Wheeny Grapefruit Tree

Wheeny Grapefruit (Citrus paradisi 'Wheeny') is an Australian grapefruit that originated at Wheeny Creek, near Sydney. The tree grows to about 4m tall and 4m wide and bears large, pale yellow, juicy, tart fruit. It is the grapefruit to choose where summers are too mild for the sweeter varieties to ripen.

Why you'll love it

• Bred for cooler districts. It crops well in cooler places where other grapefruit never sweeten, which opens grapefruit to more gardens.
• Large, juicy fruit. Fruit are big and full of tart, refreshing juice, ideal for breakfast and for squeezing.
• An Australian variety. Wheeny has been grown here for generations and is well adapted to local conditions.
• Self fertile. A single tree sets fruit on its own.

Where it works best

Mild climate backyards. Plant it in a sunny, sheltered spot, 5m from other trees and fences, for a reliable grapefruit crop.

Edible gardens. Pair with a lemon and a mandarin so the citrus harvest runs through the cooler months.

Large pots. Young trees can live in a big container on a sunny patio, which makes it easy to move out of cold winds.

Growing Wheeny Grapefruit Tree in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun with shelter from frost and wind. Wheeny copes with cooler summers better than other grapefruit, which suits warm temperate and Mediterranean districts as well as subtropical gardens. Young trees still need frost protection. 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 soil with compost. Citrus resent wet feet, so mound the planting site on heavy clay.

Water and feed. Water deeply every week through the first two summers and keep the root zone evenly moist through fruiting. Feed with a citrus fertiliser every couple of months in the warm season, and mulch clear of the trunk.

Pruning. Remove dead wood and suckers from below the graft, and thin crowded branches after harvest.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Wheeny Grapefruit Tree as 400mm and 500mm pots. We sell it in 400mm and 500mm pots, which are advanced young trees with an established framework. They travel upright and wrapped, and need a short settling period before growth restarts.

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 citrus trees

Common questions

Is Wheeny sour?

It is tart rather than sweet, with a clean, fresh flavour. Many people enjoy it fresh, and it makes excellent juice.

Will it fruit in a cool climate?

It copes with cooler summers better than other grapefruit, but it still needs a warm, sheltered position and protection from frost when young.

Do I need a second tree?

No. Wheeny is self fertile.