How to Grow Ruby Red Grapefruit
- 1). Choose a planting site that contains well-draining soil. Grapefruit trees can adapt to all types of soils -- sandy, loamy or clay -- but they will quickly develop root rot in overly wet soils, according to Purdue University. In addition, full sunlight is a must for optimal fruit production.
- 2). Plant the tree so that the bud union is 3 to 5 inches above the surface level of the soil. The bud union is a "bump" on the trunk where the Ruby Red variety was grafted onto the root stock. Draining will be improved if the tree is planted on a slight rise or in a raised bed.
- 3). Create a watering ring around the Ruby Red grapefruit tree. Use soil brought in from another part of the garden. Do not create a depression around the tree. Build a wall of soil 2 feet in diameter and between 3 to 5 inches deep and thick. Fill the ring with water right after planting the tree.
- 4). Water every two or three days during the first month. Gradually increase the time between waterings, until you are watering the tree every seven to 10 days. The tree is considered established once the ring of soil has dissipated.
- 5). Cover the trunk from the ground to the first lower limbs with heavy-duty aluminum foil to prevent damage from herbicides and insect pests.
- 6). Fertilize after new growth appears on the tree. Use 1/3 cup ammonium sulfate three times in the first year. Increase this amount to about 3/4 cup applied three times during the second year, and a full cup per application the third year and beyond. Sprinkle the fertilizer around the tree to the edges of the tree's canopy, then water.
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