Grapefruit Tree Care Guide: How to Grow Grapefruit Trees

Grapefruit trees (Citrus x paradisi) are a type of citrus tree known for their waxy green leaves and large citrus fruits that range from sour to semisweet. Originating in Barbados, this subtropical fruit tree—belonging to the Rutaceae family of fruit trees—was created as a hybrid of the sweet orange tree and pomelo tree.

There are several varieties of grapefruit tree—including the popular ‘Rio Red’—but the most popular by far is the ‘Ruby Red’ grapefruit tree. It produces large, seedless citrus fruits that are high in potassium and vitamin C. The ‘Ruby Red’ tree typically reaches a mature height of 20 feet and a mature width of 10 feet.

Due to agricultural shipping restrictions, grapefruit trees cannot be shipped to California, Florida, Texas, or Arizona. If you live in one of these states, visit your local garden center instead of shopping for your tree online.

1. 1. Plant your tree in the spring or fall. Grapefruit trees thrive in USDA Plant Hardiness Zones 9–11 and can be planted in the spring or fall depending on your zone.
2. 2. Choose a sunny site. Grapefruit trees need well-draining soil and should be planted in an area that gets full sun—at least six to eight hours a day. Choose an area that's at least 12 feet away from any buildings or obstructions to accommodate your tree’s mature height and width.
3. 3. Give the roots space. Dig a hole wide enough and deep enough to accommodate the grapefruit tree’s root structure. If you're planting a smaller variety in a container, choose a container with drainage holes. The container should also be at least twice as large as the container your tree came in to accommodate its growth.
4. 4. Place your tree in the hole. Once you've placed your tree in the hole, backfill about halfway with soil. Water the soil to allow it to settle before filling the rest of the hole with soil. Make sure your soil is level or slightly mounded at the base of the tree for proper drainage.
5. 5. Spread mulch away from the trunk. Spreading a two-inch-thick layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree will help retain moisture and deter weeds from growing. However, too much moisture can cause root rot, so spread the mulch a foot away from the base of the trunk to keep it from getting overly moist.

Follow a few tree care tips to ensure your tree has a hearty harvest.

1. 1. Water your tree regularly. During its first year, water your grapefruit tree regularly—one to three times a week. You may need to water your tree more during particularly hot summer months. To test whether your tree needs more water, stick your finger about an inch deep in the topsoil. If it's dry, your tree needs more water. After the first year, your tree roots will be more established and you can reduce watering to about once a week or whenever the soil feels dry.
2. 2. Prune your tree in the spring. In early spring, prune your tree by removing dead or damaged branches to promote growth and the overall health of the tree.
3. 3. Harvest grapefruits in the fall. Grapefruit trees are typically ready to harvest in the late fall. If you choose to leave some of the fruit on the tree throughout the winter, it will continue to ripen on the tree and become sweeter. However, storing the fruit on the tree through the winter may reduce the following year's harvest. When you're ready to pick your fruit, firmly squeeze and twist the grapefruit. If it releases from the branch easily, it’s ripe and ready to eat.

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