Chinese Grapefruit Tree

Basketball-sized Grapefruit? That's a joke, right? With the Chinese Grapefruit Tree (Citrus maxima) - It's not a joke at all! The Chinese Grapefruit is the largest of all the edible Citrus fruits available!

Given free rein, the fruit can actually grow to be BIGGER than a basketball. However, these are typically picked earlier. Similar to the Pomelo (sometimes referred to as a Pummelo), they are far larger than any Grapefruit you can find at the store.

Chinese Grapefruits are also sweeter than the typical grocery store fare! They have a sweet opening taste with a nice tartness to finish off. Use them to eat fresh, cook with, make into candy,  create delectable preserves, or press for juice.

They have a very thick, vibrant green rind that keeps the lightly pinkish-peach flesh well protected. Despite the thick skin, once you taste it, you'll be convinced the effort was worth it when you reach the 'prize' in the middle!

These sweet-tart jewels have been cultivated for centuries in Southeast Asia and are increasingly found in the Citrus growing regions of the US. Now available in a convenient home orchard-sized tree.

How to Use Chinese Grapefruit Tree In The Landscape

Be thrilled by the ornamental appeal of these modest-sized trees! The fragrant white blooms are as attractive to you as they are to local pollinators!

Passersby will crane their necks when the enormous fruit dangles from the strong limbs! Gorgeous trees on their own, once these fruit start forming, your tree will look incredible as a specimen and focal point planting!

You’ll definitely receive accolades once you share your crop with friends and family! Your tree is vigorous and productive, so you’ll have plenty to go around!

Balcony and container gardeners can enjoy this fantastic variety of Citrus too! Perfect as a small accent tree or highlight these in a large planter by your front entry. You’ll enjoy the stylish look of a row of potted Grapefruit and other Citrus trees in formal rows along a walkway, pool or patio!

Northern gardeners will not miss out either - simply move your tree into a full sun window or enclosed patio for the winter.

#ProPlantTips For Care

Fruit trees need full sun for the best fruit, there’s no way around it. Add a grow light for indoor and porch trees if your sunlight is lacking.

Plant in enriched, loose soil, that is very well-drained, on the acidic side. Fertilize 3 - 4 times a year with an acid-loving or Citrus Tree fertilizer. 

Go light on the water, since Citrus prefers to dry out a bit between waterings and despise soggy roots. Hardy in zones 9-11 if protected from frost, and can be grown in a container in all zones if moved indoors when temperatures will dip below 40 degrees.

Although Citrus can grow year-round in warmer regions (zones 9 and 10), they can also thrive in colder areas (zones 4 to 7) as long as the tree is brought indoors before the first frost of winter.

In zone 8, you can cover your tree in the event of a cold snap or unexpected overnight freeze. Citrus needs to be planted in a sheltered spot to avoid the worst of the chill, and ensure you do not plant them in a low area that collects cold air. If a spot like that is unavailable, or you are in a chill-prone climate, then you are safer planting Citrus Trees in a large, deep container with wheels to easily move them to a protected location or indoors when needed.

In cold growing zones, begin slowly acclimating your tree indoors in the fall, or into a protected location, eventually moving your tree inside. Indoor plants need a bright indirect sun window, greenhouse, sunroom, or enclosed patio for the winter. In spring, reverse this process and begin acclimating your tree to again be back out in the full sun all summer. This reduces stress and leaf drop.

• Full Sun
• Moderate Moisture
• Fertile Well-Drained Soil
• Prefers Acidic Environments
• Easy to Grow Broadleaf Evergreen
• Citrus Pruning Best After Fruiting

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