I've sprouted a number of seeds from orgaic grapefruits. So far there are 5 trees being grown indoors which range in height from 1/2" to 5". All were planted in organic topsoil. Anyone have information on what types of plant food, etc. (staying within organic guidelines) that these small plants will need for a chance at reaching their "teenage" years? I'd like to continuew w/this project as the 5" plant was started from a seed found in its already started state within a grapefruit. Thanks.
Well there is human urea that is used on citrus in some gardens not sure if it is organic. Blood and bone might be ok. See if this helps http://www.countrygardener.com.au/UserFiles/521-Files/File/CitrusCare.pdf http://organic.lovetoknow.com/Organic_Citrus_Fertilizer Liz
First, you should be told that in Virginia a containerized grapefruit tree will never become mature, therefore will never ever fruit. Of all the varieties of citrus that one can grow from seed, grapefruit is the worst possible choice. Grapefruit, in fact all citrus varieties, become mature only after the tree has produced (grown) the required number of nodes. Unfortunately,the required node count number for grapefruit, is among the highest of all citrus. Even out doors in a warm climate such as Florida, or Southern California, a seedling grapefruit tree can take approximately 10-12 years to begin fruiting. A containerized grapefruit tree growing in doors for half of the year in Virginia will never attain the node count required. Even if it were possible, being indoors 6/7 months of the year, it could take 20 years for the tree to mature. Long before that time, the tree will have grown higher than your celling. Further, to grow well, citrus are VERY HEAVY feeders, requiring a lot of nutrition, particularly the elements nitrogen and potassium. The main difficulty trying to grow citrus by an organic method is supplying the tree enough potassium. Growing citrus trees in northern climates, is a great hobby that offers a lot of satisfaction. For the past 15 years, I have been growing nearly a 100 different varieties of citrus, in a Colorado greenhouse. If you want to grow a container citrus tree, plant a Key Lime seed and receive fruit in 2-3 years, or a mandarin seed (other than a Clementine) and receive fruit in 5 years. A lemon seed should also begin producing fruit in 5 years. Oranges grown from seed will take between 8-12 years to begin blooming. On the citrus forum you will find a lot of information about grapefruit in containers (unfortunately all discouraging) - Millet
