In this article, we will tell you about a hybrid H. polyrhizus/costaricensis called Armando.
Description
Armando is a type of Dragon Fruit that comes from the Hylocereus genus and the costaricensis x polyrhizus species. This variety was found in its natural habitat near the border of Honduras and Nicaragua and was first collected there. DNA tests show that this variety is related to San Ignacio, a commercially grown Dragon Fruit variety in Nicaragua.
Origin/source: | Nicaragua |
Days to harvest: | 41 |
Size: | 4-40+ feet |
Sun: | Full to part sun |
Hardiness: | Around 30 degrees |
Water: | Medium (2-3 times weekly during dry months when established) |
Flowers: | White, short bloom duration (at night) |
Flavor: | 4 out of 5 |
Fruit production: | 4 out of 5 |
Growing: | 3 out of 5 |
The plant can handle cold and heat very well because it has a thicker waxy layer on the outside than other varieties. Flowers bloom at night and close up in the morning. For this variety to set fruit, it needs to be pollinated by hand or by mother nature.
Once the flower is pollinated, the fruit is a good size and taste, and it weighs about a pound on average. Like most varieties with deep red flesh, this one has firm flesh with a hint of sweetness at the end of the taste. Based on our tests, the sweetness was a 17 on the Brix scale.
Plant facts
- Medium-sized fruit with red skin and red flesh;
- Origin: collected by R. Lobo in Las Manos, near border of Honduras and Nicaragua;
- In Southern California, it takes 41 days from bloom to harvest;
- The fruit is harvested from mid-June to January. It is round, medium in size, and weighs ~ 390 g. Its quality is acceptable;
- The flesh is very firm and red. The skin is purplish-red and of average thickness;
- Good commercial potential;
- Tolerates both cold and heat;
- Grows well in direct sunlight.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it can be said that this is quite a good dragonfruit variety with normal yields, but if there is a choice, it is better to give preference to other variants for commercial activities.