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citrus: grapefruit

Member profile details

PLANT PROFILE SHEET PDF

http://leafnetworkaz.org:80/resources/PLANT%20PROFILES/Citrus_Grapefruit_profile.pdf

IDENTIFICATION

Common Name

citrus: grapefruit

Photo #1

Scientific Name

Citrus paradisi Macfad.

Family

Rutaceae

Spanish Name

toronja

Species Description

Erect to spreading evergreen tree with glossy, dark green leaves and white, 4-petalled flowers. Fruit yellow-orange, oblate spheroid, flesh segmented, acidic, and may be white, pink or red in color. Suited for hot climates. Color in flesh is caused by beta-carotene and lycopene.

NATURAL / CULTURAL HISTORY

AZ Native or Introduced

Introduced to Arizona

Natural Range

Grapefruit originated as a hybrid from sweet orange and pummelo, perhaps in the West Indies Barbados, and was first described in 1750.

Cultural-Historic Notes

Grapefruit trees were first grown on islands in the Caribbean before being transported to Florida. The first grapefruit orchard was planted in Florida in the late 1800s, and soon the fruits were shipped to the northeast as a specialty crop. By the early 1900s, the trees were being planted in Texas, Arizona and California. By 1940, The U.S. was a global exporter of grapefruit juice and canned grapefruit sections. Jamaica, Trinidad, Cuba, Mexico, Central America, South America, Cyprus, Morocco and Israel later became commercial production centers of grapefruit.

GROWTH FORM & RATE

Growth Form

Tree

Tree or Understory

Tree

Other Growth Characteristics

Evergreen
Thorns / Spines

Growth Rate

Moderate

Canopy Diameter

15 feet

Tree Height

20 feet

Lifespan

20-30 years

Years to Bearing, if nursery tree is 1-2 years old; grafted

1-2 years

Chill Hours

None required

Freeze Tolerance

Citrus are hardy to 23-26 degrees F, though this may depend on cultivar. Grapefruit are adapted to very hot climates and rarely produce fruit in cooler regions.

Site, Micro-Climate, and Growing Considerations

Grapefruit trees prefer open sunlight and wide spacing (20 feet around the tree) for full production. Citrus trees are very spiny so care should be taken in their placement, especially in public spaces.

Appropriate Arizona Elevation Categories

MID DESERT: Tucson, Ajo, Safford, Casa Grande - USDA Zones 9a-9b (20-30ºF)
LOW DESERT: Phoenix, Lake Havasu City, Yuma - USDA Zones 9b-10a (25-35ºF)

USDA Interactive Plant Zone Map for Arizona

USDA Interactive Plant Zone Map for Arizona Open link

WATER

Relative Plant Water Use

High: 35-60 inches / year

Post-Establishment Irrigation Needs

2 X Month in Growing Season

Notes on Species-Specific Water Needs

Citrus need about 4-6 inches of water per month in the summer

CARE

Pollination

Flowers are self-fertile and also may be cross-pollinated. Honey bees effective at pollinating flowers.

Soils

Citrus can grow on a wide range of soil types from sand to loam to heavy clay as long as they are well drained. Ideal pH of 6-6.5. Different rootstocks prefer different soil types.

Propagation

Grapefruit may be propagated from seed or by grafting onto other citrus rootstock.

Pest & Disease Control

Citrus are prone to many diseases and pests. We recommend consulting the Cooperative Extension citrus specialist.

Pruning Notes

Citrus trees should be trained to a suitable shape with open center. Three objectives: increase total leaf area, improve airflow through canopy, and increase light to branches. Proper training keeps tree the correct size for ease of care and harvest. Remove long, vigorous upright shoots to control tree size. Dead and crossing branches should be removed. Watersprouts should be removed from the base of the tree, as should branches that touch the ground. Prune citrus in January and February. When pruning, cut all limbs flat to the branch at the point of attachment.

HARVEST & PROCESSING

Edible Parts

Citrus should be harvested when it has full color or flavor and when it can be eaten immediately. The tree is the best place to store citrus. In Arizona, grapefruits can be harvested from early September until the end of May when they begin to fall and seeds start sprouting in the fruit. Late harvesting, however, may cause a reduction in the following year's fruit crop. Grapefruit are traditionally eaten fresh. The fruit are also made into marmalade and syrups and canned. The juice may be used fresh or fermented into vinegar or wine.

Harvest Months

January
February
March
April
May
June
November
December

Harvest and Processing Guide

Harvest and Processing Guide Open link

LEAF is under the fiduciary stewardship of the Arizona Community Tree Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

PO Box 65122, Phoenix, Arizona 85082-5122

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

This website and other LEAF Network products shown here was prepared under the Diverse Urban Forest grant, WCG 14-501, administered by the Arizona Community Tree Council. Funds for this project were provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program administered through Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management – Urban and Community Forestry Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. In accordance with Federal law and USDA policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability (Not all prohibited basis applies to all programs). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.