Grapefruit Citrus x paradisi
Grapefruit (Citrus x paradisi) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Rutaceae family, native to Barbados (18th-century hybrid of pomelo and sweet orange). It grows 4–7 m (13–23 ft) tall and 4–6 m (13–20 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 6 m (20 ft) apart.
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Grapefruit at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Mature height | 4–7 m (13–23 ft) |
| Mature spread | 4–6 m (13–20 ft) |
| Spacing | 6 m (20 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 7 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance low |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 40 °C (104 °F) |
| Flowering | from about March for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | High |
| Edible | Yes: fruit, juice |
| Native to | Barbados (18th-century hybrid of pomelo and sweet orange) |
| Common in gardens of | 🇺🇸 United States, 🇿🇦 South Africa |
Is Grapefruit toxic?
- People: mildly toxic
- Cats: moderately toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, peel, seeds
Furanocoumarins make grapefruit interact with some medicines in people, and citrus oils in the peel and leaves upset pets.
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Grapefruit
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Sweet orange: Asian citrus psyllid spreads huanglongbing (citrus greening) between citrus and relatives such as orange jasmine (Murraya). Keep new citrus away from infected or neglected hosts. Evidence B
Shared pests and diseases
- Citrus greening (HLB): Spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, which also breeds on curry leaf (Murraya). Evidence B
- Xylella fastidiosa: Insect-spread bacterium (EU quarantine pest) hitting olive, lavender, rosemary, oleander, Prunus and citrus. Evidence B
Questions about Grapefruit
- How far apart should I plant Grapefruit?
- About 6 m (20 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 4–6 m (13–20 ft).
- Does Grapefruit need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 7 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Grapefruit need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance low.
- How cold-hardy is Grapefruit?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Grapefruit flower?
- From about March for 2–4 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Grapefruit poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is moderately toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people mildly toxic. Furanocoumarins make grapefruit interact with some medicines in people, and citrus oils in the peel and leaves upset pets.
- What grows well with Grapefruit?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Grapefruit. Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- UF/IFAS Extension tropical and subtropical fruit and landscape publications, University of Florida
- FAO Irrigation and Drainage Paper 56 — Crop Evapotranspiration, FAO
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
- UC IPM degree-day models and pest notes, University of California
Notes and assumptions
- Needs long hot summers to sweeten; fruit damaged near −2 °C. Fruit takes 9–12 months to ripen and can hang on the tree for months.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon tree (dwarf) Citrus limon
- Curry tree Murraya koenigii
- Kaffir lime Citrus hystrix
- Common rue Ruta graveolens
- Sweet orange Citrus x sinensis
- Mandarin orange Citrus reticulata
- Persian lime Citrus x latifolia
- Key lime Citrus x aurantiifolia