American Beauty

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

The American Beauty dragon fruit is a popular variety known for its attractive dark pink skin with green fins and vibrant magenta-red flesh, offering a sweet, juicy, and slightly earthy flavor reminiscent of kiwi or pear, with the added benefit of being self-pollinating. This vining cactus variety is low-maintenance, thriving in warm climates (USDA Zones 9-11) with well-draining soil and full sun, and can also be grown in containers, making it suitable for diverse gardeners.

Plant Characteristics

Appearance & Taste

• Exterior: Deep pink skin with green tips (fins).
• Interior: Striking magenta-red flesh with tiny black seeds.
• Flavor: Sweet and juicy, often compared to a mix of kiwi and pear. 

• Type: A vining cactus from the Hylocereus guatemalensis species.
• Size: Fruit typically weighs 0.5 to 1.5 pound.
• Pollination: Self-fertile, meaning it doesn't need another plant for fruit production. Hand pollination is recommended.

Growing Conditions & Care

• Sunlight: Needs plenty of bright light, but young plants should be acclimated to avoid sunburn.
• Soil: Requires well-draining cactus mix.
• Water: Water only when the soil is dry; avoid overwatering.
• Support: Needs a sturdy support (pole or trellis) to grow.
• Climate: Best in USDA Zones 9-11, but can be grown in pots and brought indoors in winter.