Frankie’s Red is a hybrid variety of dragon fruit. It is popularly known as the “Orange Dragon fruit” because of its beautiful orange-red colored exterior. Its sweet berry-licious delightful flavor profile is an absolute plus!!
This hybrid has garnered attention among fruit home gardeners and professional cultivators alike for its unique characteristics and potential in both home gardens and commercial orchards.
Frankie’s Red Dragon Fruit: A Quick Overview!
Scientific Name: Selenicereus megalanthus x Hylocereus polyrhizus
Common Names: Orange Pithaya, Orange Dwarf. Hawaiian Orange Dwarf, Orange Dragon Fruit, Frakies’s Red Dragon Fruit
Pollination Type: Self-fertile
Taste: Very sweet, with a hint of tart! Similar to berries with grapes.
Common Traits: Moderate growing, Not for beginners, Sensitive to heat and cold, Thorny
Size: Small Average 0.5 to 0.7 lbs
Brix Level: 21
Hybrid Characteristics of Frankie’s Red Dragon Fruit
Frankie’s Red is a carefully cultivated hybrid, likely developed to enhance specific traits desirable in dragon fruit. As a red-fleshed variety, it stands out from the more common white-fleshed types, offering:
Vivid Red Flesh: The interior of Frankie’s Red is deep, vibrant purplish-red, indicative of high levels of antioxidants.
Flavor Profile: Generally sweeter and more intense than white-fleshed varieties!
Exterior Appearance: Frankie’s Red Dragon Fruit or Hawaiian Orange Dwarf typically features a dull orange to red outer skin with prominent green thorny scales. Its shape and size is somewhat similar to the Yellow Dragon fruit.
Growth Characteristics of Frankie’s Red Dragon Fruit Plant
Bud Development
The buds of Frankie’s Red Dragon Fruit plant typically emerge from the areoles along the ridges of the cactus stems. Frankie’s Red buds often develop rapidly, usually taking 25-30 days from initiation to flower opening.
Buds start as small, green protrusions and gradually elongate, taking on a more cylindrical shape as they mature.
Flower Characteristics
Flowers are medium-sized and nocturnal. The outer petals are typically creamy white to pale yellow, while the inner petals are pure white.
Flowers of Frankie’s Red Dragon Fruit plant usually open in the evening and last only one night; a characteristic of most dragon fruit varieties. They emit a subtle, sweet fragrance to attract nocturnal pollinators.
Fruit Development
After successful pollination, the base of the flower begins to swell, forming the fruit. Within 30-50 days it reaches full maturity. Mature fruits generally weigh between 300-500 grams, though some may grow larger under optimal conditions. It has thorny leathery skin.
When ripe, the fruit’s exterior turns a uniform bright pink to red color, and it yields slightly to gentle pressure.
Nutritional Profile of Frankie’s Red Dragon Fruit
Frankie’s Red dragon fruit is:
🌟 Low in Calories: Approximately 60 calories per 100 grams of fruit!
🌟 High in Fiber: Contains about 3 grams of fiber per 100 grams, supporting digestive health.
🌟 Vitamin C: Rich source, providing about 20-30% of the daily recommended intake per 100 grams.
🌟 Antioxidants: The red flesh is particularly high in betalains and lycopene, both are powerful antioxidants.
🌟 Iron: Contains a notable amount of iron, beneficial for blood health.
🌟 Magnesium: Good source of magnesium, important for various bodily functions.
🌟 B Vitamins: Contains several B vitamins, including B1, B2, and B3.
Cultivation Tips for Frankie’s Red Dragon Fruit
To successfully grow Frankie’s Red dragon fruit:
🌵 Climate should be similar to tropical and subtropical climates. Frankie’s Red dragon fruit plant are supposed to be sensitive to heat and cold.
🌵 Frankie’s Red dragon fruit plant requires well-draining, slightly acidic soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Waterlogging can cause root rot and can kill the plant.
🌵 They need optimum sunlight but not too harsh.
🌵 As a climbing cactus, Frankie’s Red dragon fruit plant needs sturdy support structures. You can try a DIY for dragon fruit trellis !
🌵 Regular watering is crucial for Frankie’s Red dragon fruit. But allow the soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot.
🌵 Frankie’s Red dragon fruit plant shows good growth when fed with balanced, low-nitrogen fertilizers. Try applying fertilizers monthly during the growing season.
Wrapping Up
Frankie’s Red dragon fruit is no doubt a fascinating dragon fruit variety t to cultivate. Whether grown for personal enjoyment or commercial production, Frankie’s Red promises to be a rewarding addition to any dragon fruit lover’s collection.
FAQs
What is Frankie’s Red dragon fruit?
Frankie’s Red is a hybrid variety of dragon fruit known for its vibrant red skin and sweet, berry-like flavor.
How does Frankie’s Red dragon fruit taste?
It has a very sweet, mildly tart flavor with hints of berries.
Where can I buy Frankie’s Red Dragon fruit?
You can find Frankie’s Red at specialty fruit markets, online stores, or local farmers’ markets.
Is Frankie’s Red dragon fruit good for health?
Yes, it is packed with antioxidants, fiber, and vitamin C, making it a healthy choice.
How do I grow Frankie’s Red dragon fruit?
It grows best in warm, sunny climates with well-draining soil and requires regular watering.
When is Frankie’s Red dragon fruit in season?
It typically fruits in the late summer to early fall, depending on the growing region.
How big does Frankie’s Red dragon fruit plant get?
The plant can grow up to 20 feet tall if properly supported.
How do you eat Frankie’s Red dragon fruit?
Simply cut it in half and scoop out the flesh, or peel the skin and slice the fruit.
Is Frankie’s Red self-pollinating?
Yes, it is. But generally requires cross-pollination from another dragon fruit variety to bear healthy fruit.
Can Frankie’s Red be grown in containers?
Yes, it can thrive in containers with good drainage and support for climbing.
Is red dragon fruit more sweet?
Red dragon fruits are more sweeter than white dragon fruit varieties.
Is Frankie’s Red dragon fruit tasty?
Frankie’s Red dragon fruit is very tasty. It is famous for its beautiful color and irresistible juicy flavor.
