This variety is the first hybrid (H. Stenopterus x H. Guatemalensis) in the Asunta Series. It was made by Edgar Valdivia, who is a member of the California Rare Fruit Growers group.
Description
The flower is pink (the inner petals of this beautiful flower range from pink to purple) and can’t reproduce on its own. It needs to cross-pollinate, and the flowers might need to be opened by hand. Edgar Valdivia wanted to make the fruit bigger because it was smaller than the other ones in the series. He did this by pollinating it with the large Condor variety.
| Origin: | California |
| Peel color: | Green |
| Flesh color: | White / light purple to pink |
| Mature height: | 4 - 10 ft. |
| Sun: | Full to part sun |
| Hardiness: | Around 30 degrees |
| Water: | Low-medium (1-4 times weekly during dry months when established) |
| Flavor: | Sweet, cinnamon comes through in the taste. |
| Brix: | ~18 |
| Pollination: | Self-sterile, requires x- pollination |
| Days to harvest: | ~60 |
| Growth rate: | 4 out of 5 |
| Weather tolerance: | 4 out of 5 |
| Fruit production: | 3 out of 5 |
| Flavor: | 5 out of 5 |
| Home planting: | 4 out of 5 |
| Commercial planting: | 3 out of 5 |
Stems are thick and short, and there is only one thorn. It produces a lot. Very hardy plant that can handle heat and sun. It starts producing fruit at a young age and blooms earlier than most Dragon Fruit, in early May. It keeps producing fruit all summer and fall, until November 7–16.
If you live in a warmer climate or are an urban gardener with limited space, you can grow this dragon fruit cultivar in a pot. It is easy to grow and does well in containers. You can move it to a pot and keep it there for the winter to protect it from frost, since pitaya plants can only handle short periods of freezing temperatures (below 28 F is bad) and frost.
How to plant
This dragonfruit variety comes from a cactus, which means it likes to be in the sun and heat. It will do better if you plant it in a dry, sunny spot. If you live in a hot area, you should choose a spot that gets some shade.
The dragon fruit plant is a climbing cactus, so it needs something to climb on. As the plant gets older, it usually grows aerial roots from its branches and finds something to climb. So, if you want to grow dragonfruit, you should find something to hold up your plant. Put a strong trellis on it or build an arbor.
Choose sandy, loamy soil that drains well if you want to grow dragonfruit. It would be fine to mix sand with garden soil. It can grow in poor soil.
Since the pitahaya is a cactus, you should water it like you would other succulents: carefully and in small amounts. Only water when the soil is dry.
The Enchanting Enigma: My Adventures with the Asunta 1 Dragon Fruit
For years, my dragon fruit farm has been a riot of color – the fiery fuchsia of the Red Crystal, the sunshine-yellow of the Golden Sunrise, and the deep magenta of the Mystic Purple. But last season, I decided to add a touch of the unexpected. Intrigued by whispers in the online dragon fruit forums, I embarked on a journey with the enigmatic Asunta 1.
This wasn’t your average dragon fruit. Unlike its flamboyant cousins, the Asunta 1 sported a skin that resembled a freshly minted emerald. It was like holding a secret in your hands, a smooth, green orb waiting to be unveiled. My initial concern was, “Will anyone even want a green dragon fruit?” After all, hadn’t we been conditioned to associate vibrant hues with exotic flavors?
The wait for the fruit was agonizing. Weeks turned into months, and the emerald orbs slowly swelled, their green skin deepening in some areas. Finally, the day arrived – harvest time! With a snip, I detached the first Asunta 1, my heart pounding with anticipation. As I sliced it open, I was met with a sight that stopped me in my tracks. The flesh wasn’t pure white, as I’d expected, but a delicate ballet of white and light purple, swirling together like marble. It was stunning.
Now came the moment of truth – the taste test. I hesitantly brought a piece to my lips, bracing myself for the unknown. The first bite was a revelation. The flesh was incredibly juicy, bursting onto my tongue with a wave of sweetness that was unlike any dragon fruit I’d ever tasted. It was subtle, not the in-your-face sweetness of the Red Crystal, but more nuanced, like a blend of honeydew melon and pear with a hint of floral notes. The subtle purple flesh added a touch of tartness, a delightful counterpoint to the overall sweetness.
Needless to say, the Asunta 1 was a hit with everyone who tried it. Customers who initially balked at the green skin were instantly captivated by the flavor. It was like biting into a summer dream – refreshing, light, and bursting with a unique and unforgettable taste.
Here’s the thing about the Asunta 1 – it’s not just about the fruit. It’s a conversation starter. It forces people to question their preconceived notions about what a dragon fruit should look and taste like. It’s a reminder that sometimes, the most beautiful things come in unexpected packages.
Growing the Asunta 1 has been an adventure, a testament to the constant evolution in the world of dragon fruit. It’s a variety that demands attention, not just for its unique appearance and flavor, but for the way it challenges our expectations. And that, my friends, is what keeps things interesting for a farmer like me. Who knows what hidden gems await discovery in the next season? The hunt, after all, is half the fun!
Conclusion
Almost anywhere on Earth, you can grow this dragon fruit variety. It needs to be protected in places that get very cold, because it grows best in warm places with mild winters. It can be pretty resistant to drought and can live in very dry conditions.
However, the plant seems to like regular watering (in soil that drains well), and this seems to help it make better fruit. Yes, pitaya plants can grow even if they aren’t taken care of, but they’ll do much better in rich, well-drained soil with a lot of water.
