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 Halley’s Comet Dragon Fruit, a stunning hybrid variety derived from Hylocereus undatus and Hylocereus guatemalensis. This variety features striking pink skin with green fins and vibrant purple flesh, offering a unique and delicious flavour. The fruits typically weigh between 450 to 900 grams and have a sweet taste, with an average brix rating of 16, making them perfect for eating raw, chilled, or as a refreshing juice. You can even use them in tropical sorbets or pair them with other fruits like mango for a delightful treat.

Halley’s Comet Dragon Fruit is a climbing cactus vine that grows well in dry areas and thrives in soil rich in organic materials, thanks to its epiphytic nature. These plants are ideally suited to well-drained, fertile soil for optimal growth. The flowers of Halley’s Comet are large, with blooms reaching up to 33 cm in diameter, and they produce a sweet fragrance when they open. The flowers last for just one night, making the bloom a fleeting but spectacular event.

This variety is known for its strong but less aggressive growth habit and is tolerant of full sun with minimal sunburn. The plant’s flowers bloom throughout the summer, ensuring a continuous display of beauty in your garden. Although Halley’s Comet can set fruit on its own, it performs best with pollen from another variety, such as Hylocereus polyrhizus, for optimal fruiting.

Dragon fruits, or pitayas, are closely related to orchid cacti (Epiphyllum), known for their large, showy flowers. In addition to their visual appeal, dragon fruits are known for their health benefits. They are reputed to improve eyesight, reduce hypertension, and aid in treating stomach and endocrine issues. The seeds of the fruit are believed to help regulate blood glucose levels, making them beneficial for people with non-insulin-dependent hyperglycaemic conditions.

Halley’s Comet Dragon Fruit is a stunning, productive, and health-boosting addition to any garden. With its eye-catching fruit, gorgeous flowers, and deliciously sweet flesh, this variety will be a standout in any collection. Whether you’re a novice or an experienced grower, Halley’s Comet offers both beauty and utility, ensuring a rewarding gardening experience.