Rio Red Grapefruit

Rio Red is a grapefruit selection with dark red flesh and sweet-tart juice. This evergreen citrus needs a warm, sunny site and a long season for fruit to color and ripen well. ## Selection and size The [Givaudan Citrus Variety Collection at UC Riverside](https://citrusvariety.ucr.edu/crc3916) identifies Rio Red as Citrus paradisi and records it as a bud sport of Ruby grapefruit; it describes a vigorous tree and dark pink flesh. [Texas A&M AgriLife](https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/fruit-nut/fact-sheets/citrus/table-1-common-texas-citrus-varieties/) lists Rio Red among common Texas citrus varieties. The exact [Rio Red product profile at Trees.com](https://www.trees.com/products/rio-red-grapefruit-tree-tx) gives a mature range of 15–20 feet high by 8–10 feet wide, matching the size ranges shown here. ## Siting and fruit Plant outdoors in USDA zones 9–11, in full sun and well-drained soil. The seller lists zones 3–11 only for patio growing with winter shelter; grapefruit is cold-sensitive, so protect trees from frost. Trees.com reports a peak crop from December through May and says the tree is self-pollinating. A container can be moved to a bright, protected location in colder climates, though warm summers help fruit ripen. ## Maintenance Water regularly while the tree establishes and during extended dry weather, letting the root zone drain between irrigations. Use citrus fertilizer according to its label, and prune only to remove damaged branches or manage access and size.