Sugar Dragon

Description

The Sugar Dragon dragon fruit, also known as S8, is a hybrid variety renowned for its exceptional sweetness and productivity. Developed by Paul Thomson, this cultivar is a cross between the Houghton and Rixford varieties.

1. Basic Overview

• Variety Name: Sugar Dragon (S8)
• Genus: Hylocereus
• Species: Hybrid (Hylocereus guatemalensis × Hylocereus undatus)
• Origin: Developed by Paul Thomson, Sugar Dragon is a hybrid created to produce a sweeter and highly productive variety. It is a cross between the Houghton and Rixford dragon fruits.
• Significance: Known for its exceptional sweetness (with a Brix score of 18–22), vibrant red-purple flesh, and self-fertility, Sugar Dragon is prized by growers for its reliability, versatility, and outstanding flavor.

2. Visual Appeal

• Whole Fruit: The Sugar Dragon features a red exterior with tiny deep green, almost brown fins, presenting an attractive and vibrant appearance.
• Cross-Section: Upon slicing, it reveals bright red-purplish flesh speckled with tiny black seeds, offering a striking visual contrast.

3. Physical Characteristics

• Skin Color and Texture: The exterior is red with tiny deep green, almost brown fins, providing a distinctive and appealing look.
• Flesh Color: Bright red-purplish, contributing to its unique and eye-catching appearance.
• Fruit Size and Shape: Typically, the fruit is oval-shaped, weighing between 0.5 to 0.75 pounds (approximately 225 to 340 grams).

4. Taste Profile

• Flavor Description: The flesh is sweet and juicy, with a semi-firm texture that is both refreshing and satisfying.
• Sweetness Level: The fruit has an average Brix score ranging from 18 to 22, indicating a high level of sweetness.

5. Growing Characteristics

• Climate Requirements: Thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, requiring full sun exposure and well-draining soil.
• Plant Type: A climbing cactus with thick, meaty, olive-green stems that can extend over five feet in length.
• Growth Habit: The plant is a robust grower, producing long segments and requiring support structures for optimal development.
• Pollination: Sugar Dragon is self-fertile, meaning it can set fruit using its own pollen. Additionally, its abundant pollen can be used to pollinate other dragon fruit varieties.

6. Cultivation Tips

• Soil Requirements: Prefers well-draining, organic-rich soil to prevent root rot and support healthy growth.
• Sunlight and Temperature Needs: Requires full sun to partial shade and thrives in temperatures between 65-85°F (18-29°C).
• Watering Needs: Water regularly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering to prevent root rot.
• Support Structures: Provide trellises or stakes to support its climbing habit and encourage proper growth and air circulation.

7. Harvesting and Productivity

• Harvest Time: Fruits are typically ready to harvest about 30 to 50 days after flowering.
• Fruit Yield per Plant: Under optimal conditions, the plant can produce multiple fruiting cycles per year, yielding several fruits per cycle.
• Ripening Indicators: The fruit is ready to harvest when the skin color transitions from green to red, and the fins begin to wither slightly.

8. Uses and Applications

• Culinary Uses: Ideal for fresh consumption, adding to fruit salads, smoothies, and desserts due to its sweet flavor and vibrant color.
• Nutritional Benefits: Rich in vitamin C, antioxidants, and dietary fiber, promoting overall health and aiding digestion.
• Ornamental Uses: The plant’s night-blooming flowers add aesthetic value to gardens and landscapes.

9. Fun Facts

• Hybrid Origin: Sugar Dragon is a cross between the Houghton and Rixford varieties, combining desirable traits from both parent plants.
• Multiple Names: This variety is also known by other names, including 8-S, Voodoo Child, Neon, and Arizona Purple.

10. Comparison Chart

Variety Name	Flesh Color	Skin Color	Average Weight	Flavor Profile	Pollination
Sugar Dragon	Bright Red-Purple	Red	0.5 to 0.75 lbs (225 to 340 g)	Sweet and juicy	Self-Fertile
Houghton	Pink	Red	~0.5 lbs (225 g)	Mildly sweet	Self-Sterile
Rixford	Red	Red	~1 lb (450 g)	Sweet and tangy	Self-Sterile

11. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Is Sugar Dragon dragon fruit self-fertile?
  Yes, Sugar Dragon is self-fertile, meaning it can set fruit using its own pollen.
• What is the average weight of Sugar Dragon dragon fruit?
  The fruit typically weighs between 0.5 to 0.75 pounds (approximately 225 to 340 grams).
• How does Sugar Dragon’s sweetness compare to other varieties?
  With an average Brix score ranging from 18 to 22, Sugar Dragon is considered to have a high level of sweetness compared to other dragon fruit varieties.

12. Reviews/Testimonials

• Grower Testimonials:
  • *”Sugar Dragon is one of the most consistent producers in my collection. Its self-fertile flowers make pollination effortless, and the sweet, vibrant fruit is always a hit.”*
  • “This variety is a game-changer for small-space gardeners. Its compact growth habit and high yield make it a must-have.”

• User Reviews:
  • “The sweetness of Sugar Dragon is unmatched. It’s perfect for smoothies and desserts, and the deep red-purple flesh is visually stunning.”
  • “I love growing Sugar Dragon. Its self-pollination and quick fruiting cycles make it easy to care for, and the flavor is absolutely fantastic.”