Melogold Grapefruit Budwood

Citrus paradisi.

Melogold is a triploid hybrid of Acidless pummelo and a 4N seedy Marsh grapefruit.  It was developed at the University of California, Riverside by Drs. Cameron and Soost.  It is a sibling of Oroblanco grapefruit hybrid and was released in 1986.  Mellow flavor (low acid) = Melo, gold for the deeper color of the rind than Oroblanco, hence Melogold. Patent on this cultivar is held by the University of California

Melogold trees grow vigorously to a large size with a somewhat spreading form.  Melogold fruits are oblate in form with a slightly flattened base.  The rind is smooth and medium to dark yellow at maturity and thinner than Oroblanco for a similarly-sized fruit.  The large fruits typically average one pound in weight.  The flesh is pale yellow in color, seedless, tender, and juicy.  The flavor is mild, sweet and reminiscent more of pummelo than of grapefruit.  Melogold is early in its maturity and holds well on the tree.

For maximum returns as a cash crop, plant your acreage to Melogold; but save one space near your back door for a tree of Oroblanco for your own use.

Rootstocks of accession: Carrizo citrange, C-35 citrange, Troyer citrange.

Season of ripeness in the Riverside climate and latitude: Early December to March.

Season of ripeness in the Lindcove climate and latitude: Early November through February.

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