Vietnam Red

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

Vietnam Red (also called Vietnamese Red, closely related to varieties like Bien Hoa Red) is the classic red-fleshed dragon fruit widely exported from Vietnam, prized for its striking color and richer flavor than the white-fleshed Vietnamese standard.

Fruit Profile

• Appearance: Red skin surrounding deep magenta/red flesh – noticeably richer in color than white-fleshed varieties.
• Flavor: Mildly sweet and refreshing with a hint of berry; sweeter than white-fleshed Vietnamese dragon fruit, with fewer seeds.
• Size: Larger fruit, typically 500-800 grams.
• Nutrition: Contains lycopene, the antioxidant responsible for its deep red color.

Plant Characteristics

• Pollination: Generally self-fertile, but hand-pollination is recommended to guarantee a good set when natural pollinators like bees or bats aren’t reliably present – use a small, clean brush to move pollen from anthers to stigma in the evening or early morning while flowers are open.
• Cross-Pollination: Growers who cross-pollinate with a different variety often see larger, more robust fruit.
• Growth: Vigorous, aggressive, three-sided stems tolerant of heat and cold, suitable for zones 9-10; regular pruning keeps it productive.