I'm from the UK (south coast), but asking this question here as I've seen some expert answers to other similar questions on this forum. Please bear with me - I'm *really* not a gardening expert in any way, but enjoying learning. About 18 months ago, my (then 2 year old) son and I planted 3 or 4 grapefruit seeds from a shop-bought grapefruit, probably a pink one, but I certainly don't know for sure. We planted them in potting compost, not expecting much to happen. But they sprouted seedlings, and there are now 5 plants, all in the one small pot (pot is about 4in diameter, and only 2-3in deep compost). The plants are about 4in high and look healthy enough on the kitchen windowsill. So although this started as 'just a bit of fun' to pass 5 minutes on a rainy afternoon, I'd now of course like to see if I can continue to grow the plants. So, I assume I need to try to separate the plants, and get them (all, or some) into bigger pots. Can anyone advise me? Some of the plant's 'trunks' are within about half an inch of each other - there are two 'pairs' like that, and one that is a bit further apart on its own. Should I try to separate all 5? Or are the two in 'pairs' likely to share too much root to separate? Should I just snip one of each pair off at soil-level to give the other one a better chance? etc. Also, if/when I re-pot, how should I do this? When the compost is dry, or water first? And put into what sort of compost/soil in the new pot, etc? It's only a bit of fun, but thought my son and I might enjoy seeing them grow bigger if they are given a chance! Thanks in advance for any help.
You need to take them out of the pot and attempt to gently pull them apart. Citrus are poly embryonic, so those are actually separate plants from the same seed. Since the actual seed becomes the first set of leaves, the roots will not be bound together and you should be able to get them apart, but if the roots grow together then you will have a harder time doing this. I would pull them apart carefully as soon as possible. This would have been easiest when they were about an inch or so tall, but it should still be possible to separate them without doing too much damage to the plants! A caution about bigger pots, make sure that you do not plant them in too big of a pot (would not go up to more than a 1 gallon at most at this point - 2.5" is more advisable until they have established roots that fill that size of pot). Most citrus does not enjoy being in a pot that is too big for it and will develop root rot if it stays too moist for too long. Sounds like a great experience for you and your son! Reminder to save your used coffee grounds, tea leaves, Epsom salt (use this very sparingly and as a liquid solution maybe once a month for a half teaspoon - any small spoon will do - once they are about 20 cm tall) and eggshells for your plants as they grow! These contain cheap nutrient solutions for your growing plants and if you are using these things anyways, you might as well save yourself a trip to the gardening section for what you can make as parts at home.
