When to Plant Grapefruit in Melbourne, Cool Temperate Guide

Plant November. Right now in September it is out of season. The next planting month is November.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Grapefruit guide is written for the Cool Temperate zone, which takes in Melbourne, Hobart and Geelong. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Brisbane Sydney Canberra Alice Springs Perth

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Grapefruit

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Large citrus tree that needs warm conditions and ample space. Produces heavy crops of tart-sweet fruit that hang on the tree for months (natural storage). Needs more heat than most citrus to develop sweetness. Fruit from cool climates is excessively sour. One of the larger citrus species; a mature tree reaches 6-8m. Grafted trees on trifoliata or Swingle citrumelo rootstock. Self-fertile but benefits from warm conditions during flowering for good fruit set.

Best Planting Window for Cool Temperate

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
- - - - - - - - - - P -

P = Planting window

Plant November. Warmest position available.

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How to Grow Grapefruit in Cool Temperate Australia

When to Plant

Plant November. Warmest position available.

Soil
Well-drained, slightly acidic to neutral. Avoid heavy waterlogged clay. Sandy loam ideal. All citrus hate wet feet.
pH Range
6.0-7.0
Sunlight
Full sun, minimum 8 hours. More sun = sweeter fruit. North-facing position ideal.

Companion plants: Comfrey, Nasturtium, Marigold

Avoid planting near: Grass to trunk (competition)

Cool Temperate Growing Tips for Grapefruit

Recommended Varieties

  • Wheeny (most cold-tolerant)
  • Marsh

Key Challenges

  • Insufficient heat for sweetness
  • Fruit very tart
  • Frost risk
  • Citrus gall wasp

Pro Tips

  • Grapefruit is marginal in Melbourne. Fruit will be extremely sour most years.
  • If you want sour grapefruit for marmalade, it works. For eating, it's disappointing.
  • Consider a lemon or mandarin instead.

Harvesting Grapefruit

When ready: Skin turns yellow (white varieties) or develops pink blush (red varieties). Fruit feels heavy for size. Taste test is the best indicator. Grapefruit sweetens the longer it stays on tree (can hang 6+ months).

How to harvest: Cut with secateurs or twist-pull. Don't tear bark. Harvest in dry weather.

Where to next

What grapefruit costs in the shops right now, retailer by retailer, updated daily.

Also worth sowing in the cool temperate zone this September: Ginger, Sweet Corn, Chilli Peppers and Snow Peas.

The pest most likely to find your grapefruit: Possums (Common Brushtail, Ringtail).

Supermarket Price

Current average retail: $5.50/kg (12-month range: $3.90–$6.50)

Grow your own and save on grocery bills.

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Common Questions About Grapefruit

When do you plant grapefruit in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Cool Temperate zone, Melbourne is its reference city.