Rio Red Grapefruit - Free Shipping Included

Rio Red Grapefruit Tree (Citrus × paradisi 'Rio Red')

Does not ship to Florida

The Rio Red Grapefruit is a standout citrus variety known for its deep red flesh, exceptional sweetness, and heavy fruit production. Developed in Texas, this tree thrives in warm climates and is ideal for home gardeners who love juicy, flavorful grapefruit with minimal bitterness.

Key Features:

• Foliage: Dark green, glossy evergreen leaves on a well-shaped, rounded tree.

• Fruit: Large, smooth-skinned yellow fruit blushed with red. The vibrant ruby-red flesh is sweet, tangy, and incredibly juicy—perfect for fresh eating or juicing.

• Blooms: Fragrant white citrus blossoms appear in spring, attracting pollinators and adding garden charm.

• Size: Grows 12–20 feet tall and wide in the ground, but can be kept smaller with pruning or container growing.

Growing Conditions:

• USDA Zones: 9–11

  • Perfect for warm regions like Southern California, Arizona, South Texas, and Florida.

• Sunlight: Requires full sun (6–8+ hours daily) to develop its rich color and sweet flavor.

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, slightly acidic soil with good aeration.

Cold Climate Growing Tips:

Gardeners in cooler zones can still enjoy Rio Red with a little extra care:

• Grow in Containers: Use a large pot with drainage and a citrus-specific soil mix.

• Winter Protection: Move indoors before frost. Ideal indoor conditions include a sunny window or grow lights and reduced watering during cooler months.

• Outdoor Summering: Set outdoors in spring through fall to soak up sunlight and support natural pollination.

Uses & Benefits:

• Culinary Favorite: Excellent for juicing, breakfast slices, fruit salads, and even grilled or broiled in savory dishes.

• Rich in Nutrients: High in vitamin C, antioxidants, and lycopene—the same pigment that gives it its brilliant red hue.

• Beautiful & Productive: With glossy foliage, fragrant blooms, and colorful fruit, the Rio Red is as attractive as it is fruitful.

Shipping Height: 18-26 inches

Shipping Pot Size: Citrus pot (4 inches square x 13 inches deep)

Rootstock: Grafted on standard rootstock

Pollination: Self-pollinating

Years to Bear Fruit: 

Seeds: seedless

Mature Height: May be pruned to stay happy in a container. 15-20 feet in the landscape.

Light: Bright sun

Water: Medium 

Growing Zone: Outdoors 9-11, Indoors Everywhere

Shipping: This tree ships from our partner nursery in Georgia. Our owner Billy Murphy personally visited the nursery to approve and select these citrus trees to give you more variety. This tree will ship within the continental United States excluding FL, AZ, AL, CA, HI, LA, or TX (due to agricultural restrictions). Do you live in Florida? CLICK HERE for our trees that ship within Florida.