The genus Hylocereus is a captivating group of cacti known for their strikingly beautiful and delicious fruits, commonly referred to as dragon fruits or pitayas. Native to the Americas, these plants are unique for their vibrant flowers, which bloom overnight, and their sprawling, climbing vines that thrive in warm, dry climates. Hylocereus species, including the popular Hylocereus undatus and Hylocereus guatemalensis, produce fruits that are not only a feast for the eyes with their bright, colourful skin but also a treat for the taste buds, offering a mildly sweet, refreshing flavour. Known for their resilience and minimal care requirements, Hylocereus cacti are both a gardener’s delight and a tropical fruit lover’s dream.

Introducing the Delight Dragon Fruit (Hylocereus guatemalensis x Hylocereus undatus hybrid), a stunning variety that brings both beauty and flavour to your garden. This hybrid is a unique cross between the white-fleshed Niezel variety and the purple-fleshed Rixford, making it one of the most beloved choices for dragon fruit enthusiasts. The Delight variety is known for its medium-sized fruit, which typically weighs around 450g. The fruit has a striking red skin and pink flesh, offering a sweet and unique flavour that gives this variety its well-deserved name.

Unlike many dragon fruit varieties, the Delight is a self-pollinating plant, meaning it can set fruit on its own. However, for an even larger harvest, we recommend hand-pollination, which ensures that you get fruit of the best size and quality. This makes it a great variety for both novice and experienced gardeners alike, as it’s easy to grow but still rewards you with a truly impressive yield when cared for properly. This variety was selected and developed by the California Rare Fruit Growers and is part of the 3-S seedling group created by renowned horticulturist Paul Thomson. His work with these hybrids, including the Delight, has given us a dragon fruit variety that’s both easy to grow and deliciously unique.

The Delight Dragon Fruit plant is a climbing cactus vine, making it ideal for trellises or other vertical supports. It thrives in dry areas and grows best in soil rich in organic materials, which mimics its natural epiphytic growing conditions. The plant produces large, white flowers, sometimes reaching 350mm or more across. These stunning blooms open at night and emit a sweet fragrance that fills the air with an almost magical atmosphere. The flowers bloom only for one night, adding an element of fleeting beauty to your garden that dragon fruit enthusiasts will certainly cherish. As closely related to the orchid cacti or Epiphyllum, the plant shares their reputation for large, impressive flowers, making it a beautiful addition to any garden.

The flesh of the Delight variety is sweet and refreshing, making it perfect for eating raw, though it also shines when chilled. It can also be used to create delicious juices or paired with other fruits like mango in a tropical sorbet. Dragon fruits like Delight are known for their health benefits. The flesh is rich in antioxidants, and it’s reputed to improve eyesight and help prevent hypertension. Additionally, the seeds of the fruit are believed to help control blood glucose levels in people with non-insulin-dependent hyperglycaemic conditions (a type of diabetes). The plant is also used to treat stomach and endocrine problems, making it not only a treat for the taste buds but also for your well-being.

The Delight Dragon Fruit is a wonderful addition to any garden, offering beauty, flavour, and health benefits in one. With its large, fragrant flowers, sweet fruit, and easy-to-care-for nature, this hybrid variety is the perfect choice for both new and experienced gardeners alike. Start growing your own Delight Dragon Fruit today and enjoy the rewards of this incredible plant in your garden.