Citrus paradisi

Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi) is a hybrid, probably originating from a natural cross-hybridization between pummelo and sweet orange [7]. Grapefruit fruits can generally be divided into two groups, depending on the absence or presence of lycopene in the fruit flesh: white and pigmented (red/pink) varieties. In 1824, DeTussac mentions the "forbidden fruit or smaller shaddock" of Jamaica as a variety of shaddock the size of an orange and borne in bunches. William C. Cooper, a citrus scientist (USDA, ARS, Orlando, Florida, to 1975), traveled widely observing all kinds of citrus fruits. When this new fruit was adopted into cultivation and the name grapefruit came into general circulation, American horticulturists viewed that title as so inappropriate that they endeavored to have it dropped in favor of "pomelo". However, it was difficult to avoid confusion with the pummelo, and the name grapefruit prevailed, and is in international use except in Spanish-speaking areas where the fruit is called toronja. In 1962, Florida Citrus Mutual proposed changing the name to something more appealing to consumers in order to stimulate greater sales. There were so many protests from the public against a name change that the idea was abandoned. Description The grapefruit tree reaches 15 to 20 ft (4.5-6 m) or even 45 ft (13.7 m) with age, has a rounded top of spreading branches; the trunk may exceed 6 in (15 cm) in diameter; that of a very old tree actually attained nearly 8 ft (2.4 m) in circumference. The twigs normally bear short, supple thorns. The evergreen leaves are ovate, 3 to 6 in (7.5-15 cm) long, and 1 3/4 to 3 in (4.5-7.5 cm) wide; dark-green above, lighter beneath, with minute, rounded teeth on the margins, and dotted with tiny oil glands; the petiole has broad, oblanceolate or obovate wings. The white, 4-petalled flowers, are 1 3/4 to 2 in (4.5-5 cm) across and borne singly or in clusters in the leaf axils. The fruit is nearly round or oblate to slightly pear-shaped, 4 to 6 in (10-15 cm) wide with smooth, finely dotted peel, up to 3/8 in (1 cm) thick, pale-lemon, sometimes blushed with pink, and aromatic outwardly; white, spongy and bitter inside. The center may be solid or semi-hollow. The pale-yellow, nearly whitish, or pink, or even deep-red pulp is in 11 to 14 segments with thin, membranous, somewhat bitter walls; very juicy, acid to sweet-acid in flavor when fully ripe. While some fruits are seedless or nearly so, there may be up to 90 white, elliptical, pointed seeds about 1/2 in (1.25 cm) in length. Unlike those of the pummelo, grapefruit seeds are usually polyembryonic. The number of fruits in a cluster varies greatly; a dozen is unusual but there have been as many as 20.

Care And Nurture

Sunlight

• Keep the plant in morning sunlight for 3 to 6 hou ¹
• Protect the plant from direct harsh sunlight as it can cause damage to the foliage.

Soil

• The soil should be well drained and fertile rich in oragnic content.

Watering

• Poke your finger/plain small stick into the soil to check the moisture.
• Water when top soil (3-4 inches) feels dry to touch.
• Water thoroughly in the summer and reduce watering in winter and rainy season.

Application of Fertilizer

• During the main growing season feed the plant with organic fertilizer once a month.
• Loosen the topsoil without disturbing the roots of the plant so it can uptake the nutrients and moisture easily.

Re-potting

• When a plant outgrows in current pot, re-pot with fresh potting soil and some fertilizer.
• Do the re-potting late evening and keep the plant in shady area for 2 to 3 days and then move the plant in its suitable climatic condition.

Plant Protection

• Remove dead, infected or damaged plant parts and dispose them away from the planting area.
• Spray Neem, Eucalyptus or Citrus oil for any insect/pest attack, as a primary treatment.

Donts

• • Easily grows in AC rooms but away from AC vents.
  • Do not over-water the plant especially when pot does not have drainage holes.

Sunlight	Keep the plant in morning sunlight for 3 to 6 hours
Watering	Poke your finger/plain small stick into the soil to check the moisture. Water when topsoil (3-4 inches) feels dry to touch. Water thoroughly in the summer and reduce watering in winter and rainy season.
Soil	Soil should be well drain and fertile, rich in organic content.
Temperature	16 to 30 degrees Celcius.
Fertilizer	Apply any organic fertilizer.
Harvest Season	Harvest the leaf when it grows well and looks fleshy.