don't purchase anything from them, you can use their excellent site as a resource for basic information on tropicals.. great pictures, lots of variety, and small tid bits of information. I remember looking at their site for months before realizing that I could just drive there! :p

So cherimoya cannot be grown from a seed but allways has to be grafted, right?
:woohoonaner:

I don't know about cherimoya, but that is the case with the majority of fruiting trees. I can think of only a handful of trees that will reproduce reliably from seed.. and even then.. they will take much longer to produce fruit when compared to a grafted tree.

harveyc
11-08-2009, 02:41 PM
Cherimoya can be grown from seed and that is how the named selections came about to begin with. But you are taking your chances of getting a tree producing an inferior fruit since they will usually not come true to type since they are often cross-pollinated. Some do self-pollinate better than others, but I don't remember the details of which varieties are better than that. Jon (Pitangadiego) commented on another group recently about them and you can ask him more about them. He suggests Honey Heart as a good variety if you're going to have only one.

Mario - I'll admit I am somewhat biased against PIN as I must pay a $55 phyto fee for plants shipped from them to here in California and they tack on another 50% of the plant cost for a "compliance fee". The high $55 phyto fee is due to state of Florida fee schedule, but the compliance fee is ridiculous, in my opinion. I have never seen another nursery charge such a fee.

supermario
11-08-2009, 04:09 PM
Cherimoya can be grown from seed and that is how the named selections came about to begin with. But you are taking your chances of getting a tree producing an inferior fruit since they will usually not come true to type since they are often cross-pollinated. Some do self-pollinate better than others, but I don't remember the details of which varieties are better than that. Jon (Pitangadiego) commented on another group recently about them and you can ask him more about them. He suggests Honey Heart as a good variety if you're going to have only one.

Mario - I'll admit I am somewhat biased against PIN as I must pay a $55 phyto fee for plants shipped from them to here in California and they tack on another 50% of the plant cost for a "compliance fee". The high $55 phyto fee is due to state of Florida fee schedule, but the compliance fee is ridiculous, in my opinion. I have never seen another nursery charge such a fee.

Harveyc, your correct. The many different varieties of all fruits came about through scientific means or by just growing a seed and seeing what happens. If you have the patience to see what happens, more power to you. :)

I too feel the compliance fee PIN charges is unnecessary. Im guessing it's a big hassle and they prefer to avoid dealing with California alltogether. I don't see why else they would charge such a steep price. If you are willing to pay it, they will sell to you.. otherwise, they seem to have plenty of business either way. Not the wisest business decision IMO, but it's not my business.

At one point I had considered starting an online nursery myself.. but was quickly discouraged when I learned of all the restrictions from state to state. It is unfortunate that we have to deal with it, but in the end, it is for our own good. If Florida had known better, we would not have the Citrus Greening problem that is now threatening our industry. Pretty soon, we may have to remove the oranges from our license plates! :(

By the way, I put in an order for some cherimoyas. I don't think I'll buy anymore though as it was pretty pricey. I'm just that desperate to show my mom what it really tastes like. :)

Richard
11-08-2009, 11:45 PM
FYI

You can get reliable information on varieties from The California Cherimoya Association (http://ccmya.com/).

I would also investigate the health effects of Annonacins and their concentrations in various Annona species. Yesterday I learned of another documentated case of Atypical Parkinson's disease in California from eating Cherimoyas on a regular basis.

FamilyManDude
11-14-2009, 09:04 AM
Where'd you get these cuttings from? And if anybody has any spare cuttings, please pm me, I'd love to try out this plant :D

Hi M, I purchased those specific varieties (American Beauty, Physical Graffiti, Oblong, and Red Ruby) from GotEpis - (Powered by CubeCart) (http://www.gotepis.com/cart/cuttings/dragonfruit/cat_92.html)
I also purchased Voodoo Child from them.

I also found a wide selection of DF varieties at Hylocereus Hybrids (http://mattslandscape.com/hylocereus/)
I am dying to buy Dark Star and Delight from them. Good Luck.

FamilyManDude
02-17-2010, 04:32 PM
I live in the central San Joaquin Valley of California/Tulare County/Visalia City. I planted my Dragon Fruit cuttings in Sept/Nov of 2009. Well I kept them out during the winter months. Some did okay, while others were hit pretty hard. Most are very pale with rust colored spots.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=29766&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=29766&ppuser=5721)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=29765&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=29765&ppuser=5721)

Some of the spots have developed into deep holes.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=29763&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=29763&ppuser=5721)
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=29764&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=29764&ppuser=5721)

The exception to this seems to be the variety called Voodoo Child. These cuttings look wonderful with deep green color and no signs of stress.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=29767&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=29767&ppuser=5721)

They all seem to be alive and I hope that there will be some growth soon. If I can plant them permanently, then I will probably build a lite plastic shelter to protect from the winter months. The jury is still out if they will make it here.

supermario
02-17-2010, 05:40 PM
I may be wrong, but I think yellowing is a sign of nutrient deficiency and not cold damage. My plant suffered heavy cold damage and in turn became infected with the fungus that rots the stem(forgot the name).

Your plants do seem to be alive and look to have suffered minimal damage. When is the last time you fertilized? I think it's time.

I'm sure someone with more experience will correct me if I'm wrong. :02:

sunfish
02-17-2010, 06:03 PM
I think the rust spots and holes are caused by a fungus,not the cold. I have the same thing on some of mine.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=29771&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=29771&ppuser=2868)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=29770&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=29770&ppuser=2868)

Patty in Wisc
02-17-2010, 06:44 PM
Only if it freeze? So it can do fotosyntese in low temp.?
Ante, my DF is in the center of my sunroom where temps are 55 - 59 F average. With those cool temps, it requires less light so then it goes semi dormant. Same as my nanas in S Room...cool temps = slow or no growth. Also, I do not fertilize when they are dormant or semi-dormant.
When they start showing growth, then I'll fert.
Oh, and I also have cherimoyas that are 7 years old grown from seed, so I'm hoping for fruit this year:)

Richard
02-17-2010, 08:57 PM
Tony is correct, the spots are caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea.
Botryosphaeria dothidea causing stem spots on Hylocereus undatus in Mexico (http://www.bspp.org.uk/publications/new-disease-reports/ndr.php?id=007025)
You can treat it with copper-ammonium (e.g., Liqui-Cop) or if you have a pesticide applicators license there are some very effective fungicides that are also approved for certified organic application.

sbl
02-18-2010, 05:02 PM
Update on my DF: It looks like the red DF may have survived the freeze--low of 19 and several nights in the low 20s--with just the cover of a sheet! It is in a hanging basket on a stand. It had gotten to big to move with all those thorny limbs. There are some limbs that froze--not many.

My white DF is toast--it is all tan colored mush now.

sunfish
03-20-2010, 06:12 PM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=30354&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=30354&ppuser=2868)

Patty in Wisc
03-20-2010, 07:10 PM
I have some new growths on mine -- they are 3 to 5 inches but real skinny! Guess it's time to fert.

stevelau1911
03-20-2010, 08:49 PM
I have a pot of it and it usually sends up skinny shoots in the winter due to the lack of sunlight. Once I put it back outside, it will make thicker growth.

I have some new growths on mine -- they are 3 to 5 inches but real skinny! Guess it's time to fert.

sunfish
03-20-2010, 09:04 PM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=30363&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=30363&ppuser=2868)

Another variety, with thinner branches

Richard
03-20-2010, 10:45 PM
I have been reading about remedies for Bacterial Spot disease on dragon fruit, caused by Botryosphaeria dothidea. This bacteria is hosted by chaparral in Mexico and the southern U.S., such as all species of Sumac. Here in southern CA, agricultural treatments with Agri-Myacin and Kocide 3000 are the current weapons of choice. Both are approved for certified organic, provided you have the pesticide applicators license to buy them in the 1st place.

harveyc
03-20-2010, 11:10 PM
I'm curious if either product is registered for pitaya of any general class of fruit which might permit them to be used in a commercial setting. Usually, such rare crops have a limited choice of pesticides since it's not feasible to conduct studies by the suppliers.

Richard
05-15-2010, 10:01 PM
My Hylocereus guatemalensis is showing flower buds for the first time! One of them looks large enough to open in a day or two.

:woohoonaner:

Dalmatiansoap
05-16-2010, 03:25 PM
:pics:
:ha::ha::ha:

sunfish
07-18-2010, 09:26 PM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=34454&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=34454&ppuser=2868)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=34453&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=34453&ppuser=2868)

SOCALROCKER
07-18-2010, 11:15 PM
Shade vs Full Sun

Depending on Temperture it gets hot out here in Ventura County in the summer with a high of 90* to 100*+.How much shade or full sun should the dragonfruit recieve.I am starting to build soon my planter with a shade to allow my Hylocereus DF to have some shade because I don't want them to burn.How much % of sun/shade have you had success with growing your DF?
I just transplanted 5 of my 5 gallon pots with my DF up to 15 gallon pots with Miracle Grow soil for potted plants so wish me luck.I still have to get 5 more 15 gallon pots to transplant the rest of my DF.I cant wait to finish this project in my garden for my DF to have there own planter to grow in.Hope everyone here is having fun growing there DF in there gardens or backyard's.

Has anyone seen this website I found on the web Mattslandscape.com Specializing in Hybrid Epiphytic Cactus or Epis (http://www.mattslandscape.com)
They have some cool stuff that I have found on their website.I am not sure if I will buy from them.

harveyc
07-19-2010, 12:19 AM
Hi Mitch,

Yes, I've seen that site as the owner joined the new pitaya discussion group (linked earlier in this thread, I believe) and he introduced himself there. I haven't bought from him, however.

I've heard a few folks report good results with 30% shade cloth, though I expect that is somewhat dependent on the intensity of sun in their area. Pitaya grown in too much shade often don't flower very well. At the field station in Irvine all of the pitaya are grown in full sun and some varieties did fine while others were really burned badly when I visited there for the pitaya festival last August.

sunfish
07-25-2010, 10:50 AM
Should open any day now

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=34735&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=34735&ppuser=2868)

sunfish
07-29-2010, 10:59 PM
I wish these plants would flower in daylight.I have a couple that look like they will open tonight.I have to go out in the back and keep checking and I always find skunks.

harveyc
07-30-2010, 12:52 AM
Tony, I wouldn't worry about it as you get up early enough you can pollinate them early in the morning.

sunfish
07-31-2010, 08:21 AM
Buds ready to open and new buds forming
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=35059&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=35059&ppuser=2868)

Richard
07-31-2010, 12:58 PM
Yes, the weather has been cool for tomato plants but the Hylocereus here are budding out all over.

Patty in Wisc
07-31-2010, 02:13 PM
I bought a red DF at the store other day for $7.00. Sticker on it said Vietnam & I think it was vietnamese Jaina... what I'm growing. It was very bland. I guess they don't travel well & should be eaten right away when picked.

capthof
07-31-2010, 02:58 PM
I hope mine set fruit this year. I have no idea of the varieties I have only that they are white ,red,and yellow.

These American Beauties should open tonight.
Last one did not set fruit so wish me luck on these.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=35076&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=35076)
Good luck

I bought a red DF at the store other day for $7.00. Sticker on it said Vietnam & I think it was vietnamese Jaina... what I'm growing. It was very bland. I guess they don't travel well & should be eaten right away when picked.
I prefer the word delicate, but yes there are more flavorsome fruits around.
The Yellow is the sweetest that I have tried so far.

It is worth the trip out at night to catch these blossoms.
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=35094&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=35094)

sunfish
08-01-2010, 09:54 PM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=35157&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=35157&ppuser=2868)

harveyc
08-01-2010, 11:26 PM
Good luck, Tony!

Want Them All
08-02-2010, 02:46 PM
Is it a sign of something bad if the branches on my DF look skinny? Malnourished or something?

Jack Daw
08-02-2010, 03:24 PM
Beautiful flowers.

sunfish
08-02-2010, 05:53 PM
Is it a sign of something bad if the branches on my DF look skinny? Malnourished or something?

Do you have pic's.Some varieties are thinner than others.

capthof
08-02-2010, 06:39 PM
After a hard night, these look like they could use some aspirin!
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=35163&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=35163)

Dalmatiansoap
08-02-2010, 06:42 PM
WoW! What a night:ha::ha::ha:?
:nanadrink:

Abnshrek
08-02-2010, 07:05 PM
WoW! What a night:ha::ha::ha:?
:nanadrink:

Looks like they went on a bender.. :^)

Want Them All
08-02-2010, 07:14 PM
Do you have pic's.Some varieties are thinner than others.

I think it's not enough water, but I could be wrong, though.
<a href="http://s9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/delldude/?action=view&current=DSC_2016.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/delldude/DSC_2016.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/delldude/?action=view&current=DSC_2013.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/delldude/DSC_2013.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/delldude/?action=view&current=DSC_2014.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/delldude/DSC_2014.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/delldude/?action=view&current=DSC_2015.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/delldude/DSC_2015.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

sunfish
08-02-2010, 07:46 PM
I'm no Dragon Fruit expert,but I don't see a problem.

Want Them All
08-02-2010, 10:24 PM
I'm no Dragon Fruit expert,but I don't see a problem.

Hehe, I don't either. The hard part is to know whether there is a problem or not. I guess I'll just keep on feeding and watering, wait and see.

harveyc
08-03-2010, 12:08 AM
I think you may have too much shade which will result in longer/thinner branches. Shade of 20-30% seems to be what's suggested most while full sun is fine for some varieties and in some environments.

Want Them All
08-03-2010, 12:21 AM
I think you may have too much shade which will result in longer/thinner branches. Shade of 20-30% seems to be what's suggested most while full sun is fine for some varieties and in some environments.

I've heard that as well, but like you said, for some varieties. I'm gonna be attending the Pitaya festival in 2 weeks, will try to absorb as much knowledge as I can.

harveyc
08-03-2010, 02:56 AM
I've heard that as well, but like you said, for some varieties. I'm gonna be attending the Pitaya festival in 2 weeks, will try to absorb as much knowledge as I can.

Unless you're seeing yellowing of your plant, there's no need for shading.

One lady reported experiences of her and her husband with their 300 pitaya plants in north San Diego County. Plants (G2 variety) put under 30% shade only flowered around the perimeter where branches stuck out from the shade cloth. Plants under some "bargain" shade cloth which was also rated at 30%, but which seemed to actually provide less shading, worked much better and plants under that cloth bloomed very well. In the second year of using shade cloth the plants under the premium shade cloth still were not blooming while the others were so they decided to switch to just the bargain shade cloth and the first group of plants then started to bloom a short time later. While this doesn't give a precise indication of how much shade your plants may need, it definitely indicates that too much shade is not beneficial.

Since long slender growth is also typical under shady conditions, I'd suggest you try giving your plants more sun.

By the way, where in Central California are you located? You've got yourself pinned in the map to being in Wyoming. Better bring those plants inside this winter! ;)

Want Them All
08-03-2010, 01:08 PM
Unless you're seeing yellowing of your plant, there's no need for shading.

One lady reported experiences of her and her husband with their 300 pitaya plants in north San Diego County. Plants (G2 variety) put under 30% shade only flowered around the perimeter where branches stuck out from the shade cloth. Plants under some "bargain" shade cloth which was also rated at 30%, but which seemed to actually provide less shading, worked much better and plants under that cloth bloomed very well. In the second year of using shade cloth the plants under the premium shade cloth still were not blooming while the others were so they decided to switch to just the bargain shade cloth and the first group of plants then started to bloom a short time later. While this doesn't give a precise indication of how much shade your plants may need, it definitely indicates that too much shade is not beneficial.

Since long slender growth is also typical under shady conditions, I'd suggest you try giving your plants more sun.

By the way, where in Central California are you located? You've got yourself pinned in the map to being in Wyoming. Better bring those plants inside this winter! ;)

Wyoming? Hahaha, I'm in Bakersfield. Only a very few branches (maybe 2 or 3) of my pitayas have yellow areas on them. The rest are green, despite the full sun exposure, and it IS sunny and hot here. They're outside year round, winter temps are cold, several days of low 30s, but mostly 40s. They're planted next to a slope, so the wet winter rains don't seem to cause any rot.

harveyc
08-03-2010, 02:30 PM
Yeak, click the "Find me on the map!" link under your name in one of your posts and it takes you to just south of Chugwater, Wyoming! :ha:

You say your plants are in full sun but you have lattice over some of them. Are you skinny branches under the lattice? You don't need the lattice unless you've got sunburn problems. It looks like the lattice may block 40% or so of the sunlight in places.

Want Them All
08-03-2010, 02:53 PM
Yeak, click the "Find me on the map!" link under your name in one of your posts and it takes you to just south of Chugwater, Wyoming! :ha:

You say your plants are in full sun but you have lattice over some of them. Are you skinny branches under the lattice? You don't need the lattice unless you've got sunburn problems. It looks like the lattice may block 40% or so of the sunlight in places.

How do I change my map location?
Originally when I started planting pitayas, I was worried that the sun might be too much for them in Bakersfield. You're right, many of the "skinny" branches are under the lattice. I'm gonna be looking for some more cuttings at the Pitaya festival, and will construct some real trellis in full sun for them. I'm running out of room in the yard, that's why I asked about planting them in pots over in the pitaya forum (I see you're a member there too). There's some extra space in my yard, on a south facing slope. What do you think about planting pitayas on a slope?. At this time, I'm undecided whether to put them there or in pots.

harveyc
08-03-2010, 03:12 PM
How do I change my map location?
Originally when I started planting pitayas, I was worried that the sun might be too much for them in Bakersfield. You're right, many of the "skinny" branches are under the lattice. I'm gonna be looking for some more cuttings at the Pitaya festival, and will construct some real trellis in full sun for them. I'm running out of room in the yard, that's why I asked about planting them in pots over in the pitaya forum (I see you're a member there too). There's some extra space in my yard, on a south facing slope. What do you think about planting pitayas on a slope?. At this time, I'm undecided whether to put them there or in pots.

I think there's a thread in the site information sub-forum. But you can edit it by clicking on "Find me on the map!" link and once there you can click on "[Your entry]". If you know your long/lat values you can edit them there and save. Or you can put use 35.34 for latitude and -119.04 for longitude and that will be close.

I think planting them on a south-facing slope would be a good location.

sunfish
08-04-2010, 08:52 PM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=35253&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=35253&ppuser=2868)

Is this a bud ?


http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=35254&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=35254&ppuser=2868)

sunfish
08-11-2010, 12:56 PM
I am hoping this is going to be the Yellow Pitaya

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=35626&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=35626&ppuser=2868)

capthof
08-11-2010, 02:10 PM
Yes that is what they look like!

I am hoping this is going to be the Yellow Pitaya

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=35626&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=35626&ppuser=2868)

sunfish
08-11-2010, 02:43 PM
Yes that is what they look like!

Thanks Two years ago I got cuttings of red,white and yellow Pitaya. I lost the labels and was never sure which was which. This one buds more towards the ends of the branches than the others. The bud is red compared to green on the other two.

capthof
08-11-2010, 05:30 PM
They will blossom fairly fast, this is what they look like after a month or so after the bloom. The spines on mine did not fall off but they did brush off when the fruit turned completely yellow. Good luck keep us posted.

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=20520&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=20520)

harveyc
08-12-2010, 08:13 PM
Tony, give me a call when it's ripe! :D

sunfish
08-12-2010, 08:17 PM
Tony, give me a call when it's ripe! :D

10-4

capthof
08-18-2010, 09:29 PM
Time to enjoy the fruits of my labor!!!!
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=35793&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=35793)

MediaHound
08-18-2010, 09:41 PM
Nice, congrats!

LilRaverBoi
08-18-2010, 09:48 PM
Wow, that looks incredibly tasty! I'm kinda jealous now!

harveyc
08-19-2010, 12:10 AM
Been eating pitaya a few times in the past four days in Nicaragua! Here I've mostly had it as sweetened juice which is quite nice. The pitayas here are dark red.

sunfish
08-20-2010, 09:36 AM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=35828&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=35828&ppuser=2868)

Want Them All
08-20-2010, 01:36 PM
Do you guys think this is sunburn leading to rot?
<a href="http://s9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/delldude/?action=view&current=DSC_2083.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/delldude/DSC_2083.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/delldude/?action=view&current=DSC_2084.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/delldude/DSC_2084.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/delldude/?action=view&current=DSC_2085.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/delldude/DSC_2085.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>
<a href="http://s9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/delldude/?action=view&current=DSC_2082.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i9.photobucket.com/albums/a67/delldude/DSC_2082.jpg" border="0" alt="Photobucket"></a>

sunfish
08-21-2010, 11:15 PM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=35943&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=35943&ppuser=2868)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=35942&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=35942&ppuser=2868)

sunfish
08-28-2010, 08:29 PM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=36137&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=36137&ppuser=2868)

http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=36138&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=36138&ppuser=2868)

Gilmar
10-01-2012, 09:26 PM
Hello, my pitaya red stains appearing this in the bud and the bud is brown deforming.
wanted to put photo here, but I can not.
if someone could help me thank

harveyc
10-01-2012, 10:48 PM
Hello, my pitaya red stains appearing this in the bud and the bud is brown deforming.
wanted to put photo here, but I can not.
if someone could help me thank

See if this can help you upload some photos: http://www.bananas.org/f5/creating-albums-posting-photos-8797.html

Gilmar
10-02-2012, 07:09 PM
http://http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=50795&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=50795&limit=recent)

Gilmar
10-02-2012, 07:13 PM
]Banana Gallery - Pitaya (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=50795&limit=recent)http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=50795&size=1

Someone can tell me what is this disease?
how can I treat?
thank you

caliboy1994
10-13-2012, 08:37 PM
'Physical Graffiti,' 'American Beauty,' and 'Paul Thompson' as of today.

http://i1061.photobucket.com/albums/t464/musamaniac/Dragon%20fruit/IMG_2046_zps649fbf68.jpg

Nandakumar
06-14-2013, 05:45 AM
It is custard apple.

Richard
06-18-2013, 01:48 AM
It is custard apple.

??

Abnshrek
06-22-2013, 04:40 PM
http://www.bananas.org/gallery/watermark.php?file=53436&size=1 (http://www.bananas.org/gallery/showphoto.php?photo=53436)
American Beauty.. :^)