Grapefruit

Grapefruit, Citrus paradisi, is a broad evergreen citrus tree with glossy dark green leaves and fragrant white spring flowers, followed by large pale yellow fruit 4 to 6 inches across that often hangs in clusters. It arose in Barbados as an accidental cross of pummelo and sweet orange, and gardeners grow it for months of tart, juicy fruit and a rounded, spreading canopy. Grow it in full sun in well-drained soil near pH 6.0 to 6.5, USDA zones 9 to 11. Grapefruit is less cold hardy than mandarins and sweet oranges, so north Florida plantings need a warm microclimate and freeze protection. Water new trees several times a week, then during dry spells. Trees reach 15 to 30 feet tall and wide. Fruit ripens fall into spring, roughly November through May in Florida. 'Marsh' is nearly seedless with pale flesh; 'Ruby Red' and 'Flame' are red fleshed.