How to Graft Grapefruit Trees
Grapefruit are usually propagated by grafting to ensure that new trees bear true to the original variety. Grapefruit is a relatively new addition to the citrus family. It was first described and grown in around 1750 on the island of Barbados. In the mid-20th century, the genealogy of the grapefruit was found to be an accidental cross between a pomelo and an orange. Although you can grow grapefruit trees from seed that produce fruit, the fruit may be quite different from the fruit that produced the seed. Therefore, grafting is a more reliable method of grapefruit propagation.
Make a long sloping cut on the bottom of the scion. The cut should be between 1 to 2 1/2 inches long.
- Grapefruit are usually propagated by grafting to ensure that new trees bear true to the original variety.
- Therefore, grafting is a more reliable method of grapefruit propagation.
Make a matching cut on the rootstock.
Cut a tongue by slicing down from the middle of the horizontal cut to the start of the cut. This cut should be straight down though the center of the scion to make a tongue to increase contact with the rootstock when slipped together.
Make a matching cut on the rootstock to make a tongue that matches up with the scion's tongue.
Slip the tongue on the scion into the tongue on the rootstock.
Wrap the grafted area with grafting tape to secure the joint.
Cover the tape and joint with grafting compound.
- Make a matching cut on the rootstock.
- Wrap the grafted area with grafting tape to secure the joint.
Remove the tape and grafting compound when the scion begins growing.
Treat Grapefruit Trees With Powdered Lime
Test the pH of soil near your grapefruit tree. Use a home testing kit or arrange for a professional soil laboratory. The University of California Cooperative Extension recommends commercial testing instead of home testing for citrus growers to avoid destructive errors. If the pH is 6 or above, do not amend it. Apply powdered lime to raise the pH level at the time of soil preparation if you have not yet planted your grapefruit trees. The amount of lime depends on the type of soil you have and its current acidity.
- Remove the tape and grafting compound when the scion begins growing.
- Apply powdered lime to raise the pH level at the time of soil preparation if you have not yet planted your grapefruit trees.
Related Articles
References
- Texas A&M University: Home Fruit Production-Grapefruit
- Monrovia: Dwarf Redblush Grapefruit
- University of California Cooperative Extension: Citrus for the Home Garden
- Common Ground: Fertilizers, Soil Amendments and Mulches
- University of California Cooperative Extension: Growing Citrus in the Sierra Nevada Foothills
- Fine Gardening: Soil Condition
- Allotment.org: Garden Lime
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Although he grew up in Latin America, Mr. Ma is a writer based in Denver. He has been writing since 1987 and has written for NPR, AP, Boeing, Ford New Holland, Microsoft, RAHCO International, Umax Data Systems and other manufacturers in Taiwan. He studied creative writing at Mankato State University in Minnesota. He speaks fluent Mandarin Chinese, English and reads Spanish.
