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.
Visit us at the shop in Walmer, Port Elizabeth, or contact us on Whatsapp 072 867 3243.
Our Rex Union and Grapefruit Citrus Trees are currently available from R165 each.