However, warm temperate gardeners can also grow grapefruit trees if they can keep them warm enough through winter.

We grow our grapefruit trees in the tropics and they do enjoy a warm climate. Variety will affect sweetness or flavour too. The longer you leave grapefruit on the tree the sweeter they become. Your ripe grapefruit should be semi sweet, semi sour. The weight of the heavy grapefruit will cause them to hang lower too. Usually, the large round fruit are easy to pick if you keep your tree short by pruning. They will be bushy, with a diameter of around 10 feet. They are smaller trees, only reaching a maximum of about 20 feet. Grapefruit trees have dark green glossy leaves. This post is about growing grapefruit, caring for a grapefruit tree, types of grapefruit tree, uses for and harvesting grapefruit and as many other grapefruit tree-related facts I can come up with! The grapefruit tree is my favourite of my many fruit trees and other plants that will grow in the tropics, in fact, we now have three, along with half a dozen other citrus trees. Any fruit set in the first or second years should be removed to direct all its energy into growth.The grapefruit tree (citrus pandisi) in our garden must be ten years old now and it gives us prolific grapefruit every year. Keep in mind that newly planted grapefruit trees will take at least three years before producing quality fruit. Over-ripened fruit, which may appear lumpy, should be discarded. The longer the fruit remains on the tree, however, the larger and sweeter it becomes. Once the fruits have turned yellow or gold in color, they're ready for picking. Generally, harvesting takes place in fall.

Generally, blankets, tarps, or burlap provide adequate winter protection. Although many people prefer to simply mulch around the tree, it is advisable to leave at least a foot (31 cm.) of space between the trunk and mulch to avoid any problems with root rot. Winter protection may be needed for areas prone to frost or freezing. Don't prune your tree unless removing old weakened or dead branches. You can also add light fertilizer during irrigation every four to six weeks. Then you can begin watering deeply once a week, except during dry periods when additional water may be needed. After planting, you should water every few days for the first couple weeks. While minimal, grapefruit tree care is essential to maintain its overall health and production.

Also, be sure that the bud union remains above the soil. Setting it any lower will lead to standing water and cause rotting. Keep the soil level with the surrounding area or slightly mound it. Then water the soil and allow it to settle before backfilling with the remaining soil. After placing the tree in the hole, backfill halfway with soil, firmly pressing down to squeeze out any air bubbles. Dig the planting hole both wide and deep enough to accommodate the roots. Keep in mind that those planted in spring must contend with the heat of summer while fall-planted trees must endure the hardships of unseasonably cold winters. Grapefruit trees can be planted in spring or fall, depending on where you're located and what works best for you and your region's conditions. Keep the tree at least 12 feet (4 m.) from buildings, walks, driveways, etc. For instance, when planting a grapefruit tree, an area on the southernmost side of the home not only offers the most sun but also provides optimal winter protection. Choosing a suitable location is also important. Always get the planting area ready beforehand, amending the soil if necessary.

Dwarf grapefruit tree