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How to Grow Grapefruit from Seed at Home
06.03.2024 04:10
The grapefruit "fashion" began in the 20th century, when the "grapefruit diet" became popular.
Since then, amateur flower growers have been growing the crop in their apartments.
Planting seeds
First, choose ripe, healthy fruits and get the seeds from the pulp. They should be the correct shape, without damage, says Anastasia Kovrizhnykh .
The seeds can be planted immediately in prepared soil (it is best to use specialized soil “For citrus fruits”).
Make drainage holes in the prepared container, place a layer of expanded clay or vermiculite on the bottom, pour the soil mixture on top and moisten well.
Place the seed material on the surface and sprinkle it with soil (1.5-2 cm layer), moisten with a spray bottle. Cover with film or glass on top to create a greenhouse effect and place in a well-lit, warm place. The greenhouse should be opened daily for ventilation, and when the soil dries out, spray with a spray bottle. Sprouts will appear in 2-3 weeks.
Caring for seedlings
In the phase of a pair of true leaves, thin out the plants, remove small and weak ones.
Place the seedlings on a windowsill with sufficient light or supplement them with a phytolamp, spray and water once every 2 days when the top layer of soil dries out. When the tree reaches a height of 10–13 cm, it needs to be transplanted into a larger pot.
Basic rules of care
flowering and fruiting
Adult grapefruit blossoms in spring, flowers are large, white-separate with a strong pleasant aroma. Flowering is long. Fruiting begins in the 4th - 5th year from the moment of planting. Fruits are quite large (up to 400 g), with tasty and juicy pulp, ripen in October - November.
transfer
Young plants (up to 5 years of age) need to be replanted (by transshipment) annually. As they mature, the frequency of transshipments is reduced - once every 3 - 5 years, while a portion of new substrate needs to be added annually under the plant.
watering
Watering of grapefruit should be moderate: do not overdry the soil lump, but do not allow stagnation of water either. In the spring-summer period, it is better to carry out small daily waterings, in the autumn-winter - when the top layer of soil dries out.
pruning
Pruning should be done annually, it consists of limiting growth and forming the crown in the shape of a ball or oval. Old, dried, damaged branches should also be removed.
top dressing
Fertilizers are applied regularly, twice a month from April to September. The plant responds well to complex mineral fertilizers recommended for citrus fruits. From October to March, fertilizer application is reduced to once every 30–45 days.
diseases and pests
Spider mites and scale insects pose a great danger to grapefruit, and fungicides are used to combat them. Excessive waterlogging of the soil is also unfavorable.
Grapefruit is a beautiful evergreen plant that can bloom and bear fruit at home if simple care rules are followed.
Earlier we talked about spring care for strawberries.
