Robles Red is a self-fertile variety with deep purple to reddish flesh (depending on how old it is) and a round shape. Julio Robles made this type by crossing American Beauty and Orejona.
Description
The fruit has a thick pink skin with lime green fins and many small crunchy seeds inside. It is an excellent all-around variety that grows fast, matures fast, and has fruits that ripen a few days faster than most dragonfruits.
| Taste: | Sweet tangy which can be compared with a kiwi |
| USDA Hardiness Zone (°F): | 9 (20 to 30 °F) |
| Time to fruit / flower / harvest: | 2-3 years |
| Brix: | 17.5-18.5 |
| Weight: | ~ 450 grams |
| Preferred climate: | Tropical, Subtropical |
| Grown from: | Cutting, seeds |
| Max height (when in the ground with good conditions): | 2-5 m |
| Suitability in pots: | Yes |
| Water requirements: | Little watering |
| Is it a dwarf fruit tree: | Can be pruned to 2 m |
| Sun or shade: | 50-80% |
| Preferred soil type: | Perfect drainage |
| Soil pH: | Neutral (6.6-7.3pH) |
| Flavor: | 5 out of 5 |
| Appearance: | 5 out of 5 |
| Home planting: | 5 out of 5 |
| Commercial planting: | 4 out of 5 |
| Growth rate: | 4 out of 5 |
| Fruit production: | 4 out of 5 |
| Weather tolerance: | 4 out of 5 |
Robles Red is an aggressive grower with beautiful branches that sometimes curl. Although the flowers are self-fertile, hand pollination can assure bigger fruit. Slightly sweet and sour, with floral notes. The fruit is attractive, having short green fins spindled around the reddish-pink skin, and it weighs one to one and a quarter pounds on average, with semi-firm flesh.
To grow Robles Red pitahaya fruit, it is best to plant it in USDA Zones 9-12. It is possible to grow it outdoors year-round in these zones, but in cooler areas, it is best to grow it in pots and move them inside in the winter. Dragon fruit is also suitable for growing as a patio specimen in Zones 4-12. For the best harvest, temperatures between 65 °F and 85 °F are optimal. Temperatures under 32 °F will kill the plant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Robles Red is an excellent all-around pitaya variety that is self-fertile, matures quickly, and has a mildly tart hint of sweetness with each bite. It is medium to large in size, with semi-firm flesh and a thick pink skin with lime green fins.
