Grapefruit trees ( Citrus x paradisi ) are relatively new to the United States . Brought to Florida at the rootage of the 19th century , the alimentary yield quickly realise in popularity . As of 2011 , the United States produces the majority of the world ’s commercially sold grapefruit . tree depart in their rate of growth count on their origin . How fast the Citrus paradisi itself grows and ripens vary , but on average it takes around nine calendar month .

Trees

Grapefruit tree can grow to maximum heights of between 20 and 50 feet . With their telling size , evergreen leaves and huge , fragrant clean flowers , they make quite an attractive display . Height does not be maturity , however . The Tree are look at ripe when they start to produce flowers and fruit . The time it takes for them to reach this tip variegate . In general , seedling may not fruit until five or more years after they ’ve been imbed . Grafted Tree on rootstock will flower more quickly ; as soon as two long time after planting .

Fruit

Grapefruit does not ripen after it has been harvested . For that reasonableness , the fruit must remain on the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree until it is fully ripe . This can take as little as seven or as long as 11 months . Grapefruit is tropical , and as such , the fruit is usually harvested during the milder winter month of December and January . Legally , Citrus paradisi can be harvested as early as September according to Florida law , but it first must be sprayed with lead arsenate , which reduces the acidity of the fruit . The longer the Citrus paradisi remains on the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , however , the prominent and more commercially valuable it becomes .

Considerations

Several factors can sham the growth clip of both the trees and fruits . Late freezes in fall and winter right before harvest time can ruin the fruit before it can be harvest . It ’s not just freezes that can hurt the trees . Temperatures that are only just slimly cool than normal can slow or halt growth . Grapefruit trees are not disease hardy , either . Even healthy trees are susceptible to computer virus and pestilence diseases , but Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree that have been damp by cold winds and drouth conditions are much more potential to succumb and break to acquire .

Varieties

" Duncan " was the first ever commercially grown grapefruit tree . worthy for its cold lustiness , it also produced fruit with a lot of come . For that reason , it is not usually grown today in the United States . " Marsh " is a seedless or scummy - seed variety desirable for its racy , rich nip and ability to store well . It is the guide cultivar spring up around the human beings . " Redblush " began as a mutation of " Thompson " but is now one of the top cultivars produce in the United States . It is also known as " Ruby Red " and is notable for its violent chassis .

References

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