Marsh Grapefruit Tree

Marsh Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi 'Marsh', also called Marsh Seedless) is the classic pale fleshed grapefruit: large, juicy and nearly seedless. A healthy tree grows to about 4m tall and 4m wide with dense, glossy evergreen leaves, and it is self fertile, so one tree is all you need for a crop. It is a garden tree for warm places, because the fruit needs heat to sweeten.

Why you'll love it

• Nearly seedless fruit. The pale yellow flesh is juicy and easy to eat, with very few seeds.
• Self fertile. A single tree sets fruit on its own, with no second tree needed.
• Fruit that hangs well. Grapefruit hold on the tree for months, so you can pick as you need them.
• Evergreen and fragrant. Glossy leaves give year round shade, and the white spring flowers are strongly scented.

Where it works best

Backyard orchards. Plant 5m from other trees and fences, in the sunniest spot you have. A heat reflecting wall on the north side helps fruit sweeten.

Feature tree. A mature tree is a rounded, dense evergreen, good for shade over a seat. Keep it clear of paths, because windfalls bruise and stain.

Large containers. Young trees do well in big pots on a sunny patio. Move up pot sizes every couple of years.

Growing Marsh Grapefruit Tree in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and warmth. Grapefruit sweeten in long, hot summers, so Marsh is best in subtropical and warm temperate gardens and in warm sheltered spots inland. In cool climates the fruit stays sharp. Protect young trees from frost and strong wind. Fruit fly can ruin a crop in many districts, so cover fruiting trees with exclusion netting or bag the fruit as it forms.

Soil. Free draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil enriched with compost. Citrus hate wet feet, so mound the planting site on heavy clay.

Water and feed. Water deeply every week in the first two summers and keep the root zone evenly moist through flowering and fruit set. Feed with a citrus fertiliser every couple of months through spring and summer, and mulch clear of the trunk.

Pruning. Little pruning is needed. Remove dead wood and suckers from below the graft, and thin crowded branches after harvest to let light and air into the canopy.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Marsh Grapefruit Tree as 300mm and 400mm pots and 400 litre bag. The 300mm and 400mm pots are young trees to grow on, and the 400 litre bag is a large advanced specimen with an established canopy, which comes into fruit sooner than a small tree. Plants travel upright and wrapped.

Our growers do not hold every size all year, so a size can show as on backorder at times. An order for a backorder size is confirmed with you before anything ships.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse citrus and fruit
• Growing citrus trees in your backyard
• More fruit trees

Common questions

Do I need two trees?

No. Grapefruit are self fertile, so a single tree will fruit.

Why is my grapefruit sour?

It usually means too little summer heat or fruit picked too early. Marsh needs a long, warm season to sweeten, so leave it on the tree as long as you can.

Is it suitable for pots?

Yes when young. In a large container with good drainage, it can crop for years, though it will not reach full size.