* Images shown are of mature plants
Have questions? Talk with our Plant Experts (800) 973-8959
Save 25% on $200+ with code FALL25.
Questions? Call our plant experts: (800) 973-8959
Delicious Grapefruit on a Compact, Ornamental Tree
With deep green leaves and seasonal white blossoms, the Ray Ruby Grapefruit makes a charming addition to any landscape. When planted in full to partial sun, this drought-hardy variety will grow to its petite height of 12-15 feet, moderately.
A cousin of the Ruby Red Grapefruit, this tree produces an ample harvest of juicy grapefruits that are the perfect combination of sweet and tart. Place it by a porch, in a backyard, or even along a path and enjoy the full effects of the shade and fragrance the Ray Ruby provides.
Self-pollinating with striking, golden-orange globes, the Ray Ruby doesn’t require an overabundance of care. Once planted in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with enough space left for air circulation, the sturdy limbs of this tree will begin to stretch and grow. After displaying a floral show during the spring, you’ll be treated to flavorful grapefruits from November to May.
Don’t delay ordering a charming Ray Ruby for your own yard! Start enjoying fruit just outside your door!
Pollination Info
Ray Ruby Grapefruit Tree Pollination
Ray Ruby Grapefruit Trees are self-fertile. You will get fruit with only one plant. However, adding an additional Ray Ruby Grapefruit Tree will drastically increase the size of your crop.
Planting & Care
1. Planting: For your Ray Ruby, choose a location with well-drained soil and plenty of sunlight - about 6 to 8 hours of sunlight per day.
When you're ready to plant, select a container that's about twice the width of the shipped container and one with drainage holes. From there, fill your pot halfway with soil, place your tree, and then backfill the rest with soil, leaving about one or two inches at the top. Finally, water your plant to settle the roots.
2. Watering: Be sure to water your Ray Ruby tree regularly for its first year once each week and more frequently during the hot season and periods of extended drought.
After the first year, the tree’s roots will become a bit more established and you can reduce watering to once every two weeks.
A good way to indicate when you need to water is by using your index finger. Stick it into the pot and feel around for moisture - if there is still some present in the soil, hold off on watering. If it feels like it is drying out on the top couple inches, water just enough until you see it escaping the drainage holes and stop.
3. Fertilizing: Container-grown Ray Ruby Trees will require a well-balanced fertilizer formula specialized for growing citrus, such as the one included in our Citrus Care Kit. This formula already contains all of the micronutrients that the tree will need. Feed the trees regularly, but be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer’s packaging.
The typical time frame for container-grown citrus is to start in February and provide fertilizer once every 4 to 6 weeks until September.
4. Pruning: Remove suckers as they appear by pinching them off of the tree or using a sterilized pair of cutters to remove them. You can easily sterilize your tool(s) by wiping them with a household rubbing alcohol. Prune off any dead or damaged branches in the early spring after the threat of frosts has passed.
5. Pollination: Our Ray Ruby Grapefruit Trees are self-fertile, but you can pollinate your indoor trees by hand using a small, dry, fine-tipped paintbrush. Swirl the brush around the center of each bloom and collect the pollen on the brush. Go to the next bloom and repeat the process until every bloom has been treated, and repeat the process daily. Don’t wash the paintbrush until after the blooms have been pollinated. The blooms will fall and the fruit will begin to form.
Related Resources
Expert Q&A: Tips and Tricks for Citrus Tree Care
You asked, we answered! Citrus trees are some of our most popular - and most frequently asked-about - plants. And whether you have a patio ...
Read the full article
Plants For Your Thanksgiving Table
Although Christmas is the cold-weather holiday that gets the most attention, Thanksgiving can’t be overlooked, especially when these plants are part of the celebration. There ...
Read the full article
Loquat to Owari: Winter Citrus Care
A couple of weeks back, we put the spotlight on unique citrus to celebrate Halloween and beyond. But now that Halloween has come and gone ...
Read the full article
FAQs
How long does it take for a grapefruit tree to bear fruit?
Where do grapefruit trees grow?
How tall do grapefruit trees grow?
Shipping Details
Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, you'll receive an email with a tracking number.
Amount of Order | Shipping Charge |
---|---|
Less than $49 | $19.95 |
$49 + | FREE SHIPPING! |
Product Details
Mature Height: | 12-15 ft. |
Mature Width: | 8-10 ft. |
Sunlight: | Full-Partial |
Growth Rate: | Moderate Growing |
Harvest Time: | November-May |
Botanical Name: | Citrus x Paradisi 'Ray Ruby' |
Does Not Ship To: | AL,AZ,CA,GA,LA,OR,TX |
Grows Well In Zones: | 3-11 patio / 8-11 outdoors |
Your Growing Zone: | # |