Consulta Plantas

Care of the tree Citrus x paradisi or Grapefruit

The genus Citrus, family Rutaceae, includes shrubs and trees native to Asia, Melanesia and Australia. Some species and hybrids are: Citrus x paradisi, Citrus x limon, Citrus x aurantium, Citrus maxima, Citrus reticulata, Citrus medica, Citrus x sinensis, Citrus micrantha, Citrus glauca.

Common names: Grapefruit, Pomelo, Pamplemousse. It's assumed to be a natural hybridization between Citrus maxima and Citrus x sinensis species.

They are perennial fruit trees with a rounded crown that reach 12 meters (39.37 feet) in height. The leaves are bright dark green, alternate in arrangement, oval in shape and have a thorn in the armpit. They produce scented solitary or clustered white flowers. They can bloom from mid-winter to late spring. The fruits (grapefruits) are large and light yellow in color.

They are used as fruit trees in orchards, in pots (when young) or in small and medium gardens as isolated specimens.

Citrus x paradisi needs full sun exposure and a warm climate. They are sensitive to cold and do not resist frost. If the winter temperature is less than 10 ºC (50 ºF), they should be protected.

The soil can be a light garden substrate with coarse sand and organic matter. The transplant is done in autumn.

Water frequently but without flooding so that the soil never dries up completely.

Fertilize in the fall with manure or compost.

Prune dry branches in the fall.

They can be attacked by aphids and mites if they suffer from drought. They are sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, strong wind and cold.

Propagation is not easy as it's done by grafting on Poncirus trifoliata or on Citrus x aurantium.

Images of the tree Citrus x paradisi or Grapefruit