Dragon Fruit 'Edgar's Baby' (Hylocereus stenopterus x Hylocereus Guatemalensis)
Compact Growth & Magenta Flesh with Bold Tropical Sweetness
‘Edgar’s Baby’ is a compact, early-fruiting dragon fruit variety bred by legendary California hybridizer Edgar Valdivia. Unlike larger, sprawling types, this cultivar is manageable in size yet highly productive—perfect for home growers with limited space. Its fruit features bright pink skin, vibrant magenta flesh, and a sweet-tart tropical flavor that’s refreshing and complex. With dramatic night-blooming flowers and reliable yields, it’s a perfect addition to food forests, container gardens, or edible arbors.
Dragon fruit has been cherished for centuries across Central and South America, where it’s valued not just for its striking beauty but also for its hydrating, nutrient-rich pulp. Known today as a superfruit, it’s packed with antioxidants, vitamin C, and fiber, making it as nourishing as it is delicious. In kitchens worldwide, dragon fruit is enjoyed fresh with a spoon, blended into smoothies, tossed into fruit bowls, or crafted into vibrant sorbets and desserts. Growing ‘Edgar’s Baby’ connects you to this tropical legacy—offering bold flavor and cultural richness in a compact, home-friendly variety.
Why Grow Dragon Fruit ‘Edgar’s Baby’?
- Compact and manageable growth habit—great for containers or small gardens
- Early-fruiting compared to many dragon fruit varieties
- Magenta-fleshed fruit with bold, sweet-tart tropical flavor
- Bred by Edgar Valdivia, a highly respected dragon fruit breeder
- Showy night-blooming flowers attract pollinators and add garden drama
Growing Tips
Plant in full sun with well-draining sandy or cactus mix soil. Provide a sturdy trellis, post, or fence for climbing support. Water deeply but allow soil to dry slightly between waterings—avoid waterlogging. Fertilize during the growing season with a balanced or cactus fertilizer. Flowers bloom at night and may require hand-pollination for best fruit set, especially in areas with limited pollinator activity. Hardy in USDA Zones 9–11; in cooler zones, grow in containers and overwinter indoors or in a greenhouse.
Plant Type:
Fruiting Cactus Vine
Harvest Season:
Ripe late Fall - early Spring for Yellow, Red, and White varieties
Mature Size:
Thick fleshy stems can reach up to 20 ft.
Soil & Moisture:
Well-drained, loose sandy cactus mix. A well draining, sandy soil. Water only when soil dries out completely.
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade in warmer climates
Self-Fertile:
They can be either self-pollinating, self-fertile or self-sterile, depending on the variety.
Growth Rate:
Medium
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 9-11 (frost protection until established); Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Propagation:
Our Dragon Fruit is grown from seed and is capable of fruiting within 2 years.
| Attribute | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Hylocereus hybrid (‘Edgar’s Baby’) |
| Common Names | Dragon Fruit, Pitahaya, Pitaya, ‘Edgar’s Baby’ |
| Family | Cactaceae |
| Origin | Hybrid cultivar (California, USA) |
| Plant Type | Climbing cactus |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Mature Size | 4–6 ft tall (compact compared to other DF) |
| Light | Full sun |
| Water Needs | Moderate; drought-tolerant once established |
| Soil | Well-drained, sandy or cactus mix |
| Bloom Time | Summer (night-blooming) |
| Flower Color | Large white blooms |
| USDA Zones | 10–11 (container in cooler zones) |
| Florida Native | No |
| Propagation | Stem cuttings |
| Seasonal Traits | Evergreen cactus; semi-dormant in cool temps |
| Time to Harvest | 1–2 years from planting; fruits summer–fall |
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!
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