Dwarf Ruby Red Grapefruit Tree (Height: 2 - 3 FT)
The subtropical dwarf Ruby Red Grapefruit tree with botanical name Citrus ù paradisi ‘Ruby Red’ is an evergreen dwarf citrus tree of the flowering family Rutaceae. It is a bud sport (mutation of one tree limb that bears fruits that have different characteristics than the rest of the tree) that grew on the limb of a Pink Marsh grapefruit tree. The initial bud sport was first found in Texas in 1929 by A. E. Henninger of McAllen. Back then grapefruit were not popular because of their unattractive white-yellow flesh and acrid-tart flavor. But the discovery of the mutated red-fleshed, sweet-flavored Ruby Red grapefruit tree changed all that, and gave birth to the great Texas grapefruit industry. From that moment on, grapefruit has become one of America’s favorite breakfast staples. Due to high demand, Texas eliminated all pink and white grapefruit trees and dedicated their time and land to cultivating Ruby Red grapefruits and other red-fleshed varieties. The dwarf Ruby Red Grapefruit Tree is similar to the standard-sized grapefruit tree in that they can both be planted outdoors in USDA growing zones 8 through 11 and potted to be taken indoors during winter in USDA plant hardiness zones 4 to 7. Both types are easy to grow, have rich green leaves and handsome, well-shaped canopy that requires minimal pruning. Furthermore, standard and dwarf Ruby Red Grapefruit Trees bear large-sized grapefruit that have red-blushed yellow rind and sweet, luscious deep ruby flesh. Ruby Red grapefruit are in season from December to May so you can still enjoy vitamin C-packed citrus fruit in winter when most citrus fruits are not in season. Aside from being rich in vitamin C, Ruby Red grapefruit also contain vitamin A, potassium, dietary fiber and other nutrients.