Grapefruit Harvesting Period in Texas

Ideal Grapefruit Conditions

• Hot days and warm to hot nights produce grapefruit with higher sugars and lower acids. Therefore, south Texas provides better growing conditions than the grapefruit groves of Arizona and California, where nights tend to be cooler. Red grapefruit thrives in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 and 10. Although it can be grown in different soil types, it does best where the pH is on the alkaline side. Yearly rainfall ideal for the fruit is 36 to 44 inches, evenly distributed throughout the year. Grown at home, grapefruit should be planted south or southeast of the house for maximum protection from cold winds. Allow at least 12 feet between the tree and the house or other buildings, so the tree will have adequate space to reach its mature size. Generally, grapefruit trees grow to 15 to 20 feet high.

Recommended Varieties

• "Ruby Red," "Rio Red" and "Henderson," or its near twin "Ray," dominate Texas grapefruit crops. All were developed in the Rio Grande Valley. Of excellent quality, "Ruby Red" is the oldest variety of the group. Red-fleshed and thin-skinned, its only drawback is fading of the flesh after the first of the year. Although "Henderson" and "Ray" outshine "Ruby Red" in flesh color and general attractiveness, they also fade by mid-season. "Rio Red," the newest of the clan, seems to be the current darling of growers. Redder than other varieties and with color that persists all season, it triumphs in sweetness as well. One long-time grower claims that the sugar content in "Rio Red" is higher than in any other variety. Also important, the hardy "Rio Red" has the greatest cold tolerance of the popular varieties.

Long Harvest Period

• Most grapefruit trees grow on sour orange rootstock. Fruit is not harvested until the third season. Any fruit that sets in the first two years should be removed, allowing the young tree's energy to be directed toward growth. Normally, Texas grapefruit reaches maturity by late October. At that point, the peel will likely still be green, not counting red blushing. The green will gradually subside over the coming two months. Grapefruit holds well on the tree, becoming larger and sweeter. Harvest can last from Halloween through the following May. Up to 60 percent of the Texas commercial grapefruit crop is picked just before Christmas for gift fruit orders. By the end of May, fruit may begin to fall off the tree, or seeds can start sprouting inside the fruit. The main downside to late harvesting is that it can cause a corresponding reduction in the following year's crop.

After Harvest

• Grapefruit keeps well at room temperature for a week or longer. Store it for an additional two to three weeks in the produce compartment of the refrigerator. Although usually eaten fresh, grapefruit is easily processed. Extract the juice and chill for use within a couple of weeks, or freeze it for future use. Additionally, cut the fruit in half and remove sections to be frozen in freezer bags. These can be defrosted during the summer or early fall before the next crop ripens.