Grapefruit

Grapefruit is an evergreen subtropical citrus tree that usually grows 5–6 m tall. It has glossy dark-green leaves, white four-petalled flowers and big fruit 10–15 cm across, with white, yellow, pink or red flesh depending on the variety. The name comes from the way the fruit hangs in clusters, like grapes.

Why a grapefruit?

• Big fruit, 10–15 cm across.
• Rich in vitamin C.
• Glossy evergreen leaves and white flowers.
• A ready-grown 1.8–2.0 m tree.

Where to plant it

Home gardens, sunny courtyards, in front of villas and along wide paths. Leave about 4.5 m between it and other trees or buildings.

Care in the Saudi climate

• Light: full, direct sun; in light shade it gives less fruit.
• Water: twice a week in the first month, then whenever new leaves wilt in the afternoon. In a Saudi summer it needs more water.
• Soil: best pH is 5.5–6.5. In the alkaline soil common in Saudi, yellow leaves with green veins mean iron deficiency – treat with chelated iron in the soil and a yearly manganese and zinc spray.
• Feeding: in the first year, a balanced fertilizer about every 6 weeks from February to October, kept away from the trunk.
• Pruning: remove shoots growing from below the graft; the tree needs little pruning, and too much reduces fruit.
• Fruit: in season roughly November or December to May.

Sizes

• 1.8–2.0 m: Established tree. Home gardens – instant presence.