Pummelo
Citrus maxima
Varieties We Bring In
Last received Aug 4, 2026.
We bring this in seasonally, so what is on the lot changes week to week. A received date shows when it last came in, not that it is here today.
Call (904) 471-0440 to confirm this plant and size before you make the trip.
About Pummelo
Pummelo (Citrus maxima) is the largest citrus fruit and ancestor of grapefruit, native to Southeast Asia. Its very large fruits have thick, spongy rind and mildly sweet, low-acid flesh. Hardy in zone 9b with frost protection; plant in a warm, sheltered microclimate in NE Florida and graft on cold-hardy rootstock for best cold-weather survival. Starting at $74.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Spring
- Flower Color
- White
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Sandy, Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Seasonal care
Bloom season. Good planting window.
Active growing season.
Growth slows as temperatures cool.
Retains foliage through winter. Can be planted in mild winter periods.
Care essentials
Plant in full sun with as much direct sunlight as possible; a minimum of 8 hours is ideal. In NE Florida, choose a south-facing, wind-sheltered location to protect from occasional cold fronts.
Water regularly during establishment and during dry periods; once established, moderate irrigation is sufficient. NE Florida's rainy season (June–September) usually meets most summer water needs — reduce supplemental irrigation accordingly to avoid root disease.
Grow in well-drained sandy or loamy soil; amend heavy soils with organic matter to improve drainage. Fertilize with a citrus-specific slow-release fertilizer three times per year (February, June, October) following UF/IFAS citrus nutrition guidelines. Apply foliar micronutrients if yellowing occurs.
Similar needs
Apple
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Calamondin
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Grapefruit
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Kumquat
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Loquat
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
Mandarin
Shares 5 of the same needs: full sun, moderate water, sandy, zone 9a hardiness, and pollinator-friendly.
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Common questions
Is Pummelo a good plant for St. Augustine?
Pummelo is a fruit tree for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, reaching 10-15 feet × 10-15 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed March 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.