Frost Marsh Grapefruit Budwood

Citrus paradisi.

Marsh grapefruit originated as a chance seedling around 1860 in Lakeland, Florida.  Because it was the first seedless variety to be promoted, it soon became the most widely planted grapefruit variety.

The tree grows vigorously to a large size. The fruit is almost round in shape with a smooth light yellow rind.  The flesh is pale yellow, juicy, and tender, with a good flavor.  To achieve acceptable quality, Marsh grapefruit must be grown in locations that satisfy its high heat requirement.  The fruit is late maturing and holds well on the tree. 

Fruit medium in size, oblate to spherical; areole ring indistinct or lacking; seeds few or none.  Color pale to light yellow at maturity.  Rind medium-thin, tough; surface very smooth and even.  Flesh buff-colored; tender, very juicy; flavor good though not so pronounced as in some seedy varieties.  Holds unusually well on the tree and ships and stores well.  The latest-maturing of all commercial varieties.

Tree vigorous, spreading, large, and productive.  Because of high heat requirements, commercially restricted to very hot climates.

Carrizo citrange, C-35 citrange are good rootstocks of accession. Season of ripeness is January to May in California.

Prepared by the Givaudan Citrus Variety Collection at The University of California Riverside.