Rio Red Grapefruit

The Rio Red Grapefruit (Citrus × paradisi 'Rio Red') is a popular citrus variety known for its vibrant, deep-red flesh, juicy segments, and sweet-tart flavor. Ideal for fresh eating, juicing, and adding a colorful twist to salads or desserts, this grapefruit is a standout choice for home orchards.

🍊 Fruit Characteristics

• Size & Shape: Medium to large, averaging 4–6 inches in diameter, with a smooth, bright yellow rind.

• Flavor: Sweet-tart, juicy, and rich, with the signature deep-red flesh providing both flavor and visual appeal.

• Seed Content: Mostly seedless, though occasional seeds may appear with cross-pollination.

• Segments: Contains 10–12 tender, juicy segments.

• Harvest Season: Ripens from late winter through early spring, holding well on the tree for several weeks.

🌳 Tree Characteristics

• Mature Size: Reaches 12–18 feet in height and 10–15 feet in width in the ground; smaller when grown in containers.

• Growth Habit: Upright and moderately spreading, suitable for home orchards, patios, and landscape planting.

• Hardiness Zones: Thrives in USDA Zones 9–11; can be grown in containers in cooler zones with winter protection.

• Pollination: Self-fertile; does not require another tree for fruit production.

🌱 Planting & Care

• Sunlight: Prefers full sun for optimal growth and fruit production.

• Soil: Requires well-drained, fertile soil.

• Watering: Maintain consistent moisture, especially during fruit development, but avoid waterlogging.

• Fertilization: Apply a balanced, slow-release citrus fertilizer in early spring and mid-summer.

• Pruning: Prune lightly in late winter to maintain shape and remove dead or diseased wood.

The Rio Red Grapefruit tree is an excellent choice for home gardeners seeking a low-maintenance citrus tree that produces large, sweet-tart, juicy fruit with striking red flesh, perfect for fresh juice, snacking, or culinary use throughout the late winter and early spring months.