Deep Red Grapefruit Tree (Toronja Doble Roja)

About the Deep Red Grapefruit Tree (Toronja Doble Roja)

Toronja Doble Roja is a deep-red grapefruit of the Star Ruby / Rio Red type, with flesh coloured an intense ruby and a blush on the rind. Red grapefruits are noticeably sweeter and less bitter than the old white types, with plenty of juice for breakfast halves, fresh juice, palomas and salads. Grapefruit needs real heat to sweeten, so it thrives in the hot lowlands, the Gulf coast and the hot, dry north. The tree is vigorous and productive, with large glossy leaves and fragrant blossom, ripening its fruit from autumn into winter.

How to Care for It

Plant in full sun in deep, well-drained soil; citrus hates waterlogged roots, so raise the bed on heavy clay. Water deeply once or twice a week in the dry season and let the topsoil dry between waterings. Feed with a citrus fertiliser with micronutrients (zinc, iron, magnesium) three times a year, mulch without touching the trunk, and remove shoots that sprout below the main branches.

Fresh limes for every taco and juice from your own tree. Persian, Colima and criollo limes, Valencia and navel oranges, five mandarins, grapefruit, pomelo and Yucatán's own lima de chiche, grown on our farms and shipped by DHL to most of Mexico.

Growing Profile

Botanical name

Citrus × paradisi (deep-red type, e.g. 'Star Ruby' / 'Rio Red')

Family

Rutaceae

Native to

Grapefruit arose in Barbados in the 18th century; deep-red selections were developed in Texas

Mature height

4–6 m

Plant spacing

6 m

Years to first fruit

3–4 years

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Cold tolerance

down to -2 °C

Best climates

Humid tropics, Dry tropics, Subtropical, Arid / desert

Grows in a pot

Yes

Ships from

Our farms in Yucatán & Chiapas