{"product_id":"organic-dark-star-9-s-dragon-fruit-cuttings-xbbx1v","title":"Organic Dark Star 9-S Dragon Fruit Cuttings","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOffered as an organic live cutting, Dark Star (9-S) gives gardeners the opportunity to grow a richly colored, magenta-fleshed dragon fruit hybrid developed by Paul Thomson.\u003c\/strong\u003e A cross between Rixford and Neitzel, this \u003cem\u003eHylocereus hybrid\u003c\/em\u003e produces red fruit with darker tones and vibrant magenta flesh. Known for its good, well-balanced flavor and attractive coloration, Dark Star stands out for both visual appeal and dependable performance once established.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eThe plant grows vigorously in full sun and well-draining soil, thriving when trained onto a sturdy trellis or post.\u003c\/strong\u003e As a self-sterile variety, Dark Star requires cross-pollination with a compatible dragon fruit such as American Beauty or Robles Red to set fruit. With proper care, pruning, and nutrition, it becomes a strong climbing cactus capable of producing generous harvests in warm, frost-free climates.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDark Star (9-S) Dragon Fruit\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cspan\u003e|\u003c\/span\u003e \u003cem\u003eHylocereus hybrid\u003c\/em\u003e \u003cspan\u003e|\u003c\/span\u003e Perennial Cactus.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eDid You Know?\u003c\/strong\u003e Dark Star was bred by dragon fruit pioneer Paul Thomson and is a cross between the classic Rixford and Neitzel varieties. \u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eHow to Root Your Cutting:\u003c\/strong\u003e Plant the cutting with the correct end down—the thorns should point upward, indicating the top. Rooting upside down can prevent or stunt growth. For best results, root cuttings in spring or summer when temperatures are warm (70–90°F). Place in well-draining soil and keep slightly moist until roots form, usually within 2–3 weeks. Keep in bright, indirect sunlight or a sheltered outdoor area. Once rooted, move to full sun with a trellis or post for support. A 25-gallon container can support up to four plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSoil and Drainage Needs:\u003c\/strong\u003e Dragon fruit cuttings thrive in a fast-draining, aerated mix that prevents excess moisture around the roots. For best results, use a quality \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.groworganic.com\/products\/cactus-mix-black-gold-8-qt-bag?_pos=1\u0026amp;_sid=c2e856c77\u0026amp;_ss=r\" target=\"_blank\"\u003ecactus mix\u003c\/a\u003e blended with \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.groworganic.com\/products\/uni-gro-pumice-2-cu-ft?_pos=1\u0026amp;_psq=pumice\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\" target=\"_blank\"\u003epumice\u003c\/a\u003e or \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.groworganic.com\/collections\/perlite?_pos=1\u0026amp;_psq=perlite\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eperlite\u003c\/a\u003e to enhance drainage. To boost fertility, incorporate a small amount of \u003ca href=\"https:\/\/www.groworganic.com\/collections\/organic-compost?_pos=1\u0026amp;_psq=compost\u0026amp;_ss=e\u0026amp;_v=1.0\" target=\"_blank\"\u003eorganic compost\u003c\/a\u003e or worm castings. Many growers find success with a 50\/50 blend of cactus mix and compost, or a custom mix of one-third cactus soil, one-third perlite or pumice, and one-third compost. Avoid standard potting soil, as it retains too much moisture and can cause root rot in dragon fruit plants.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eScientific Name:\u003c\/strong\u003e \u003cem\u003eHylocereus hybrid\u003c\/em\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePollination:\u003c\/strong\u003e Self-sterile (requires cross-pollination)\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eSkin Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Red with dark tones\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFlesh Color:\u003c\/strong\u003e Magenta\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eGrowth Rate:\u003c\/strong\u003e vigorous\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eWeather Tolerance:\u003c\/strong\u003e adaptable; protect from frost\u003cbr\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eFruit Production:\u003c\/strong\u003e strong yields with pollination\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Wallace Ranch Dragon Fruit","offers":[{"title":"12-16\" Cutting","offer_id":49535069585636,"sku":"sku-37571103064252","price":3.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"16-24\" Cutting","offer_id":49535069618404,"sku":"sku-37571103097020","price":4.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"25-32\"","offer_id":49535069651172,"sku":"sku-41873003806908","price":5.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"36\"+ Cutting Pick Up ONLY","offer_id":49535069683940,"sku":"sku-42768857825468","price":8.0,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0832\/0290\/0196\/files\/darkstar.jpg?v=1785397836","url":"https:\/\/groworganics.shop\/products\/organic-dark-star-9-s-dragon-fruit-cuttings-xbbx1v","provider":"Westbridge","version":"1.0","type":"link"}