Desert King is a white-fleshed, moderately sweet dragon fruit (pitaya) cultivar of Selenicereus undatus that needs a different variety nearby to set fruit. It flowers May–September and fruit ripens 30-35 days after flowering.
- Flesh colourWhite
- Brix15-17° · moderately sweet
- PollinationNeeds cross-pollination
- FloweringMay–September
- Bud to flower25.8 daysGrower average, 3 logged buds
- Harvest30-35 days after flowering
What growers see
Tendra growers logging Desert King report that buds take about 25.8 days to open (3 logged buds). Averages update as more bud logs come in. See the Desert King grow stats.
Distinguishing features
Thrives in arid conditions with minimal water. Red flesh, concentrated sweetness when water-stressed. Heat tolerant to 115°F. Weakness: needs pollinator despite being universal donor. Arizona selection.
Fruit and flavor
Dragon fruit with white flesh. Sugar content (Brix): 15-17. Harvest when skin color changes and fruit gives slightly to pressure.
Growing Desert King? Log blooms and harvests and compare with other growers in the Tendra app, or see the community grow stats.