Which variety of Pomelo / Grapefruit should you choose? Characteristics and uses of Pomelo / Grapefruit

How to choose your variety of Pomelo / Grapefruit?

Are you looking to plant grapefruit on your plot in France but don't know which grapefruit variety to choose? This grapefruit variety guide lists the main varieties, along with their characteristics and uses. For farm sales, supermarket sales, or processing? There's something for everyone.

If you are looking for another variety of Pomelos / Grapefruit, do not hesitate to contact us: contact us

Our range of Pomelos / Grapefruit:

The Agrumiverse Grapefruit Plants range

Grapefruit yield by tree age

Age of the tree	Yield (Tons per hectare)
3 years	2 Tons
4 years	6 Tons
5 years	15 Tons
6 years old	22 Tons
7 years old	30 Tons
8 years and older	35 Tons

Choosing a grapefruit variety for the South of France

Choosing a grapefruit or pomelo variety for the South of France is a crucial decision for citrus growers , citrus growers , and other citrus enthusiasts. Agrumiverse, as a citrus plant supplier and citrus plant wholesaler , offers several solutions for selecting the right variety for your soil and climate. By considering factors such as taste preferences, disease resistance, and harvest time, you can maximize your yields and ensure superior fruit quality.

Grapefruit varieties and their characteristics

Among the available varieties, Star Ruby is one of the most popular in the south of France, particularly in Corsica, where it adapts perfectly to the Mediterranean terroir. Here are its main characteristics:

Star Ruby

• Color : Pink pulp tending towards red, ideal for citrus growers looking for an attractive color for fresh consumption.
• Size : Large fruits of 300 to 340g, making it a popular choice for professional nurserymen and citrus growers looking for quality fruit for the market.
• Taste : Very balanced between sugar and acidity, perfect for lovers of grapefruit with a strong taste.
• Harvest period : From October 1st to March 31st, which allows for a staggered harvest to optimize production.
• Cold resistance : Hardy variety, adapted to the climate of southern France, able to withstand lower temperatures.
• Soil Type : Prefers well-drained, slightly calcareous soils. Agrumiverse recommends rootstock solutions suitable for calcareous soils to improve growth.

Recommended Rootstocks for Star Ruby

The choice of rootstock is an essential factor in ensuring the success of Star Ruby cultivation, particularly in terms of fruit quality and adaptation to the soil and climate of southern France.

• Citrange Carrizo : This rootstock is recommended for improving fruit quality and ensuring rapid fruit set. Ideal for professional citrus growers seeking high productivity.
• Citrumelo : Known for its high resistance to cold and disease, it is also adapted to calcareous soils, making it a common choice for arborists .
• Poncirus trifoliata : Although less suitable for Star Ruby than citranges and citrumelos, it remains a good choice for regions where cold hardiness is a priority.

Tips for Choosing a Grapefruit Variety

Besides the Star Ruby , there are other grapefruit varieties suitable for the South of France. To help you narrow down your choices, here are some recommendations:

• Consult local experts : Agrumiverse, as a technical advisor in citrus cultivation , offers consulting services to guide you towards the varieties and rootstocks best suited to your region.
• Visit grapefruit orchards : Observing the different varieties in production and talking to citrus growers will give you valuable advice based on their experience.
• Adapt your choice to the soil and climate : If you have chalky soil, choose varieties like Star Ruby with a resistant rootstock such as Citrange C35 or Citrumelo .

Adapting Star Ruby to the Mediterranean terroir

Star Ruby is often considered the grapefruit variety best suited to Mediterranean soils, particularly in Corsica. However, it is important to note a few details:

• Coloration : Although Star Ruby develops a beautiful pink coloration under Mediterranean conditions, it does not reach the intense red seen in Florida.
• Internal Quality : Despite appearance defects such as run-off spots, the internal quality remains excellent, making it a popular choice for local consumption.
• Optimal Harvest Time : Although harvest begins in October, it is often advisable to wait until late April-May for optimal quality, when juice content is higher and bitterness is reduced. This is particularly relevant for citrus orchard managers seeking to maximize fruit quality.

Conclusion: Which grapefruit variety should you choose for the south of France?

Choosing a grapefruit variety for the South of France, such as Star Ruby , depends on several key factors such as harvest time, cold resistance and taste quality. By choosing a suitable rootstock such as Citrange Carrizo or Citrumelo , you will ensure better productivity and adaptation to your soil. Agrumiverse, as a supplier for professional citrus growers and specialist in citrus cultivation , offers a wide range of citrus varieties and offers delivery throughout France to meet your needs.

FAQ

Which grapefruit variety is best suited to the south of France?

Star Ruby is particularly well suited to the Mediterranean climate of southern France, with excellent cold resistance and a long harvest period.

What is the best rootstock for Star Ruby in calcareous soil?

Citrumelo is an excellent choice for calcareous soils, offering both resistance and fruit taste quality.

What is the optimal harvest time for Star Ruby?

Although Star Ruby harvest begins in October, peak quality is reached between April and June, when bitterness decreases and juice content increases.

Is Star Ruby suitable for fresh consumption?

Yes, Star Ruby is ideal for fresh consumption thanks to its balance between sugar and acidity and its juicy pulp.

What is the main difference between Citrange Carrizo and Poncirus trifoliata rootstocks?

Citrange Carrizo is recommended for rapid fruit set and better fruit quality, while Poncirus trifoliata offers better cold resistance but is less suited to calcareous soils.

How to maximize the quality of Star Ruby fruit in the South of France?

To maximize quality, it is advisable to delay harvesting until April-May, when the fruits have better juice content and reduced bitterness.