While growing a grapefruit tree may be somewhat tricky for the average gardener, it’s not impossible. In order to properly grow grapefruit, you need to provide relatively warm conditions both day and night.
Originating in the West Indies from a mutation of pummelo, grapefruits are large citrus fruits with usually rosy-red, juicy and somewhat tart flesh. Many common varieties of red grapefruits are seedless and have a sweeter flavor. Grapefruit trees grow best in regions with hot daytime temperatures and warm to hot nights. These trees aren’t quite as cold-hardy as orange trees, withstanding minimum temperatures of only 25 to 30 F at the coldest. With the right climate and care, grapefruit trees bear heavy fruit crops, generally producing up to 250 pounds of fruit by the time the tree is 10 years old.
While minimal, grapefruit tree care is essential to maintain its overall health and production. after planting, you should water every few days for the first couple weeks. then you can begin watering deeply once a week, except during dry periods when additional water may be needed.
Use a fertilizer formulated specifically for your plant. Avoid over-fertilizing and follow the instruction on the label.
Never remove more than a third of the foliage in any one year and to cut just above a node on the stem.
The best temperature range to grow a successful grapefruit tree is between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. The coldest temperatures the plant can survive are only 25 to 30 F.
Plants that don't like a lot of moisture will need a drainage hole for moisture to escape and for airflow to circulate through the pot. Another important function of drainage holes is to allow water to flush the soil of excess salts from fertilizers.
