Care for Rio Red Grapefruit Trees

The Rio red has yellow skin with a pink blush.

Introduced in 1984, the Rio Red variety of grapefruit is fairly new to the citrus scene. The tree that produces the Rio Red grapefruit is an upright evergreen that prefers winter temperatures above 30 degrees F. Rio Red grapefruit trees develop fragrant flowers that bloom in the spring, complementing deep green foliage. Yellow-skinned with a pink blush, Red Rio grapefruits have deep pink pulp that is sweeter than most grapefruit varieties. With proper care, the mature Rio Red grapefruit tree will grow to heights between 8 and 12 feet with a 12- to 15-foot spread.

Things You'll Need

• Soaker hose
• Fertilizer
• Mulch
• Pruning tool

Instructions

1. Water the Rio Red grapefruit tree at least once a week if it is a new transplant. Use a soaker hose to deliver deep waterings down to the roots. Maintain moist soil to a 1-inch depth at all times. Supplemental waterings will be required only in lieu of rain once the grapefruit tree is established.

2. Feed the Rio grapefruit tree a diet of 21-0-0 fertilizer. Also referred to as an aluminum sulfate fertilizer, the 21-0-0 requires several applications when used for grapefruit. Follow the label instructions for application methods and allocation amounts. Most Rio Reds appreciate a dose of 21-0-0 in February and another in May and September.

3. Spread a layer of bark mulch under the canopy of the grapefruit tree to reduce weeds. Weeds will compete with your Rio Red for water, so you will want to keep them at bay. A layer of mulch will also improve drainage.

4. Prune dead, inward-growing or damaged branches using a pruning tool. The Rio Red grapefruit tree does not require pruning to maintain its shape.

5. Contact a professional arborist if you notice pests or disease hindering the growth of your Rio Red grapefruit tree. A professional arborist can diagnose the problem and determine a remediation method. Most of the chemicals used for pest and disease infestations in grapefruit trees are not available to the home gardener.

Tips & Warnings

• Spread the mulch at least 1 foot from the bark of the tree to prevent pest infestations.

• Do not over-water the Rio Red tree. Over-watering causes the roots of the tree to rot. This eventually kills the tree. If the soil feels moist at a 1-inch depth, skip the watering and check again in a few days.

References

• Texas Citrus and Subtropical Fruits: Home Fruit Production-Grapefruit
• Urban Forest Ecosystems Institute: Grapefruit
• Citrus Trees Online: Rio Red Grapefruit

Resources

• Texas Landscape Direct: Rio Red Grapefruit
• Backyard Gardener: Citrus Paradisi (Rio Red Grapefruit)