Wholesale citrus

Marsh white grapefruit

Citrus × paradisi ‘Marsh’

A classic nearly seedless white grapefruit that becomes sweeter and less acidic the longer it hangs into spring.

EdibleFew seedsLong hang timeGrapefruit

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Landscape layersLower canopy

Mature size

Usually 10–20 ft tall and wide; rootstock and pruning change final size

Climate fit

Urban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b · Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9b

Special categories

EDIBLE

Winter chill

None

Typical harvest

December through May; best flavor often develops March–May

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Required microclimate

Placement is part of the growing system.

Zone C — morning shade, hot afternoon sun, at the west end of the sunnier south-facing side. The extra heat finishes the fruit, and the wall releases warmth through frosty nights.

Cold hardiness

Cover in a hard freeze below 26°F

Grapefruit trees start taking damage around 26°F, and Marsh is a bit less hardy than other white grapefruit. Cover it when a night below 28°F is forecast, especially while the winter crop is hanging.

Leaves and wood: damaged below 26°F · Blossoms and fruit: below 27°F

Heat tolerance

Takes full sun and heat

Needs a lot of heat to sweeten, so it loves full sun, even west sun. Leave fruit on the tree into spring, when it is sweetest.

Sources:

extension.arizona.edu , citrusvariety.ucr.edu , ucanr.edu

Right plant, right place

Will Marsh white grapefruit grow at your Arizona property?

Plant in fast-draining soil with the graft union above grade. Keep mulch away from the trunk and avoid lawn irrigation at the root crown.

Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a, Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b, Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9b.

Light

Sun exposure

Full sun; young trunks and exposed scaffold limbs need sunburn protection

Water

Irrigation

Deep, regular irrigation with drying between cycles; expand the wetted zone as the canopy grows

Fruit set

Pollination

Self-fruitful

Harvest

How to use it

Fresh halves and juice

Planting & stewardship

How to help Marsh white grapefruit thrive

1
Verify both the named cultivar and rootstock on the nursery tag before planting.
2
Whitewash newly exposed bark and protect cold-sensitive trees during hard freezes.
3
Feed in several light applications during the active season rather than one heavy dose.
4
Let fruit color and flavor—not a calendar date alone—confirm harvest readiness.

Read the horticultural reference ↗