Planting Grapefruit Trees

The grapefruit tree is an evergreen tree which produces large, round, fruit of varying colors (white, pink and red) and sweetness. The grapefruit is a hybrid of the pomelo and sweet orange, originating in Barbados in the 18th century. It was named the "forbidden fruit."

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It is an excellent source of vitamin C, other nutrients and phytochemicals essential for a healthy diet and (like oranges) are consumed either whole (typically without the peel as it is sour) or as juice. It also has non-culinary uses such as aromatherapy.

Once you have chosen an optimal spot on your property, head down to the local nursery to pick out your grapefruit tree. Make sure you allot for ample space (a minimum of twelve feet is adequate) as grapefruit trees can grow anywhere from 20 to 50 feet high!

Next, dig a hole in accordance with the root ball's height. Be sure to remove any debris, weeds, etc. from the plant site. To get a better idea of just how large an area you will need to prep, remove the burlap sack from the roots, hold the tree upright over the plant site and spread out the roots completely.

While you are planting the grapefruit tree, you will want to fill the hole about halfway; saturating it until the roots settle completely. Continue to fill the hole; tampering the soil firmly until all the air is removed. Depending on the size of the tree, additional supports may be required to help the tree stand upright.

Make sure the bud union remains above the soil level and there is a slight mound leading away from the trunk to ensure there is no standing water which will cause rot.

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A moderate amount of watering is necessary to promote proper health and growth of grapefruit trees. Once planted, daily watering for the first few weeks is recommended to ensure the deep roots are getting water.

After that, you can perform a deep watering once a week. Be sure to account for unusually wet or dry conditions and adjust your routine accordingly.

Grapefruit trees prefer a somewhat acidic amendment, so (if needed) add some peat moss along with 2 to 3 inches of mulch (approximately 12 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot) to conserve moisture.

Fertilizing your tree is only needed during irrigation sessions every 4 to 6 weeks. Correct dosage and application of fertilizer can be gathered while at your local nursery.

Grapefruit trees are sensitive to colder climates (below 60 degrees) as well as frost. Grapefruit trees excel in extremely hot weather, (typically tropical and sub-tropical climates). When planting grapefruit trees, try to ensure temperatures remain between 60 and 85 degrees for optimal health and growth.

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To prevent frost damage to your grapefruit tree, you can wrap it in blankets, burlap, tarps or any other covering to protect it from the harsh elements of the winter season.

During the first few years, pruning should only be limited to removing damaged or dead branches, limbs or premature fruits, so the tree can focus of on nothing but growth. By the third year, you will be ready to start harvesting beautiful grapefruits.

The longer you allow a grapefruit to remain on the tree, the sweeter it will become, but letting it remain too long can result in an over-ripened grapefruit which will appear lumpy. These should be thrown away.

Now that you have the education on how to plant grapefruit trees, go buy the tools, select the perfect tree and start something that you and your family can enjoy for many years to come.

Planting Grapefruit Trees

Click Here to buy grapefruit trees online.

Call us at (956) 581-4880 for more information about grapefruit trees.

Feel Free to Contact Us for more information about planting grapefruit trees.

Call (956) 581-4880 to buy USDA inspected grapefruit trees.