Citrumelo Hardy Grapefruit
Citrumelo Hardy Grapefruit will grow to around 6 ft. and is very hardy for citrus, surviving temperature into the low teens or below. The fruit taste like a cross between a lemon and a grapefruit, is smooth skinned, and as large as 4 inches across.
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Latin Name: Poncirus trifoliata x Citrus paradisi
Site and Soil: In spring, summer and fall, keep your potted Citrus in a location with 1/2 day to full sun. In the winter, place your plant in a well-lit room if you live in USDA Zone 7 or below. Potting soil should be coarse, acidic, and well-drained.
Rootstock Description: Flying Dragon is a hardy and very dwarfing rootstock for Citrus that induces very early flowering and fruit production. Trees grown on Flying Dragon will rarely exceed 5 ft. in height and will often produce fruit the year they are planted.
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile. You can help it set fruit by taking a small brush and moving pollen from flower to flower.
Hardiness: Should be hardy to at least 20° F. We recommend moving it to a well-lit and protected location in the fall before hard frosts occur if you live in cold climates.
Bearing Age: 1-2 years after planting
Size at Maturity: 8-12 ft. by 6 feet wide
Taste: Like a cross between a lemon and a grapefruit
Fruit Skin: Yellow-orange
Fruit Flesh: Yellow-orange
Bloom Time: Winter to early spring
Ripening Time: November to January
Yield: 40-50 fruit
Care: Fertilize with citrus mix 3-4 times per year with typical applications in late winter (Jan-Feb), late spring (May-June) and early fall (Sept-Oct).
Pests & Diseases: While outside, Citrus plants will likely not be bothered by insect pests. Be on the lookout for slugs. Indoors, Citrus can have mites and/or aphids. Watch carefully for any problems and treat with an insecticidal soap or wash them off. We have not seen any disease problems on our Citrus varieties.
USDA Zone: 8