Grapefruit: growing and caring for an evergreen tree. How to grow grapefruit at home

Grapefruit gained wide popularity in the 19th century, although for the first time these evergreens citrus trees were discovered on the island of Barbados as early as 1750. A large-fruited fruit went down in history immediately as a cultural one, because in wild nature nothing of the kind has been found. Scientists came to the conclusion that its appearance contributed to natural process hybridization between pomelo and . How grapefruit grows can be guessed from its name, since in English it means “grape fruit”.

grapefruit tree

It is very difficult for someone who has bought grapefruits more than once to imagine a bunch of at least 2-3 fruits reaching a weight of 500 g. But, nevertheless, massive grapefruit fruits grow like that: heap, 5-7 pieces, but it happens and twice as much.

The grapefruit tree is the tallest of all citrus varieties. It reaches an average height of 5-7 meters. Some varieties can even grow up to 12 meters. The wood is quite elastic and durable, with a smooth grey-brown bark. Therefore, the branches are able to hold the amount of weighty fruits.

Oval large grapefruit leaves reach 15-17 cm in length. They form a dense spreading crown, which is the shape of an ellipse or a ball. During the flowering period, you can observe an amazing picture, breathtaking. The tree is covered with large, up to 5 cm in diameter, white flowers with fragrant aroma. This advantage allowed grapefruit for a long time to be only an ornamental plant.

As a result of modern selection, up to 20 varieties of grapefruit have been created, which differ in ripening time, skin color and pulp. The latter can be quite light (almost white or yellowish), pink or bright red. The redder the flesh of a grapefruit, the sweeter it is.

What conditions does grapefruit grow in?

Grapefruit is a heat-loving plant, so it prefers a subtropical climate, like all its relatives. In our country, this is the Black Sea coast; in America, grapefruit is grown in Florida and Texas. Naturally, large plantations in his homeland - in India, the supply of grapefruit to European countries Cyprus, Israel, Brazil, China are puzzled.

The plant is demanding on sunlight and soil fertility. It is necessary to monitor the sufficient content of organic matter and mineral salts. Subject to all necessary conditions, grapefruit begins to bear fruit for 4-5 years. The fruits grow and ripen for a long time: from 9 to 12 months and are not removed at the same time. In regions where ripening begins in September, grapefruit is harvested until April. In some areas, harvest ripening occurs in February. So, on the island of Youthud (Cuba), a real holiday is organized in February in honor of the ripening of grapefruit, which lasts several days and ends with a feast.

The grapefruit is tropical tree medium size, usually reaching a height of 6-8 meters in open field. This citrus prefers a warm, humid tropical climate without freezing temperatures. winter period. Therefore, at home or in a greenhouse, it is possible to create a suitable environment for the growth of a grapefruit tree.

In a limited indoor and indoor environment, a grapefruit will certainly not be able to develop into a full-grown tree. However, the process of growing grapefruit from seed will allow you to observe the development of an overseas tree in all its glory and enjoy caring for it. Indoor grapefruit from industrial varieties is unlikely to reward you with your own citrus crop, but there are adapted ornamental varieties that can bear fruit in cramped pot conditions.

Planting a grapefruit seed.

Almost every grapefruit fruit contains up to a dozen developed and ready-to-sprout seeds. But to increase germination, it is necessary to choose ripe fruits with sweet pulp, and among seeds, give preference to the largest with the correct shape. For planting a homemade grapefruit tree, use several seeds at the same time, as some of them may not be viable.

Grapefruit seeds do not require drying, and after being extracted from the fruit, they can immediately be placed in the soil prepared in advance for germination in a small pot. As soil for germination, use a mixture of peat and flower land in equal proportions with the addition of a small amount of sand. Having dug the bones two centimeters, each in its own pot, place them in a warm, bright place, pour moderately and cover with transparent jars or polyethylene.

Keep an eye on the soil moisture, preventing it from drying out, and in 2-3 weeks the first shoots of homemade grapefruits should appear. After the first pair of leaves bloom, the covering container should be removed, and the pot with the young sprout should be placed in a bright place, but without direct sunlight. When house tree reaches 10-13 cm, it should be transplanted into a larger pot, trying to keep the fragile roots intact. In the future, to grow a grapefruit tree, use purchased flower soil, or, if you have access, dial upper layer forest soil.

The citrus tree will require you to repot annually as it grows into a larger pot. And if the capacity under the tree has reached the limits of the possible, then the topsoil should be changed twice a year to a mixture of humus and earth. Thus, it is possible to make mineral substances throughout the life of a grapefruit at home.

Growing conditions and care for homemade grapefruit.

In nature, grapefruit prefers coastal tropical regions and island territories with maximum illumination during the day. Similar or approximate conditions indoors can be simulated by placing a homemade grapefruit near a south window or on a bright balcony. Direct sunlight throughout the day will not harm the grown tree.

Grapefruit leaves drying at the edges indicate too dry air. During the cold season, especially in heating season, indoor grapefruit needs periodic spraying. At the same time, it should be remembered that the lower old leaves may turn yellow and fall off, which is a normal growth process. evergreen because the leaves have a certain period life is just over a year.

The ideal grapefruit watering regimen at home is once a week at winter time and a little more during the hot months. Empirically, it is necessary to establish the volume of water for one-time irrigation sufficient to moisten the entire thickness of the soil in the pot. After drying and hardening the surface of the soil under the grapefruit, wait a couple of days and only then water again. Drainage at the bottom of the pot should allow excess moisture to be quickly removed in case of accidental excessive watering, as rotting of the soil and roots will lead to the death of the tree.

The grapefruit tree usually branches well on its own and responds well to pruning, often putting out two twigs at the site of the cut shoot. Therefore, determine in advance the height that you will allow the plant to gain, and based on this, leave in advance the bearing skeletal branches, in the amount of two or three, above which there will be a crown of constant volume, supported by annual pruning.

Tell your friends about it.

Instruction

Not everyone knows that grapefruits are even hardier than lemons! Large bones grapefruit can be immediately placed in the ground at a shallow depth - but it should be remembered that the grains sometimes "sit" in the ground for a long time, even for a month.

Young grapefruits love loose and acidic soil enriched with minerals. The plant needs occasional watering. In this case, you should not bring the state of the soil in the pot to drought. You can lightly spray the tree every day warm water from a spray bottle.

A grapefruit growing from a seed needs a lot of light and heat. Twice a month, it should be fed with fertilizer for citrus fruits. A grapefruit grown from a seed, while it is young, needs to be transplanted every year into a larger container. After the grapefruit reaches five - six years of age this can be done every two to three years. For transplanting, “garden” soil with humus or ready-made land for citrus fruits from the store is suitable.

While the tree is small, it is convenient for him on any windowsill. However, grapefruit grows quite tall (on average - two meters) and sprawling. An adult plant will be more comfortable in light office space, on the loggia or in the winter garden.

While creating favorable conditions grapefruit successfully blooms and bears fruit. It grows many large glossy leaves. large flowers, having a white color with a pinkish tint, bloom towards the end of summer, when the heat subsides. Large fruit with thick skin strong aroma and bittersweet flavor usually ripen by November.

note

Experts believe that grapefruit is a unique hybrid of orange and pamelo, which naturally arose as a result of an unexpected natural crossing.

Helpful advice

Hazards home cultivation Grapefruit from seeds are pests (red citrus mites, scale insects, citrus whitefly), spots may appear and leaves fall off. We have to deal with insects by special means. More frequent airing of the room will relieve stains. Leaves that have flown around indicate an excess or lack of moisture.

Related article

Sources:

• "Growing vegetables, fruits, herbs and berries"
• grapefruit cultivation

Do you want to grow beautiful at home mineral? Easily! In nature mineral s are often formed in water mineral isolated solutions. The same principle can be applied at home. All you need to do is choose which one mineral would you like to. For example, see how easy it is to grow a delicious blue at home. mineral chalcanthite.

You will need

• 100 grams of copper sulfate, a jar, 100-150 ml of water, thread, pencil.

Instruction

Buy two bags of blue vitriol at any garden supply store. Usually sold in 50 grams, therefore, you need to purchase 100 grams of vitriol to grow a crystal. Take a small jar and fill it with water. The amount of water should not be large, no more than 150 and not me 100 ml. Heat up the water.

Tie the grains of vitriol to a thread, and fasten the thread to a pencil. Thus, it will lie on the neck of the jar and keep the grain in the water. Choose only large grains.

Pour the rest of the contents of the sachets into a jar. Remember, the water must be hot. Stir well to achieve a supersaturated solution. The solution should be dark blue. In the future, a precipitate will form at the bottom of the jar until the solution becomes saturated. When the solution gets rid of supersaturation, the color will change to . If the solution is not supersaturated, there are two solutions. Either buy another bag of blue vitriol, or wait until the water is gone. In this case, it will take several days.

Cool the solution. When the temperature reaches room values, lower the previously harvested grains on a thread into the solution. As soon as precipitation begins, the grain will begin. Mineral about 4 days.

Once a day, the crystal must be pulled out and the solution heated. Also stir the sediment, cool the solution again and lower the vitriol grain again. For smooth edges of the future crystal, growths from the thread can be cleaned off or dissolved.

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note

Attention! blue vitriol- it's poison!

If you want to plant on your site, you can purchase a seedling from a nursery or simply dig it up in a nearby forest. But it is much more interesting to grow a tree yourself, from a seed. It is quite unpretentious, grows quickly and does not require special care. And if you wish, you can plant a whole pine forest.

You will need

• - Pine cones;
• - a box with holes;
• - earth and peat;
• - potassium permanganate;
• - fertilizers.

Instruction

Prepare plastic or wooden box. It should have holes so that excess water can drain. Fill the container with earth mixed with peat. The latter will prevent infection of seedlings with fungal diseases. Sprinkle seeds on top, and then slightly loosen the soil.

Put the box in a place where it will be illuminated by the sun's rays. Best of all - on the windowsill: there is a lot of light, and the pine loves it. Moisten the soil. When sprouts appear, water them every day. But do not overdo it so that the seedlings do not hit late blight.

To protect against fungus, you can water with a weak solution of potassium permanganate, but then growth will slow down. Use ready-made top dressings to fertilize plants. After 5 months, the pines will get stronger, their trunks will become stiff. Leave them to grow in a box for the winter, but do not create greenhouse conditions.

In the spring, transplant the seedlings into the ground. Do this carefully, carefully separating the thin roots when removing them from the box. Plant at a distance of 12-15 cm from each other, shallow. Mulch with sawdust on top so that weeds do not interfere with development. Periodically water and weed, feed young trees. In 3 years they will grow up to 60 cm in height. Now they can be transferred to permanent place. Best planted with earthy clod. That's all, now the pine trees you have grown will delight for many years.

Adding a fragrant circle of juicy lemon to tea, many probably at least once wondered: “How to grow a lemon from a stone at home?”. Some, despite their curiosity, do not dare to grow this exotic citrus plant. Others, having tried to do it once and having failed, forever throw the idea out of their heads. In fact, growing a lemon at home is not difficult. To do this, be patient and follow some simple rules.

You will need

• - fluorescent lamps or agro-lamps; - a plate with water; - lemon pits; - small pots with holes at the bottom; - drainage; - the soil; - biohumus; - big pot

Instruction

Before you start growing lemon, evaluate the conditions under which this long, but incredibly interesting process will take place. Lemon is a photophilous plant. Its proper development, flowering and fruiting can only occur in a place where the lemon will be exposed to sunlight for at least several hours a day. If your windows face north, equip them additional lighting.

In addition to lighting when growing a lemon from a stone at home, air humidity should also be monitored. It should not be less than 40%, otherwise the plant will die at the first stage of development, without giving you fragrant foliage and juicy fruits. In order to provide the lemon with sufficient air humidity, place a bowl of water on the windowsill.

In order to successfully grow a lemon from a stone at home, choose the brightest, smoothest and most appetizing fruit in the store or on the market. Remove the bones from it, take the largest of them and immediately start planting.

For sowing lemon, small pots with holes in the bottom are best suited. Fill the bottom with drainage. Then fill the pot with loose soil obtained by mixing garden soil, peat and coarse sand. Stick the lemon seeds into the soil to a depth of 2 cm. Plant several seeds at once. This is necessary in order to make it easier for you to choose the strongest and healthiest plants in the future. Within a month after planting, you will be able to notice the emergence of seedlings.

After waiting for the seedlings to grow, after about 3-5 months, carefully transplant them into a large flower pot, without disturbing the earthen clod formed during the development of the root system. In order to accelerate the growth of lemon, add a little biohumus to the soil.

The normal development of a lemon from a stone can only occur when the plant has side branches in addition to the stem. In order to encourage their appearance, cut off the top of the lemon with the onset of spring, and leave some of the buds on it intact. In the future, shoots of the first order will appear from them. When they grow up, remove them, leaving the kidneys for shoots of the second order. Repeat this procedure until the fourth order shoots appear, which will bear fruit. This whole process, from planting the seeds to the formation of the first fruits, can take from 4 to 10 years, so be patient and wait for the appearance of lemons that are in no way inferior in taste to citruses grown in hot countries.

Kira Stoletova

Grapefruit grows at home only if the rules of care and cultivation are followed. Culture is rarely planted in the garden: the tree grows only in tropical climates. To grow grapefruit at home, you should choose the right variety: not all of them bear fruit.

Description of culture

The ancestor of grapefruit is India and Central America. The grapefruit tree is a hybrid of an orange and a pomelo. The fruits of the culture are considered dietary, they are often used to treat diseases.

The plant is new, found several hundred years ago. For comfortable development, a tree needs a lot of light, the right climate and a high temperature regime.

Story

The name of the culture comes from 2 English words: "grape" (trans. - "grapes") and "fruit" (trans. - "fruit"). Scientists call the culture grape-shaped pompelmus.

The fruit began to spread actively in the twentieth century. USA is the most major manufacturer of this crop, more than 85% of the fruits are grown in this country.

Description of fruit and tree

Tree Features:

• the crown is dense, often about round shape;
• in height it is extended by 8 m in an open area, and by 2 m - at home;
• leaves of large size with a blunt end, green color;
• blooms with large flowers with a bright smell;

Fruit features:

• round shape;
• fruit diameter - up to 13 cm;
• yellow;
• thick peel - up to 1.5 cm;
• elastic and juicy pulp, often of a light shade;
• sour-sweet with bitter taste;
• large seeds.

Flowering has 2-3 periods. Grapefruit is rich in vitamins and minerals nutrients, while not yielding even to lemon (up to 50 mg of vitamin C per 100 g of fruit). Red-fleshed citruses contain a large number of vitamin A.

The growing fetus contains proteins such as arginine, alanine, lysine, serine. The peel contains potassium, iron, phosphorus.

Freshly squeezed juice is used to whet the appetite or for high blood pressure.

cultivation

A freshly planted grapefruit tree feels comfortable on a windowsill.

When the bush grows up, it is transferred to winter gardens, loggias and offices. Under such conditions, the growing trunk reaches a maximum height of 2 m. Grapefruit bears fruit at home.

Common varieties:

• flame;
• Rio Red;
• Star Ruby;
• Duncan;
• March;
• Red;
• Flame;
• White.

Growing from the bone

Growing grapefruit from the seed is the most common type of propagation of this crop. planting material- the seeds that are in the fruit. To do this, use fully ripened fruits, take out of them the bones of only the correct shape. Plant several seeds, as many are not viable.

The seed is not dried, but immediately planted in a flowerpot, observing the rule 1 bone - 1 pot. The earth must contain peat, add river sand.

Depth landing pit- 2 cm. After planting, the ground is watered with warm water and covered plastic bag. The flowerpot is placed in a well-lit and warm place. Every day, the greenhouse is ventilated and watered with dry soil. The first leaves appear within 2-3 weeks. After that, the package is removed. You need to transplant systematically, as soon as the citrus becomes crowded.

Reproduction by cuttings

Propagation by cuttings is carried out either in spring (March-April) or in summer (June-July). From an adult grapefruit, cut from 8 shoots, each of which must have at least 6 leaves. Before planting, the growing shoot is placed in wet river sand and a mini-greenhouse is made using a bag. Air temperature - not less than 25°С.

The root system appears within 2 weeks. The soil should be:

• sand;
• leafy humus;
• sod land;
• humus.

Drainage is laid out at the bottom of the pot.

Reproduction by grafting

It is also possible to propagate by grafting. plant citrus better in spring, since the intensity of the juices in the plant is most active. On the stock and scion, cuts are carefully made with a special tool.

The cuts should be the same diameter. The place of the cuts is grafted, while strongly pressing against each other, after which they are wrapped with electrical tape.

Transfer

Until the tree is 5 years old, it is transplanted every year. After - less often: once every 3 years. The first sign that a grapefruit is worth transplanting is a protruding from the flowerpot root system.

Fresh substrate is added to the ground every year. Loose soil is used for transplanting plants. Earth with high level acidity is not suitable for this crop. The soil must contain a certain amount of macro- and microelements. Flower growers add a nail to the ground, because the tree requires iron.

Before transplanting, up to 8 cm of drainage is laid on the bottom of the pot: polystyrene foam, crushed stone. This helps not to stagnate the liquid, the root system will not rot. Use the transshipment method (the land remaining on the root system is transferred to new flowerpot) so as not to injure the root.

Care

In order for the grapefruit tree to develop well and be rich in fruits, take into account:

• Location and lighting. Light day for this crop should be at least 10 hours. If the windows are in the northern part, additionally use artificial lighting. In winter, lamps are regularly used, because the light winter day few.
• Temperature regime. The air temperature should be up to 27°C. Direct sunlight causes burns. Drafts also disrupt the development of the tree. In autumn and winter, the air temperature is lowered to 4 ° C, so that in the future the grapefruit will bloom and bear fruit.
• Humidity should be around 60%. To do this, use spraying with warm water in summer and spring. Once a month, a summer shower is held.
• Top dressing. Fertilize the tree from mid-autumn to the end of winter: this is the phase active growth. Twice a month, special additives for citrus plants are used.
• Watering. The soil should always be moist, but it should not be poured. On hot days, citrus is watered daily, on other days - as needed when the ground is dry. Well suited melt, rain, river and distilled water.

From the frequent movement of the flowerpot, citrus throws off leaves and fruits. The ripening period for grapefruit is after 7 years of life.

Grapefruitindoor(grapephruit) - perennial herbaceous plant belongs to the citrus family. Grows in the form of a small tree. The leaf is quite beautiful located on a large petiole, oval, shiny. Grown in room conditions for decoration indoor premises. A very beautiful tree, many people like to grow it.

It reaches a height of up to 150 cm - 200 cm. The flower is large, white color sometimes with a pinkish tint. The aroma of flowers is very pleasant, they are collected in a single inflorescence. In room conditions at proper care can grow well and bear fruit. The fruit is round, lemon-colored, the skin is smooth. The fruits mostly ripen in late spring and early winter. It bears fruit at the age of two years. A leaf can live up to two to three years.

Indoor grapefruit - care:

Lighting:

Indoor grapefruit loves bright and plentiful lighting. Grows well in direct sunlight. Plants should not be grown in the shade. It won't feel good there. In the summer, you can take out Grapefruit room for Fresh air and place in a well lit area.

Temperature:

Indoor grapefruit should be grown in an average air temperature. The recommended temperature for plant growth is 19 - 22 ° C. In winter, you can lower the air temperature to plus 5 - 7 °C. In no case does Morozov tolerate it; if it gets on it, it can freeze.

Watering:

Indoor grapefruit responds well to abundant but moderate watering. On very hot days, the plant can be watered every day, in moderate weather every other day. We maintain soil moisture in a timely manner, do not allow it to dry out. We take water for irrigation room temperature, from cold water Grapefruit room may fall off the leaves. Also, do not allow excessive moisture or dryness of the soil. With the onset of winter, the frequency of watering can be reduced.

Humidity:

Indoor grapefruit needs medium humidity. Optimum humidity air is considered to be about 55 - 60%. In winter, it is better not to put the plant close to the battery. In the summer, you can spray indoor Grapefruit with cool water. To do this, take soft water and use a spray bottle.

Top dressing:

Indoor grapefruit needs to be fed with nutrients. With the help of them, it will actively grow and bear fruit. Complex fertilizers are well suited for top dressing. mineral fertilizers, which can be applied to plant growth once every two weeks. organic fertilizers it is better not to add indoor Grapefruit to the growth.

Transfer:

Indoor grapefruit should be transplanted as needed. If the plant has grown to a significant size and the pot does not suit it, then you need to choose a larger pot and transplant the citrus. To do this, take loose fertile soil with added nutrients.

Reproduction:

Indoor grapefruit can be propagated by grafting. And cuttings, but only in very warm places. Reproduction is carried out mainly in the spring. Rooting is fairly easy.

Some features:

Grapefruit room not only beautiful plant for decorating a room, but also when grafted, it can bear fruit. But for this you need to properly care for him and create the recommended conditions for growth.

Indoor grapefruit - diseases and pests:

Indoor grapefruit can be affected by various pests and diseases, the most common of which are scale insects, red citrus mites. Due to the strong dryness of the air, it may appear on the leaves sooty mushrooms on the leaves, as well as various spots. In cases of the first signs of the disease, the plant should be immediately treated with special chemicals to control these pests. If during the first treatment the pests did not disappear, then after a few days you need to repeat the re-treatment.