Flame Grapefruit Tree

Flame grapefruit (*Citrus paradisi* ‘Flame’) is a red-fleshed grapefruit selected for vivid interior color and good fruit quality. The [UC Riverside Citrus Variety Collection](https://citrusvariety.ucr.edu/crc3993) describes it as a vigorous tree whose fruit matures in the middle to later part of the season and can hold on the tree after maturity. ## Fruit and placement The fruit has red flesh and a pink blush on the rind. Use Flame as an edible landscape tree or in a home citrus planting where there is room for its canopy; one nursery lists about 12 feet tall and 8–10 feet wide. Its outdoor range is listed as USDA zones 9–11. Citrus can also be grown in movable containers where winter protection is available, but the patio range is not an outdoor hardiness rating. ## Site and growing conditions Give grapefruit full sun for reliable growth and fruiting. Choose well-drained soil, and water deeply while a young tree establishes, then during extended dry periods. The [UF/IFAS home citrus guide](https://ask.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/HS132) covers drainage, sun, spacing, and irrigation for landscape citrus. ## Maintenance Keep mulch over the root area but away from the trunk. Avoid frequent shallow watering and saturated soil. Prune selectively to remove dead or crossing branches and to keep access around the tree; heavy pruning can reduce the productive canopy. Harvest fruit when it has developed its expected color and flavor, since Flame can remain on the tree after maturity.