Citrus x paradisi (Grapefruit)

Citrus x paradisi (Grapefruit) is a spiny, evergreen tree, prized for its round fruits rich in vitamin C. The tree has a rounded canopy of spreading branches, thorny twigs and ovate, dark green leaves, 4 in. long (10 cm). From late spring to summer, fragrant, 4-petalled, white flowers appear singly or in clusters in the leaf axils. They are followed by nearly round fruits, 4-6 in. across (10-15 cm), covered with a smooth, finely dotted, pale-lemon peel, sometimes blushed with pink. The pulp can be pale-yellow, pink, or even deep-red. It is very juicy, acid to sweet-acid in flavor when fully ripe. While some fruits are nearly seedless, others may include up to 90 seeds. Grapefruits are only really suited to warm subtropical climates and rarely produce ripe fruit in cooler areas.

• Typically grows up to 15-20 ft. tall (4.5-6 m) but some mature trees can reach 45 ft. (13.7 m).
• A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in loamy, moist but well-drained soils. Needs water regularly but cannot stand flooding or saturated soils. Apply a balanced liquid every 2-3 weeks during the growing season. Water sparingly in winter.
• No routine pruning necessary. Remove diseased, damaged, congested or crossing shoots.
• Generally disease free. Keep an eye out for scale insects, mealybugs and glasshouse red spider mite.
• Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or layer in early spring. Sow seed at 61°F (16°C) in spring. Seedlings do not come true to type.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Citrus x paradisi probably originated in Barbados as a hybrid of shaddock (Citrus grandis).