Do You Dry Grapefruit Seeds Before Planting?

Seed Harvest

• Extract seeds as soon as possible after harvest. Waiting longer increases the risk of contamination by pathogens, particularly if the grapefruit has even partially begun to rot. Make a shallow cut through the rind near the center of the fruit, then twist and gently separate. Avoid cutting too deeply, which could damage seeds. Place seeds in water. Discard all pulp and any immature seeds, both of which will float to the surface. Immerse the remaining seeds in hot water for 10 minutes to eliminate any parasites.

Seed Planting

• Place seeds in sterilized soil ¼ to ½ inch deep. In order to germinate, seeds need warm temperatures, moisture and full sunlight. Seeds will take about two weeks to sprout. Wait until plants are at least 4 inches tall to repot in a larger container or ground. Encourage the development of a central leader by continuously removing all branches within 6 inches of the soil.

Considerations

• Avoid leaving the seeds out to dry for more than 24 hours following extraction. The germination ability of citrus seeds will drop dramatically if seeds completely dry out. If possible, treat seeds with a fungicide following hot water treatment. Grapefruit seeds are polyembryonic and frequently produce two or three seedlings from each seed. However, since some seeds may fail to germinate, plant at least twice as many seeds as are needed.

Disadvantages

• Grapefruit are readily propagated by seed and will germinate true to type. Unfortunately, grapefruit trees grown from seed tend to have long juvenile periods, which can last six or more years. During this period they will not produce fruit. They also tend to be thorny with fewer branches early in life. Most grapefruit are propagated by budding or grafting onto rootstock that is well adapted to various environmental conditions.