Pink Panther

Store: Shulman Dragon Fruit Orchard • Moorpark, CA, US

The 'Pink Panther' dragon fruit is a popular hybrid variety known for its vibrant, sweet pink-to-magenta flesh with notes of berries, melon, and grape. It is self-fertile, making it a reliable choice for home growers. 

Key Characteristics

Brix Score 19

• Flesh Color: The inner flesh is a striking bright pink to magenta with small, crunchy black seeds.
• Taste Profile: It offers a balanced flavor that is sweet and refreshing, often described as a mix of berries, melon, and grape with low acidity. The Brix score (a measure of sweetness) is typically around 19.
• Size: The fruit is generally small to medium-sized, often compared to the size of a kiwi or a duck egg, but packed with flavor.
• Pollination: It is a self-fertile variety, meaning it can produce fruit using its own pollen; however, hand-pollination can increase fruit size and yield. Its pollen is also an excellent source for cross-pollinating other varieties

Growing Information

• Growth Habit: The plant is a vining cactus that grows at a moderate pace. It needs a sturdy support structure like a trellis or post to climb on.
• Sunlight: The 'Pink Panther' variety requires at least 6-8 hours of full sun daily but can benefit from some afternoon shade in extremely hot climates to prevent sunburn.
• Soil and Watering: It thrives in well-draining, sandy, slightly acidic soil. Watering should be regular, allowing the top inch or two of the soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
• Harvesting: Fruit is typically ready for harvest about 30-50 days after the night-blooming flower has been successfully pollinated. A ripe fruit will have vibrant pink skin and yield slightly to gentle pressure. 

The 'Pink Panther' is highly regarded by home growers for its excellent flavor and reliable fruiting, often considered a "must-have" for dragon fruit enthusiasts.