🍊 Grapefruit Tree: Growing Guide
Grapefruit Tree (Citrus × paradisi) grows best in full sun with moderate watering, and does well at 2–38 °C (36–100 °F) in soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0. Space plants about 400 cm (157 in) apart. Expect 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Quick facts
| Scientific name | Citrus × paradisi |
|---|---|
| Category | Citrus |
| Sunlight | Full sun |
| Watering | Moderate |
| Plant spacing | 400 cm (157 in) |
| Soil pH | 6.0–7.0 |
| Comfortable temperature | 2–38 °C (36–100 °F) |
| Time to maturity | 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season) |
| Sowing depth | 20 cm (7.9 in) |
| Height | 400–600 cm (157–236 in) |
When to sow, plant and harvest
The calendar below shows the best months in each climate zone. Pick the zone closest to your garden.
| J | F | M | A | M | J | J | A | S | O | N | D | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mediterranean | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||||||||
| Subtropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | |||||
| Tropical | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Harvest | ||
| Arid / Semi-arid | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest | Plant out | Harvest | Harvest |
- Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Jul.
- Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–May, Sep–Oct.
- Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Jan, Jul · Harvest: Feb–Jun, Aug–Oct.
- Arid / Semi-arid (Arabian Peninsula, inland Australia): Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–Apr, Sep–Oct.
Watering
Water about every 5 days in summer and about every 14 days in winter. Regular watering.
Growing tips
Star Ruby and Rio Red (pink flesh). Bittersweet. Vitamin C and flavonoids.
Good companion plants
These plants grow well alongside it:
Common pests and problems
Frequently asked questions
Grapefruit Tree: when should I sow and plant it?
Mediterranean (Greece, Spain, Italy, coastal Turkey): Plant out: Mar · Harvest: May–Jul. Subtropical (Southern US, N. Africa, Middle East): Plant out: Feb, Aug · Harvest: Mar–May, Sep–Oct. Tropical (SE Asia, Sub-Saharan Africa, Amazon): Plant out: Jan, Jul · Harvest: Feb–Jun, Aug–Oct.
Grapefruit Tree: how often should I water it?
Water about every 5 days in summer and about every 14 days in winter. Regular watering.
Grapefruit Tree: how far apart should I plant it?
Plant about 400 cm (157 in) apart and sow at a depth of about 20 cm (7.9 in).
Grapefruit Tree: how long does it take to grow?
Plan on 365+ days (a perennial — it takes more than a season).
Grapefruit Tree: which plants grow well with it?
Lavender.
Grapefruit Tree: which pests and problems should I watch for?
Scab, Whitefly.
Plan your garden
Add Grapefruit Tree to your garden design in the free GardenXPro planner: drag plants onto a 2D plan, preview it in 3D, check companions and get watering reminders.
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