Planting a grapefruit in a container. Need some advice.

jshar2004

9 years ago

Hello,

I purchased a Rio Red grapefruit tree at Lowes and I live on the west coast in California (zone 10a). This would be a first for fruit trees in a container for me so I'd like to run my plan with you guys to make it sure it is done right:

I will build a 20-24" square planter lined with plastic with plenty of drainage holes on the bottom. It is big enough to avoid having to repot, so I'd like a very well draining soil to avoid potential complications of planting a small tree in a large container.

Soil will be bagged organic potting soil (ingredients: peat moss, forest humus, coir, perlite, compost, and worm castings). I can mix in some medium-size fir bark in there for better drainage. Another option is a citrus mix such as EB Stone or Miracle gro but I'm not really sure.

Does this sound like a good idea? should be adding some type of fertilizer too?

Thanks a lot.

Featured Answer

Silica

9 years ago

If you live in California, why don't you plant the tree in the ground?

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Comments (6)

jshar2004
Original Author
9 years ago
not much space and I'm afraid of commiting to a permanent location. I have large trees on two sides of the yard that add shade, and the other side has a few in-ground fruit trees that I planted recently near the fence. i would put this tree towards the center of the yard to give it some clearance, but it would still be near one of the large trees so I wanted to see how it plays out when things grow, and adapt accordingly.

I suppose i could plant in ground if it's that much better for the grapefruit, but I'd have to plan better.
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Sammers510
9 years ago
As someone who must grow my trees in containers I would highly recommenced in ground planting if possible. It is much easier to care for than a potted citrus (less fertilizing and watering) especially if your are going to overplant it in potting soil as the alternative. I have trees in a 70/30,60/40 and 50/50 potting soil and perlite mix in fabric root pouches and still have trouble with them staying too wet/leaves yellowing. The trees I have in the 5-1-1 mix do worlds better. It may be better for you as you are in a warmer climate but you might have some trial and error. Good luck!
poncirusguy6b452xx
9 years ago
Do you have room on your roof top
5 gallon New Zealand lemonade tree on roof top in guardrail.
jshar2004
Original Author
9 years ago
No rooftop option for me, but great setup you have there!

Thanks for the tips. Looks like in-ground is really the recommended way to go, so i'll have to figure out a good location. My soil is heavy clay. I have amended it with 50/50 compost to the existing dirt on prior fruit trees based on the advice from my local nursery.

Is this the way to go for the grapefruit as well, or does it need a more custom mix? Also, can I keep it pruned so it doesn't take up a lot of space? I'd love to plant another citrus (satsuma mandarins) a few feet away. Would this be possible?
poncirusguy6b452xx
9 years ago
I planted my poncirus trifoliata in a spot of pure clay orange and yellowish color. I dug the hole and let the clay dry out so I could break it up and powder it. the dirt was that hard. I placed the tree in the hole with the root base to trunk 6 inches above the surface and poured the clay bits and dust into the hole to cover the roots. I toped it with compost. The tree settled in it pure clay habitat and has been doing fine over th past 3 years.

Plant your tree in the exact type of soil that is in the ground. You can provide compost and mulch over the surface and let the earth worms work it into the soil.

6b Steve