Halley's Comet

Halley's Comet came out of Paul Thomson's San Diego breeding work in the early 1980s and is closely related to Physical Graffiti, though UC Cooperative Extension records it as having lower vigour and productivity than its sibling. What it offers instead is size: at 482 g average it was among the largest-fruited entries in the UC trial, with growers commonly reporting 1–2 lb fruit and occasional heavier ones. It is reported as a Hylocereus undatus by H. guatemalensis cross, and UC rated its quality very good with a high placing in sensory evaluations despite a comparatively modest 16.7 Brix. Cold and heat tolerance were both rated good and the plant thrives in full sun, making it one of the more forgiving hybrids for exposed sites. Like most Thomson selections it is self-sterile and needs a pollen partner.