Grapefruit & Rex Union

Star Ruby Grapefruit Trees

The Breakfast Icon: Grapefruit trees are vigorous and incredibly productive. Star Ruby features deep red, pigmented flesh, while Marsh Seedless is the classic yellow-fleshed standard.

Fruit Profile: Large, heavy fruits packed with antioxidants. Star Ruby is intensely sweet-tart, while Marsh is crisp and refreshing.

Requirements: They love the heat! Plant them in your sunniest, warmest spot to develop the highest sugar levels.

Rex Union (The Marmalade Legend)

The South African Heritage Cross: A unique heritage variety that is a cross between a Pomelo (Grapefruit) and a Seville Orange. It is prized worldwide by artisanal producers as the ultimate marmalade fruit.

Fruit Profile: Large, slightly flattened fruit with a thick, rough skin. The flesh is deeply aromatic with a complex bitter-sweet balance that creates a sophisticated, clear jelly in preserves.

Requirements:

Growth: A very hardy, attractive evergreen tree with a spreading canopy.

Usage: While too tart for fresh eating, it is indispensable for home preserving.

Feeding: Responds well to the extra nutrients in our Triple Mix Farm Soil (R50).

1. The "Heat & Sugar" Rule

Grapefruit and Rex Union need maximum heat to develop their signature sweetness and complex oils.

The Fix: Plant in your warmest, north-facing spot and use The Pot & Barrel Bark Chips (R55) to trap ground heat while keeping roots moist.

2. Micronutrient Boost (The Dark Green Look)

These large-fruited varieties are "hungry" and often show yellowing between the leaf veins (Zinc/Manganese deficiency).

The Fix: Feed every 4–6 weeks with CFT Liquid Fertilizer (R80). Healthy, dark-green leaves are the "solar panels" that power those heavy fruits.

3. Water Consistency (Anti-Crack)

The Remedy: Deep, consistent watering is key. If we have a dry PE week, give the tree a slow, deep soak at the base rather than a quick sprinkle.