Star Ruby Grapefruit Budwood

Citrus paradisi.

Fruit is similar to Marsh or Redblush except for dark pink flesh. This is the darkest of the pigmented grapefruit so far.

Compared to other grapefruit varieties, Star Ruby is more difficult to grow well.  It has exhibited greater susceptibility to phytophthora, nutrient deficiencies, cold temperatures, and pest problems.  It does not appear to grow as vigorously as other grapefruit varieties, and the fruit is often smaller.  Nevertheless, when grown well, Star Ruby produces attractive red-blushed fruits with a smooth yellow rind.  The flesh is very darkly-pigmented, juicy, and low-seeded or seedless.  Star Ruby’s season of maturity is mid to late-season, and the fruit holds well on the tree with some loss of flesh color as the season progresses.

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

Season of ripeness in the Riverside climate and latitude: February to June.

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