Asunta 5

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

Asunta 5, or “A5,” is a popular series of dragon fruit hybrids created by Edgar Valdivia by crossing Tricia with Asunta 4. Known for large size, intense sweetness, and complex, often berry-like flavors, the A5 line includes several named selections – A5 Ventura, A5 Paco, and A5 Sunset Sherbet among them – each with its own character, from vibrant magenta flesh to white flesh with melon notes.

Fruit Profile

• Flavor: Predominantly sweet with mixed berry, guava, melon, or lychee notes and very little acidity or tartness.
• Texture: Firm, crunchy, and juicy.
• Size: Generally large, often exceeding 1.5 pounds.
• Varieties: A5 Ventura (big, sweet fruit), A5 Paco (deep magenta flesh, complex flavor), A5 Sunset Sherbet (mixed berry), A5 Yellow (white flesh, melon/lychee).

Plant Characteristics

• Parentage: A hybrid of Selenicereus guatemalensis (Tricia) and Selenicereus stenopterus (Asunta 4).

Growing conditions: Full sun to partial shade. Water when the top inch of soil dries — dragon fruit is drought-tolerant and dislikes soggy roots. Hardy outdoors in USDA zones 9–11, or grow it in a pot or greenhouse and bring it inside when temperatures drop below 32°F.