We have bought a house in Portugal with a few fruit trees. One of them is a grapefruit tree. We have had fruit on it the last two years, big grapefruits, but when we open them the peel is very thick and a very small fruit inside. What should we do?
This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/citrus-fruit-thick-rind.htm
I have some wonerful Oro Blanco grapefruit and would like to plant a few of the seeds. How long do I have to wait to plant them and how should I germinate them?
Citrus grown from seeds can take many years to get big enough to grow fruit, but if you are willing to be patient, this article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/citrus-seed-harvesting.htm
A grapefruit tree, about six foot, is suddenly dropping leaves. Is this a problem?
Yes, this is a problem. Factors that could be affecting it are temperatures, possible cold damage, how long since you planted it, water, even diseases or pests. This article will give you some basic information: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/grapefruit/growing-grapefruit.htm
When are grapefruits ready to pick in Europe and N. Africa?
Grapefruit harvesting normally takes place in fall. When the fruits are yellow or golden in color, then they are ready for harvesting.
My grapefruit tree has not been producing the last two years. I got my Ruby Red grapefruit tree in March 5 years ago when it was about 2 1/2 feet tall. That summer I had many blossoms which ended up yielding 3 golf ball sized grapefruit. The next year I had about 8 tennis ball sized fruit. The 3rd year I had 14 grapefruit sized fruit which were really good. Last year (the 4th year) the plant did not produce any blossoms. This year it is looking about the same as last year with no blossoms in evidence. The plant is now about 5 feet in height. What do I need to do?
The following article will tell you some general facts about grapefruit: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/grapefruit/grapefruit-tree-not-producing.htm. Grapefruit don't reliably fruit for several years. Continue a good program of care, and your tree should start to bear fruit when it's ready to do so.
I have a grapefruit tree that has a green film growing all over the trunk and branches. The branches have lost their strength and the fruit is small. The leaves have fallen off some of the branches and the ones that remain are curled. On some of the fruit a black mold developed but was easy to wash off. They were still tasty but not so pink. What do you suggest I do?
The green film is likely algae or mold but the black mold is sooty mold and is common on citrus trees. While unsightly, it's usually harmless. The mold grows on the sweet honeydew (which could also be attributing to the greenish mold) from sap-sucking insects like aphids, scale bugs, etc. You'll first need to treat the offending insect pest (hosing off plant and using garlic spray, insecticidal soap, or horticultural oil). We prefer neem oil, which is safe and effective. As a bonus, neem oil also make a great fungicide, so it will usually take care of both issues. Here is an article or two that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm
I have a grapefruit tree, which has given a large quantity of fruit each year. The tree is 21 years old and this year there are less than 10 new grapefruit. Can you help? I don't know what the problem is.
It is likely a nutrient imbalance. Try adding more phosphorus to the soil with a high-phosphorus fertilizer or bone meal and see if this helps. For other reasons your tree may not be fruiting normally, read the following article: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/grapefruit/grapefruit-tree-not-producing.htm