Pitaya
Pitaya or Peruvian Andes candelabra cactus are hardy plants that grow to 8’ or more with many candelabra side branches and look like a giant Saguaro. The fruit is pinkish red, oblong, rose-fragrant, small seeded and delicious. They take up very little room in the landscape and provide both an exotic ornamental look and great tasting fruit.
Care of Pitayas
Care: Keep in pot until late March or early April and bring in if there is going to be a frost or freeze. Then the pitaya can be planted in the ground or transplanted to a larger pot (up to 15 gallons), if that is to be its home. Full sun is best. Plant in well drained location using the existing soil only. It is a desert plant that only needs water infrequently, but water at least once a month the first few months to help the root system get established. It benefits from regular light fertilization.
Cold tolerance: Should do well through most freezes, without protection.
Harvest: Harvest when the fruit turns red.
