Voodoo Child

Description

The Voodoo Child dragon fruit is a hybrid variety resulting from a cross between Hylocereus guatemalensis and another unknown species. Originally designated as 8-S by breeder Paul Thomson, it was a cross between the Houghton and Rixford varieties. A nursery in Florida later renamed it Voodoo Child, while a grower in California rebranded it as Sugar Dragon. Despite the different names, Voodoo Child and Sugar Dragon are closely related and share many characteristics.

1. Basic Overview

• Variety Name: Voodoo Child
• Genus: Hylocereus
• Species: Hybrid (Hylocereus guatemalensis × unknown)
• Origin: Originally bred by Paul Thomson, this variety was first designated as 8-S, a hybrid between Houghton and Rixford. Later, a nursery in Florida renamed it Voodoo Child, while growers in California marketed a similar variety as Sugar Dragon (S8). Despite the different names, Voodoo Child and Sugar Dragon share nearly identical characteristics.
• Significance: Voodoo Child is a highly productive, self-fertile dragon fruit variety known for its small but extremely sweet fruit with a Brix score of 18–20. It is one of the best natural pollinators, meaning its pollen is compatible with almost all other dragon fruit varieties, making it a valuable plant for growers cultivating multiple varieties. The fast-growing, vigorous plant produces massive night-blooming flowers and a long fruiting season, ensuring multiple harvests per year.

2. Visual Appeal

• Whole Fruit: The fruit is small to medium-sized, oval-shaped, with a red exterior and tiny deep green, almost brown fins.
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• Cross-Section: Upon slicing, it reveals a bright red to purplish flesh, offering a striking contrast to its exterior.
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3. Physical Characteristics

• Skin Color and Texture: The skin is red with small, deep green to brownish fins, and has a smooth, spineless surface.
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• Flesh Color: The inner flesh is a vivid red to purplish hue.
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• Fruit Size and Shape: Fruits are typically small, ranging from a quarter to three-quarters of a pound (approximately 113 to 340 grams), and have an oval shape.
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4. Taste Profile

• Flavor Description: The flesh has a semi-firm, sweet texture with a flavor reminiscent of mixed berries.
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• Sweetness Level: The fruit typically tests with an average Brix score of 18 and can reach over 20, indicating a high level of sweetness.
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5. Growing Characteristics

• Climate Requirements: Voodoo Child is relatively cold-tolerant and can withstand a range of temperatures, making it suitable for various climates.
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• Plant Type: The plant is a robust grower with meaty, olive-green stems featuring thick, small spines along the rib line of each branch. Stems can extend over five feet in length.
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• Growth Habit: It exhibits vigorous growth and may require support structures to manage its climbing nature.
• Pollination: Voodoo Child is self-fertile, meaning it can set fruit with its own pollen. Its pollen can also be used with almost any other dragon fruit plant to create fruit, making it a universal pollinator.
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6. Cultivation Tips

• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-draining soil rich in organic matter.
• Sunlight and Temperature Needs: Thrives in full sun and can tolerate a range of temperatures due to its relative cold tolerance.
• Watering Needs: Maintain consistent moisture levels, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to prevent root rot.
• Support Structures: Implement sturdy trellises or stakes to support the climbing habit and promote proper air circulation.

7. Harvesting and Productivity

• Harvest Time: Voodoo Child is typically the first and last to bloom in the season, providing multiple flowering cycles and, consequently, more fruit. The timeline from flower bud to night-blooming flower is approximately 25 days, followed by another 30 days to harvest the fruit.
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• Fruit Yield per Plant: Under optimal conditions, the plant can produce multiple small to medium-sized fruits per season, with yields increasing as the plant matures.
• Ripening Indicators: The fruit is ready to harvest when the skin color deepens to red, and the fins begin to separate slightly.

8. Uses and Applications

• Culinary Uses: Excellent eaten fresh, in jams, as a garnish, or as juice in drinks due to its sweet flavor and vibrant color.
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• Nutritional Benefits: Rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and dietary fiber, contributing to overall health and wellness.
• Ornamental Uses: The plant’s unique appearance and large, fragrant night-blooming flowers add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.

9. Fun Facts

• Flowering: The plant produces huge blooms over 15 inches across that fully open a few hours after sunset and close at sunrise. It is typically the first and last to bloom in the season, providing more flowering cycles and, consequently, more fruit.
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• Universal Pollinator: Voodoo Child’s pollen can be used with almost any other dragon fruit plant to create fruit, making it a valuable variety for cross-pollination.
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10. Comparison Chart

Variety Name	Flesh Color	Skin Color	Average Weight	Flavor Profile	Pollination
Voodoo Child	Red/Purplish	Red	0.25–0.75 lbs	Sweet, Berry-Like	Self-Fertile

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Is Voodoo Child dragon fruit self-fertile?
  Yes, Voodoo Child is self-fertile and can set fruit with its own pollen.

• Is Voodoo Child good for cross-pollination?
  Yes, it is known as a universal pollinator, meaning its pollen can be used to pollinate most other dragon fruit varieties, making it highly valuable for growers with multiple varieties.
• What is the average weight of Voodoo Child dragon fruit?
  The fruit typically ranges between a quarter to three-quarters of a pound (113 to 340 grams), making it a smaller variety compared to others.
• How does the sweetness of Voodoo Child compare to other varieties?
  With a Brix score of 18–20, Voodoo Child is one of the sweeter dragon fruits, offering a berry-like, rich flavor.

12. Reviews/Testimonials

• Grower Testimonials:
  • “Voodoo Child has been a fantastic addition to my collection. The plant is super productive, and the deep red fruit is not only delicious but also stunning.”
  • “One of the best pollinators I have! It reliably sets fruit and helps my other varieties produce more as well.”
• User Reviews:
  • “The size may be small, but the flavor is huge! It’s incredibly sweet, and the berry-like taste makes it a favorite in my household.”
  • “This dragon fruit is a must-have. The flowers are enormous, the plant is easy to grow, and the fruit is packed with flavor.”