April 10, 2004

Question: Our neighbor has a grapefruit tree and he states that the fruit is not sweet. Last year was the first year the tree fruited. These fruits were removed from the tree and the tree is now flowering again. How or what can he do to sweeten the fruit if anything?

- S. Sam, Fort Myers

Answer: The taste of grapefruit is best described as bitter whereas that of an orange is termed sweet. Florida is considered to have the best tasting commercial grapefruits in the world. This is because our unique growing climate help accumulates sugar in the fruits at the expense of acid and limonin, the latter two causes bitterness in grapefruits. Consequently, sugar content of grapefruits is not affected by any addition or changes in irrigation or fertilization nor other inputs. Fruits usually taste best late in the season and the fruits of young trees can be the bitterest. Things should improve as the tree ages, but I warn you, they will never be as ‘sweet’ as a good a Honeybell.

The key to having a beautiful yard is to find a gardener or become one yourself. However, the right person or company should do more than cut and blow. He or she should work closely with you be willing to relocate plants, remove the weak ones, replant, build the soil, and most of all mind the garden with a personal interest.