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Citrus x paradisi (Grapefruit)

Forbidden Fruit, Grapefruit, Pomelo, Pamplemousse

Citrus paradisi, Forbidden Fruit, Grapefruit, Pomelo, Pamplemousse
Citrus paradisi, Forbidden Fruit, Grapefruit, Pomelo, Pamplemousse

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).

Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 10
Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Fruits, Trees
Plant Family Rutaceae
Genus Citrus
Common names Forbidden Fruit, Grapefruit, Pamplemousse, Pomelo
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' - 50'
(4.6m - 15.2m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Garden Uses Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden
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Alternative Plants to Consider

Citrus maxima (Pummelo)
Citrus clementina (Clementine)
Citrus hystrix (Thai Lime)
Citrus sinensis ‘Cara Cara’ (Navel Orange)
Citrus x microcarpa (Calamondin)
Citrus japonica (Kumquat)
While every effort has been made to describe these plants accurately, please keep in mind that height, bloom time, and color may differ in various climates. The description of these plants has been written based on numerous outside resources.
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Requirements

Hardiness 9 - 10
Climate Zones 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2
Plant Type Fruits, Trees
Plant Family Rutaceae
Genus Citrus
Common names Forbidden Fruit, Grapefruit, Pamplemousse, Pomelo
Exposure Full Sun
Season of Interest Spring (Early, Mid, Late)
Summer (Early, Mid, Late)
Fall
Winter
Height 15' - 50'
(4.6m - 15.2m)
Maintenance Low
Water Needs Average
Soil Type Loam
Soil pH Acid, Neutral
Soil Drainage Moist but Well-Drained
Characteristics Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries
Garden Uses Patio And Containers
Garden Styles City and Courtyard, Mediterranean Garden
How Many Plants
Do I Need?
Not sure which Citrus to pick?
Compare Now

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