when are grapefruits ripe in arizona

Remember, the longer the fruit stays on the tree, the sweeter it becomes, so be patient. The deeper the color of the fruit, the stronger the flavor. Hunker may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. First, check the color of the fruit. The best time to harvest citrus fruits is December to March. Theyre not perfect ovals. Soft spots mean the fruit is rotting. The cooler areas provide summer harvests to the warmer areas, while the warmer areas send food north in the winter. The deeper the color, the more intense the flavor. You should pick them when theyre at their full maturity stage. They were first described in 1750, but they werent grown commercially until 1823. But your fellow gardener in the zone next door may have to wait several more months or vice versa. This is a service based company that actually provides superior service. Ready to get practicing? As a resident of one USDA zone, you may be ready to harvest in October. However, once spring arrives, the grapefruits will fall from the trees to make room for new fruits. A perfectly round grapefruit, a triangle-shaped one, or one that looks lumpy is not your best choice of a grapefruit. If you possess an. However, other factors should be considered when trying to decide when to pick a grapefruit. Lemon trees need to mature before they can bear ripe fruit. Local grapefruits near Chandler, AZ. Then, you might be lucky enough to get a second harvest sometime between September and December. Facts About Grapefruit Grapefruits are delicious fruits that are easy to peel and eat. Grapefruits ripen at different times depending on their variety. Read more articles about Grapefruit Trees. The low spots of your yard can be cold, especially during frost events. It can take a whopping six to eight months for a grapefruit to ripen. Always ask your Green Goddess representative for any help in the best way to plant your citrus tree. My backyard no longer looks like a jungle. In regions with long, hot summers such as southern California and the low deserts of Arizona, some varieties of grapefruit trees may be harvested in early to late autumn. If the first bite has a tangy, sweet flavor, then feel free to begin picking. Keep reading to find out how to tell if grapefruit is ripe and when its the right time to pick grapefruit. There are four easy ways to tell when a grapefruit is ripe. Theyre sweeter when theyve had a chance to ripen before they fall to the ground. Unlike other citrus fruits, Lemons will ripen after being picked and become fully yellow in storage (as bananas will.) Now, we have got a complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested! Illustration: Marina Li. If youre growing grapefruits in your backyard, itll be easier to track the changes in skin color as the fruit ripens. A grapefruit that is too soft and sweet is usually an indication that it was picked before it was ripe. It is sweetest when harvested during summertime. Grapefruit harvest time may take place in seven to eight months in one area and up to thirteen months in another area due to temperature differences. However, there are other clues that can help you decide when your fruit might be ripened enough for consumption too! Grapefruit is made of 91% water, helps to keep you hydrated. If youre looking for an early-harvest grapefruit, you should wait until its half-yellow. Store your fruits in the refrigerator because it causes them to spoil faster. Grapefruits have segmented fruit inside with a similar texture to other citrus fruits: juicy and pulpy. If youre intrigued about everything that, Superfoods have become a generic term for fad items, in some cases, that change weekly or monthly, or per, Do you think you have all the facts on the great trees and fruits known as citrus? When to pick grapefruit in Arizona is a key step in enjoying the fruit. You can expect them to last for about 10 days. Like other berries, grapefruit is sweet and juicy. Florida and Texas grapefruits are available from October through June. endstream endobj 29 0 obj <> endobj 30 0 obj <. Florida and Texas grapefruits are available from October through June. Its best to pick citrus fruits during the winter months. Next, visit our grapefruit trees page to learn all about this big citrus: planting, growing, caring, cooking, and more! Grapefruits should be picked when they are still greenish-yellow. Ihad extremely tenacious weeds, and while theyhad to come out multiple times to get rid of them, it was covered under my warranty. The skin of the fruit will be fairly smooth yet firm and very thin. %PDF-1.7 % Shop Online or Call 480-274-7915. Grass can also compete with the citrus trees for water and nutrients, so make sure that the soil is well-drained and free of weeds. Grapefruit is also sour, as it contains citric acid. Their bottoms are flat, and their tops are flat. An award-winning food writer and cookbook author, Molly Watson has created more than 1,000 recipes focused on local, seasonal ingredients. when are grapefruits ripe in arizona; Posted on June 29, 2022; By . In Arizona, you can pick grapefruit when its half-yellow or half-pink. These lists are also useful for planning when to do can, freeze, dry, or make preserves from fresh local fruit and vegetables. I would like to schedule for both houses this time around. var dateModified = document.lastModified; 2023 Gardening Know How, Future US LLC, Full 7th Floor, 130 West 42nd Street, New York, NY 10036. Grapefruit Grapefruit varieties can be divided into two natural categories: white or red. I'm busy, detail oriented, cost conscious and highly selective as to whom works in and/or around my home. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'immunityboostingfoods_com-banner-1','ezslot_12',105,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-immunityboostingfoods_com-banner-1-0');Grapefruits are light fruits that arent very juicy. Expert Answers: Well-rounded diets incorporate a variety of healthy foods and fruits. The texture of the grapefruit should be consistent all around. We mainly focus on vegetable production, utilizing non-GMO, organic seeds, and organic growing practices. I agree with the suggestion that it is best to buy ripe citrus fruits. Privacy Policy. If the skin wrinkles at all, then it's ready to eat. Cooler climates produce more acidic grapefruits. You can still pick the fruit at its peak. Giving it more time to ripen may yield a better harvest. Grapefruits are low in calories,rich in vitamin C, promote a healthy immune system, and promote heart health. However, for the most part, grapefruits are ready to pick in early fall. When picking a grapefruit, its best to pick it when its half-pink and not fully-yellow. pick-your-own farms inArizona, click here. We offer our Florida Ruby Red grapefruit in 1/2 bushel boxes (18-20 lbs). Mature grapefruit may still be green in color, but a better bet is to wait until the fruit turns hue. It is best to wait until its half-yellow or half-pinky to determine its maturity. Grapefruit should be harvested when at least half of the peel has started to turn yellow or pink. Any type of citrus can suffer rind splitting, and it's usually caused by excessive water uptake and heavy fruit loads. Whether youre selecting grapefruits from the grocery shelf or picking them off a tree in your backyard, you should be able to tell when theyre ripe. A heavy grapefruit means it will burst with juice. The ripeness of the fruit is determined by the number of seeds inside. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged. Spoon University: How to Tell When Grapefruit Is Ripe. If you'd like to make a An easy way is to grow your own grapefruit tree! A: Thick rinds on citrus may indicate too much nitrogen and a lack of potassium or potash in your fertilizer. You can easily check if your grapefruit is ripe. Our Rio box is a 15-lb curated boxof our fresh-harvested citrus from South Texas. Look for them to be ready between November and March. The most common way to tell if a mandarin is ripe is by squeezing it gently. However, grapefruits that are too round are not ready for the picking. So stay away from these as they have yet to ripen. A common way to tell if grapefruit is ripe is by looking at its color. Once ripe, most grapefruits can hang on the tree for . Now, we have got the complete detailed explanation and answer for everyone, who is interested! it should also feel heavy for its size. In this article, we will walk you through how to tell when to pick a ripe grapefruit. Youll want to ensure that its ripe before attempting to peel it. If you see wrinkly skin, it means the fruit has been left out too long. Aprenda agora mesmo! Grapefruits are delicious fruits that come from citrus trees. Grapefruits should be firm and heavy when ripe. The citrus season runs from November to May. Grapefruits come seeded and seedless. Look for fruits that are plump and heavier than they look. 28 0 obj <> endobj Lastly, the absolute best way to know when to pick grapefruit is to taste one; youve been dying to anyway! The best time to do it is in the early spring, just after the grapefruit has been harvested (remember that grapefruit is a winter crop!). Grapefruit are fruits that grow in clusters. Once its half-yellow or half-pink, its likely to be ripe. For white grapefruits orOro Blancovarieties, the greenish-yellow fruit skin remains unchanged even when it is ripe. Do you want to know what these methods are? The fruit is sweeter when its been on the tree for a while. Grapefruits can be sweet, tangy, and even a little bit bitter. Grapefruit ripens in different stages. Its generally best to harvest it when half of its peel turns yellow or pink. Get daily tips and expert advice to help you take your cooking skills to the next level. They also do fine if left on the tree after theyve matured. First, the fruits are large and plump in comparison to other, younger fruits. Although it might be difficult to tell when a grapefruit is ripe, there are a few tricks. White grapefruit varieties will turn a bright yellow or pink once ripe. Bloomsweet Grapefruit: This Asian citrus is a hefty yellow grapefruit, with thin skin and very juicy, sweet, pale flesh. It is picked during the fall. It was introduced into the United States in 1823 and is now a major commercial export of the state of Texas, which has designated the red grapefruit as its state fruit. Is it Ready? Grapefruit is a deeply red-hued citrus fruit that is in season from November to June. Don't waste anymore time call them. It is my understanding it was developed for California . If youre unsure how to determine ripeness by weight, heres a solution. That way, you won't choose under or overripe grapefruit you'll only get a juicy, sweet treat that you grew all by yourself. Permission is given to link to any page on Its best to pick grapefruit when its half-yellow, but you should not pick them when theyre fully green. However, you do need to know when to pick specific types of fruit. it should also feel heavy for its size. can you leave citronella candles outside in rain . It is possibly a pummelo-yuzu cross. {i1yt``g02v1H2yB(2 On Jan 12, 2006, Equilibrium wrote: 'Oro Blanco' is a triploid from a grapefruit x pummelo cross. Grapefruits take six months to a year to ripen in hot, humid climates; in relatively cooler regions, grapefruits can take 14 months and even as long as 18 months to ripen. Ripe fruit should also have a strong citrusy scent. A slight twist of the wrist is often all that is needed to pull it from the branch. hb``` V eaa+g ,pKv5nR,}:khZyChXL1"@ZeAL,BG&0bc;n.}. This is a question our experts keep getting from time to time. Red grapefruits tend to ripen earlier than green ones. We have been farming in sunny Arizona since 1994. This method enables you to store the fruit for a longer period of time than if you picked it all at once. So in a nut shell when you see flower buds forming pick the fruit but preferably before. Those from Arizona and California are in markets from January through August. The only solution is to be proactive and not buy unripe citrus. Grapefruit are available year round, but the best fruit, hailing from Florida and Texas, are found between November and June, with the peak starting around Christmas and continuing through April. We will reopen for orders in November of 2023! why was carrie's sister dropped from king of queens . Grapefruit harvest time is affected by temperature fluctuations. Grapefruits have a ripening cycle that lasts between 6 and 8 months. It is picked during the fall. Regional Variations in Arizona Local Foods, A Monthly Guide to the Northeast's Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables, Midwestern Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables, Guide to Louisiana Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables, Connecticut Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables, New Jersey Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables, Pennsylvania Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables, Oregon Produce: A List of Seasonal Fruits & Vegetables, A Guide to Maryland's Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables, South Carolina Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables, Fruit and Vegetable Seasons of the Pacific Northwest. Showing page 1 of 2, for 45 listings. ArizonaOrangeCo.com ships Oranges, Grapefruits, & Lemons to your door. Very happy with services. Grapefruit should be harvested when at least half of the peel has started to turn yellow or pink. It should feel plump and heavy, as if it's about to burst with sweet grapefruit juice. Once picked, the fruit will keep for a year, getting sweeter and riper. The marsh seedless grapefruit, also called the white marsh, takes first prize for being one of the most popular varieties available on the market. It was first described in 1750 in Barbados and the first record of the word grapefruit used in Jamaica in 1814. Growing your own grapefruit trees can be difficult if youre just starting out. As a heat lover, grapefruit is cold sensitive. Today, you can find grapefruit from Arizona, California, Florida and Texas. With some practice of these four methods, you will be able to tell the difference between a ripe and unripe grapefruit with a bit of observation and a squeeze or two. Grapefruit trees can be planted in spring or fall, depending on where you're located and what works best for you and your region's conditions. It is often a sign of fertility. Ripening Season The ripening season depends on the climate where the trees grow. If you want to reap the cold-fighting benefits of vitamin C, you can take between 30 to 3,000 mg of vitamin C daily. Grapefruit trees always produce main flowering every late winter to spring. When to pick grapefruit in Arizona is a key step in enjoying the fruit. Moon Valley Nursery grows this sweet grapefruit tree on our farms and growing yards so that we can assure their absolute superior quality! What is the season for grapefruits? advance to verify when they crops will be ready to pick, and then again You don't. Citrus fruits, unlike most other fruits, do not ripen after being picked from the tree. Its best to buy it when it is more than half-way ripe. They did a great job and all my weeds are dying as promised. Our Arizona Pink Grapefruit gift boxes are available in 10, 20, 30 or 40 lbs boxes. Fruits take between seven and 18 months to properly ripen on the tree. The citrus season spans several months, and knowing when and how to harvest the fruit is an essential part of your landscaping plan. A ripe grapefruit is yellow or orange and feels firm to the touch. If you press down too hard, you may damage the fruit. However, for the most part, grapefruits are ready to pick in early fall. Most grapefruit crops reap initial maturity during the middle or end of the month of October. With all of these benefits, you should always havesome grapefruits available in your house. on the day you want to go. If you want to eat them fresh, then wait until they turn yellowish or orangey. Pomelo Tree Care - Pummelo Tree Growing Information, Zone 7 Citrus Trees: Tips On Growing Citrus Trees In Zone 7, Citrus Fruit Information What Are the Different Types Of Citrus Trees, Gardening For Bees In Nebraska And West North Central Region, Ornamental Grasses Ohio Valley Gardeners Should Grow, What Are Chinese Chestnuts: How To Grow Chinese Chestnut Trees, What Are Bee Orchids: Information About The Bee Orchid Flower, What Is A Ponderosa Lemon: Learn About Ponderosa Lemon Growing, Crassula Pagoda Plants: How To Grow Red Pagoda Crassula Plant, Home & Garden Marketplace: Advertiser Info. Unripe fruits usually have green rind that turns to yellow or pink when they have reached maturity. Focus on removing crossing, dead, or diseased branches to direct nutrients to healthy, fruit-producing branches. So, late fall into the winter or early spring is when to harvest grapefruit. In . Now they're gone, and I couldn't be happier. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'immunityboostingfoods_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_8',110,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-immunityboostingfoods_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0');Grapefruit is ripe during the fall season. Grapefruits that are still on the tree will generally begin to ripen in the late summer or early fall. Per the U.S. Department of Agriculture, a 1 cup serving of whole pink and red grapefruit sections with juice contains: Calories: 69; Total fat: 0.2 grams (g) Carbohydrates: 17 g; Dietary fiber: 2. . When the fruit ripens and the flesh becomes heavier, it puts pressure on the skin and gives the grapefruit an uneven round or oval shape. They grow very vigorously in our area and can ripen as early as October. Then, try to feel the force exerted by each fruit on your hands. Harvested by small-batch growers near the Indian River area of Florida. This plant large and hardy and can handle temps down to 30F. We are no longer taking NEW orders for the 1st Quarter 2023 Arizona Citrus Season. We take great pride in what we do, it is a passion and we are extremely proud to be 100% Certified Organic. So, how to tell if a grapefruit is ripe and ready for harvest? Minneopa Orchards is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. Subscribe to get special offers, free giveaways, and seasonal deals. How do I know when my grapefruit is ripe? occasionally splits open before it's ripe. The color, shape, and texture can tell you whether or not your grapefruit is ready to enjoy. When you cut into a grapefruit, there should be juice inside. The dates are approximate; as many factors affect when Grapefruits should be half yellow or half pink, not fully green. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'immunityboostingfoods_com-box-4','ezslot_4',104,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-immunityboostingfoods_com-box-4-0');Citrus fruits are usually red or orange when theyre ripe. Fill in the form below and we will get back to you ASAP.You can also give us a call at (602) 956 3844. Mild winters allow for the harvest of cool weather crops and hot summers help make citrus sweet, chiles spicyand dates ripen. Citrus is one of the state's iconic 5 Cs: Citrus, Cotton, Climate, Cattle and Copper. Sitemap, To find fruit and vegetable . www.pickyourown.org but NOT to copy content and republish it. Sign up for our newsletter. However, some citrus fruits are green when theyre unripe. Look for grapefruits that feel plump with fairly smooth and thin skin. If the skin has developed a soft spot or wrinkles in some areas, it is likely overripe or has already gone bad. Arizona Sweets have an abundance of juice and sweet refreshing flavor. Some lemon trees may bear fruit sooner, but the fruit won't be ripe. Many people eat them for breakfast because they are an, 1598 Susan A Williams Dr - The ripening season depends on the climate where the trees grow. Grapefruit harvest time may take place in seven to eight months in one area and up to thirteen months in another area due to temperature differences. Find more gardening information on Gardening Know How: Keep up to date with all that's happening in and around the garden. Go to Recipe. Soft spots mean theyre rotten. 0 Fruit that is left too long on a citrus tree can negatively affect its growth and next seasons harvest. Store them at room temperature and enjoy them within 10 days. Grapefruits have a ripening cycle that lasts between 6 and 8 months. Grapefruits are tropical fruits that originated insub-tropical weather, which makes them sensitive to the cold. The grapefruit tree can grow up to 30 feet in height, and even the size of the fruit itself can vary from one type to another. Grapefruit is sweeter in regions of hot days and warm to hot nights, and more acidic in cooler areas. Unripe or overripe fruit is the opposite of what youre looking for, and can still be a good point of comparison to help you determine ripeness. Its best to avoid such fruits. Each spring, thousands of backyard growers (finally) harvest the bountiful crops of oranges and grapefruits and lemons in their yards. In such instances, its better to look at other signs like texture, shape, and weight. In Arizona, however, the best time to pick citrus fruits is between December and April. donation to help me pay to keep the website going, please make a donation to me Its best to wait for the fruit to reach maturity to ensure its sweet. Give the grapefruit a gently squeeze. You should pick them before they turn dark brown. A grapefruits ripeness depends on temperature. when are grapefruits ripe in arizona Saturday/Sunday CLOSED. To benefit from the powerful antioxidant, 200 to 1,000 mg can be consumed daily for a period of between four weeks to a year. Grapefruits are juicy fruits that taste great. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'immunityboostingfoods_com-large-mobile-banner-1','ezslot_7',112,'0','0'])};__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-immunityboostingfoods_com-large-mobile-banner-1-0'); How much does a grapefruit weigh in pounds, Deep freezer temperature | All you need to know, How Do You Know If Enoki Mushrooms Are Bad, Where Is The Expiration Date On A 7up Bottle. If its still green, its too early to ripen. Grapefruit trees (Citrus x paradisi, USDA zones 9-11) resulted as a natural cross between a sweet orange and a Caribbean pomelo. A few days in January and February are ideal for picking a grapefruit. ~ a satisfied customer for three years. Also, cooler climates tend to produce more acidic grapefruits. hbbd```b``f`d5"^ D?BA$NDrq`S0[L,\ X/X &ABd@.\ v#L 0q In Arizona, grapefruit is harvested best between the months of December and March. If you buy an orange or grapefruit that is oddly shaped or lumpy, its probably overripe. Grapefruit, December through March Grapes, July and August Green beans, June through October Green onion/scallions, October through March Greens, December through May Herbs, year-round Key Limes, October and November Kohlrabi, December through March Leeks, December through July Lemons, December through April Lettuce, October through May They contain lots of vitamins and minerals, and they taste great. Well let you in on a secret: you dont have to be a fruit expert to determine ripeness. The best time to pick a grapefruit is when its halfway-yellow or half-pink, but not green. It is seedless. The first and clearest indication of ripeness to look out for is the shape of the grapefruit. Thanks. What time of year are grapefruit in season? They emerge with a green peel and change colors as they grow and develop. Also, keep in mind that citrus fruits like lemons and grapefruit are sweeter when theyre left on the tree longer. For best fruit and flavor development, grapefruits need a hot summer. Our Grande box is a 30-lb boxof either fresh-harvested Rio Red Grapefruit or Sweet Oranges from South Texas. Therefore, temperature fluxes affect grapefruit harvest time. From growing to picking, follow us on our journey to your door. They usually ripen around February or March. Those from Arizona and California are in markets from January through August. Harvesting all of the fruit protects the landscaping. It is possible to leave them on the trees throughout the whole year if you want to enjoy their taste. The fruit will become sweeter as it matures. This is where color is another indicator of ripeness. This is true for lemons, too. Florida Grapefruit is at its sweetest January through May. Grapefruit is sweener in regions of hot days, warm to hot nights, more acidic in cooler areas, and less sweet in cold climates. There are countless varieties of grapefruit, such as Ruby Red (Citrus x paradise 'Ruby Red,' zones 8-11), Oro Blanco (Citrus grandis Citrus paradisi, zones 8-11), Melogold (Citrus grandis Citrus paradisi, zones 8-11) and Star Ruby (Citrus x paradisi 'Star Ruby,' zones 9-11). By the following mid to late spring months of April or May, the fruits are fully tree-ripe and begin dropping from the tree. ( when are grapefruits ripe in arizona when are grapefruits ripe in arizona. One of the easiest ways to tell if they are ripe is to touch them and observe their texture. As grapefruits mature, they will start to turn yellow and become softer and sweeter. Make sure that the peel color is completely even before you cut-up grapefruit. The fruit is NOT gassed, rather it is tree-ripened. Today, you can find grapefruit from Arizona, California, Florida and Texas. They produce fruit that is ready to pick from January through May. - Avondale, AZ 85037Specials. Just click the button An attractive subtropical tree even if it never flowered and fruited, the grapefruit typically matures 15 to 30 feet tall. With proper care, you can expect to harvest enough citrus fruit to have enough to share. After flowering subsides in mid-spring, grapefruits develop from the swollen flower ovaries into large grape-like clusters on branch ends. arizona harvest schedule fruits & herbs jan feb mar apr mayjun jul aug sept oct nov dec anise apple, ambrosia apple, fuji apple, gala apple, golden delicious As someone new to growing citrus, it does help to know that there are ways that you can increase your harvest while making sure that your plants are ready for another year of growth. How can you tell when a grapefruit is ripe? Is your grapefruit ripe and ready to be picked? Get Directions. A ripe grapefruit should feel plump and full in your hands. Dont let them get too soft or moldy. Approximately 18-30 grapefruit in each box, depending on size being harvested. If youre picking a grapefruit in Arizona, make sure to check its color before you pick it. Sign up to get all the latest gardening tips! In the backyard citrus orchard, you can pull off ripe grapefruits by hand. There is a common misconception that the red grapefruit is sweeter than the white; however, this is not true. We are no longer taking NEW orders for the 1st Quarter 2023 Arizona Citrus Season. Ripe fruit tastes great! Grapefruit, either white or red, starts out green and gradually changes hues, which is somewhat an indicator of when grapefruits are ready to pick. We know when to pick grapefruit, but not all of the fruit will be ripe at exactly the same moment. You can also wait until it's half-green. 22 / 32. This makes sure the fruit doesnt ripen too fast. The fruit is not ready to eat and should not be picked before this time. Some growers prefer to pick grapefruits late in the fall because they claim it has a better flavor. (adsbygoogle = window.adsbygoogle || []).push({}); Above is themost recent version ofthe Ball Blue Book, This page was updated on How To Grow Citrus Trees at Home in Arizona. These two types have a long shelf life and are very popular. Green grapefruit is not as sweet as those that are fully ripe. You can plan seasonal menus around what you can get locally in season. Make sure you are using a complete fertilizer that contains some of each of nitrogen . You shouldnt eat them until theyre ripe. Great people, great results equals great company! If its fully green, its too early. If youre in Arizona, follow these tips to get the best fruit possible. Please note, comments must be approved before they are published. (3) Hamlin - An early-season sweet variety with medium size fruit and 0-6 total seeds. The peel is smooth, glossy, and slightly pebbled with small pores that release aromatic oils, and the fruit transitions from green to yellow-green or bright yellow when mature. The seed should germinate within a few weeks. But were here to help! Each year, nature provides us with a bounty of tangy lemons, juicy oranges and delectable tangelos that make life even more enjoyable. The opportunity to grow citrus trees in your backyard is just one of the many perks of living in Arizona. Grapefruits should be picked by twisting them until the stem detaches. Hints for Determining Ripeness Besides noting the number of months the fruit has hung on the tree, ripe grapefruits begin to reveal characteristics that suggest time for picking. They do best if fertilized in February, April and October How Fast does Citrus Grow? How to Pick Grapefruit: A ripe grapefruit will be slightly red in color. Once the citrus fruit has split, you can't do anything to fix it. pickyourown.org does not charge either farmers or consumers! Temperature is the primary consideration in determining the amount of time needed before fruits are ripen enough to pick and eat.