Description

Costa Rican Sunset

Costa Rican Sunset Dragon Fruit variety comes from the genus Hylocereus and the species costaricensisis. This variety growing next to Hylocereus costaricensisis and Country Roads tells us they are related, but they are different. Spicy Exotics collected this hybrid variety from a tropical grower in California.

Growth

The growth is intense, bright green, and three-sided, like typical Hylocereous costaricensisis species.  It is easily three times the size of a typical Hylocereus species. Small, strong spins occur along the growth. In many cases, it is a cluster of 5 to 6 spins, but it can be less. This variety also grows exceptionally slowly.

Flower

The flower is medium-sized, with white inner petals and primarily yellow and some red outer petals. In Louisiana, the flower opens fully at 10 pm and begins to close as the sunrises. This is normal compared to other Hylocereus varieties. The stigma is small and sticky, with the lobes often sticking together. Pollen is loose; however, we found it to be self-sterile. Costa Rican Sunset will set fruit with pollen from other White, Purple, and Pink flesh fruit varieties. Some red varieties will work, but we recommend avoiding costaricensis pollen to set fruit.

Fruit

When the fruit is produced, it is usually under a pound and round in shape. The flesh has a firm texture with a mild tangy flavor that is not overpowering and tests at a 16 brix. The fruit brats are small and fade from red to green, and they can burn in hot weather. With its firm red flesh, this dragon fruit is excellent when eaten fresh, in jams, garnished, or as juice in drinks. Check out our Pinterest page for other great uses of this variety.

Costa Rican Sunset Final Thoughts

This variety has the largest growth in our collection; it’s something to see in person. Some downsides include self-sterile pollen, small fruit, slow-growing.