How to grow a pomelo tree from a seed and care for it at home

Growing any citrus plant at home is a responsible and painstaking task. However, the end result is worth it. Perhaps someone will argue that it is impossible to grow a pomelo on your own, but we have a different opinion. Thus, a small tree will not only decorate your home, but will also bear fruit with proper care. Therefore, below you will learn how to properly grow pomelo at home.

Description and characteristics of the plant

Pomelo is a separate species, and not a hybrid, as some believe. However, it is used in breeding work. For example, citrus pomelo is the result of crossing pomelo and white grapefruit.

The tree grows on average up to 15 meters, has large leaves and a spherical crown. As for the flowers, they are single or in 2-10 inflorescences. They are white in color and range from 4 to 7 millimeters in diameter. The tree can bear fruit for up to 7 months.

The fruit itself is quite large, the largest fruits can reach 10 kilograms. For the tropics this is par for the course. The pomelo has the shape of a pear or ball. Color red, yellow, pink or green. The peel is quite durable, but can be easily removed. The pulp inside is divided into segments and is somewhat dry compared to other citrus fruits. However, the taste is pleasant and sweet if you choose a ripe plant. The partitions between the slices are bitter and need to be cleaned. The inside of the fruit also differs in color: white or red. The lobules may contain seeds.

The pomelo ripens around February. Stores for about 1 month in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Wood varieties

In stores, as a rule, you can find green or yellow citrus fruits, characterized by a light shade of pulp. However, there are many more varieties of pomelo.

1. Khao horn - the inside is white, the skin is yellow-green, and has a sweet taste.
2. Khao namphung - inside the fruit is light yellow in color, the fruit itself is orange with a pleasant greenish tint, and tastes sweet.
3. Khao paen - white flesh, 12-15 lobes inside, oblong ball shape, green peel, sweet taste with sour notes.
4. Khao phuang – yellow-white inside, green peel, with added yellowness, sweet and sour taste.
5. Thongdi – pink inside, dark green skin, sweet taste.

Reproduction

As you know, there are two types of citrus propagation: seed and vegetative. As for the first option, the most powerful trees are obtained, but fruits from them will not be expected soon.

As for pomelo, it is propagated exclusively by seeds, as well as by air layering.

Growing pomelo from selected seeds at home

It turns out that it is quite possible to grow exotic citrus at home; in this case, it will please the eye all year long, and with the right approach, it will also produce useful fruits. Next, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with detailed instructions for growing citrus with your own hands.

Preparation of planting material

At home, pomelo is grown from seeds, which are taken from ripe and high-quality fruit.

Germination

Immediately before planting, it is recommended to germinate the seeds. To do this, healthy and undamaged seeds are removed from the fruit, washed and dried, and placed in warm water for 12-16 hours. The bottom of the container in which they are located is covered with a material that absorbs moisture well. Next, the seeds are placed in a container and covered with any cloth or moss. In this state they go to a warm place. As soon as they germinate, you can start planting.

Landing

Any pot or container can be used as a planting container, the main thing is that it has holes for water to drain. Drainage is placed down (pebbles, charcoal or expanded clay) and a small amount of humus.

Planting soil should contain:

• one part of sheet soil;
• two parts of turf soil;
• one part sand;
• one part of humus.

Sprouted seeds are deepened into the ground 2-3 centimeters.

Transfer

Like all citrus fruits, pomelo does not tolerate transplantation well, so transshipment is applicable in this case. Thus, the roots are minimally damaged. The next container for planting should be more spacious than the previous one. The pomelo is replanted when the root system has entwined the soil in the pot or if the citrus tree, for some unknown reason, grows slowly or does not bear fruit.

Necessary care

Next, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with some conditions, the fulfillment of which is mandatory for those who want to get a positive result from growing pomelo.

Temperature

Warm and humid air suits pomelo - do not forget that this is a tropical fruit. In summer, the optimal temperature is up to +35 degrees, and air humidity is 65-85%; In winter, you should take care that the temperature is no more than +10-15 degrees.

Lighting

Choosing a place for a plant is very important. A window sill is definitely not suitable for this role. The plant must be positioned so that the leaves receive maximum sunlight. Along with this, citrus fruits should not be placed close to heating radiators.

Watering

Watering in spring and autumn is carried out as the visible part of the soil layer dries out. At the same time, the lump inside the pot should not be allowed to dry out. To determine the degree of humidity, you need to take a little soil in your fingers and squeeze it. If the soil crumbles, watering is needed.

It is worth monitoring humidity daily, especially in the summer.

Fertilizer application

Fertilizers also play an important role in the process of self-growing pomelo.In order for a plant to grow actively, it needs the following elements: calcium, phosphorus, magnesium, nitrogen, sulfur and others. Young plants need more nitrogen, which promotes the development of shoots and foliage. Phosphorus is beneficial for the root system. Due to potassium, nitrogen is absorbed much faster. It also affects the appearance of shoots, ripening of fruits, and makes citrus resistant to various diseases.

Crown formation

The formation of the crown is necessary not only for the plant to have a beautiful appearance, but also for it to begin to bear fruit earlier. First, decide for yourself what form you would like to see. Most often, citrus fruits are given a round shape. The formation of the crown occurs in the same way as in other plants. The only problem that people face is that the pomelo does not produce side branches for a long time; instead, only the top shoot grows.

Grafting on a seedling

Pomelo propagation occurs by grafting onto seedlings or using air layering.

Pests and diseases

Pomelo is often attacked by sucking and gnawing parasites, fungi and viruses. Plant enemies: spider mites and scale insects. They have to be combated with the help of chemical or biological agents, which, however, are suitable for greenhouses or open areas. As for your home, you should not use pesticides.

Harvest and storage

Harvesting begins when the fruits are seen to be ripe. Only ripe fruits differ in taste and contain a maximum of beneficial vitamins for human health.

As for storage, the ripe fruit can be stored in the refrigerator or at room temperature for about one month. As for already cut or peeled citrus, its shelf life is 2 days, since in this form it dries quickly.