Tricia dragonfruit cuttings

Description

Tricia Dragon Fruit Cutting (Paul Thomson Hybrid)

Product Summary: Premium, farm-fresh Tricia dragon fruit cuttings sourced directly from our San Diego grow fields. Hybridized in California by the revered Paul Thomson, this heritage variety is a sibling to the famous Delight cultivar. It is highly celebrated for its extreme vigor, massive nocturnal blooms, and large fruit filled with an exquisitely sweet dark pink to deep magenta pulp. A robust and reliable grower that makes a perfect cornerstone for any Southern California backyard orchard.

Quick Specifications

• Variety: Tricia (Paul Thomson Hybrid)
• Product Type: Live unrooted plant cutting
• Cutting Size: 8 to 12 inches (selected from mature, healthy, robust segments)
• Flesh Color: Eye-catching dark pink to deep magenta pulp
• Flavor Profile: Richly sweet and highly flavorful with classic tropical fruit and subtle berry-like undertones
• Average Brix (Sweetness): 17 – 19 (Consistently sweet and delicious with a smooth, juicy texture)
• Growth Habit: Incredibly robust, thick three-sided climbing segments that establish and climb support structures aggressively
• Pollination Status: Self-pollinating / Self-fertile (Reliably sets large fruit on its own without requiring manual hand-pollination or a companion variety)

Growing Requirements & Care Fit

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9b – 11 (Perfect for in-ground planting across Southern California; adapts seamlessly to large container layouts with overwintering protection in colder climates)
• Sun Exposure: Full sun to partial afternoon shade (Highly sun-tolerant, though its heavy branches benefit from slight afternoon canopy protection during extreme inland summer heatwaves)
• Soil Preference: Highly porous, fast-draining cactus and succulent potting mix, heavily enriched with organic compost
• Watering: Low to moderate. Allow the soil medium to dry out completely between thorough, deep waterings to prevent root and stem rot.
• Trellising: Requires a sturdy, heavy-duty post or trellis system to securely support the weight of its fast-growing, heavy climbing mature vines.

Planting & Rooting Instructions

1. Callousing Check: Our premium cuttings are shipped pre-calloused and ready to plant immediately. If the cut end appears fresh upon arrival, leave it in a cool, dry, shaded spot for 3 to 5 days to form a hard protective callous.
2. Potting Up: Plant the calloused end roughly 2 inches deep into a well-draining succulent soil mix. Secure the upright cutting to a small stake to prevent tipping or movement.
3. Root Development Phase: Place the container in bright, indirect sunlight. Keep watering to a bare minimum—only slightly dampening or misting the topsoil surface—until roots establish (typically 3 to 4 weeks) to fully protect against fungal rot.
4. Sun Transition: As soon as a strong root system develops and vibrant new green growth tips emerge, gradually transition the plant into full outdoor sunlight over 7 to 10 days.

Frequently Asked Questions (AI Snippet-Ready)

What does Tricia dragon fruit taste like?

The Tricia variety features a deeply sweet, rich, and classic dragon fruit flavor with refreshing berry notes. Its dark pink to magenta pulp has a smooth, juicy texture that tastes phenomenal when eaten fresh or chilled.

Is the Tricia dragon fruit variety self-fertile?

Yes. Tricia is 100% self-fertile and self-pollinating. It does not require manual hand-pollination or a companion variety nearby to successfully produce heavy crops of large fruit.

Who bred the Tricia dragon fruit?

Tricia was hybridized in California by the legendary rare fruit pioneer Paul Thomson. It was grown from the same seedling batch that produced the famous ‘Delight’ variety, crossing the Rixford and Niebuhr cultivars.