When is Grapefruit Season in Florida?

Several of Florida's grapefruit varieties are pink or red.

The grapefruit is one of Florida's signature commercial crops, contributing about $9 billion to the state's economy and providing more than 75,000 jobs. The low-maintenance fruit tree is also popular in home landscapes.

Harvest Season

Florida's grapefruit season is longer than most of the state's other citrus; the five primary grapefruit varieties are harvested between October and June. Florida's main varieties of the vitamin C-packed fruit are Ruby Red, Pink, Thompson, Marsh and Duncan.

Ruby Red

The popular ruby red, also known as redblush, is harvested November through May. This variety is pink to reddish in its flesh, with only a few seeds.

Marsh

The seedless Marsh's picking season is November to May. This variety is commonly used for juice.

Thompson

The Thompson grapefruit is similar to the Marsh variety except for its pink flesh, which is why it's often referred to as "Pink Marsh." The color is best in January and February and fades in March and April.

Duncan

The seedy Duncan is one of Florida's pioneer grapefruits, with a lineage that traces back to the 1830s. It's harvested between November and May.

Fun Fact

The Indian River region on the state's east coast grows 75 percent of Florida's grapefruit crop. Nearly 40 percent of the grapefruit grown in this region and elsewhere in the state is exported to Japan.

References

• University of Florida Extension: Facts About Citrus Fruits and Juices: Grapefruit
• Florida Dept. of Citrus: About FDOC: Background
• Indian River County: The Indian River Citrus District
• University of Florida IFAS Extension Charlotte County: Some Grapefruit to Know and Grow
• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Your Florida Dooryard Citrus Guide - Appendices, Definitions and Glossary