Grapefruit trees and other citrus are easy to care for if you know what you're looking at. Here's everything you need to know about raising grapefruit trees.
Scientists believe that to combat climate change, we need to plant 1 trillion trees.
Although you can't undertake this yourself, why not contribute by planting a few citrus trees of your own?
Not only are trees great for the planet, but they're also great for you. Gardening is a known de-stressor and can also provide oxygen for you to breathe!
Citrus trees can be pretty easy to care for and maintain if you understand certain parts of the process. Continue reading below for helpful tips on raising grapefruit trees.
When to Plant Your Citrus Tree
You can either plant your grapefruit tree in spring or fall. However, keep in mind that both winter and summer will provide challenges for your tree.
Depending on your local weather conditions, you may choose that either spring or fall is better. For example, if you have particularly harsh winters, choose spring.
However, if you're not sure which season is best for your citrus tree, ask someone at your local garden center or contact us at US Citrus.
Dig Deep and Wide
When planting a grapefruit tree, you need to dig wide and deep to ensure the roots have a lot of space.
Furthermore, you should grow your trees far away from concrete, buildings, or walkways.
You should ensure that your tree is in the southernmost area of your garden to provide it with lots of sunshine!
Water Your Grapefruit Tree
Citrus trees aren't always the easiest trees to grow. If you want to see your plant flourish, you will need to provide it with a lot of attention.
This involves watering it every few days, especially during the first two weeks after planting. Furthermore, make sure you add citrus plant food for grapefruit trees every four weeks.
Finally, never prune your tree unless you need to remove damaged branches. If you need more guidance, speak to your local garden center as they will be able to give you specific advice about your tree.
Harvest and Enjoy the Fruits of Your Labor
You should be able to harvest your tree's fruits in the fall of the third year. Yes, it will take three years before your tree produces quality fruit.
During the first two years, you should remove the fruit that has grown to ensure the tree spends its energy growing stronger, not growing grapefruit.
But, after three years you should have plenty to eat! Your fruit should be left to develop so that your harvest is full of larger grapefruits.
But, ensure you don't leave it developing for too long! Any fruit that looks too lumpy is overripe, so keep an eye out for this!
Growing Grapefruit Trees is Very Rewarding!
After three years, your grapefruit trees should be producing delicious citrus fruits and they're also removing carbon from the atmosphere too!
Why not plant even more trees if you have space? You could even begin planting vegetables and fruits which don't take three years to provide sustenance!
Growing trees is fun, but if you want to have delicious, seasonal citrus fruit right away, join the Craft Citrus Club!
Get a curated box of fresh-harvested citrus fruit from South Texas sent to your door every month!
