Citrus made easy for growers, nurseries, and distributors

Yes, there is a subtle difference between Redblush and Ruby Red grapefruit trees, though the two are closely related and often confused.

Ruby Red was the first red-fleshed grapefruit to be discovered and commercialized, originating in Texas in the 1920s. It marked a major improvement over white grapefruit due to its appealing pink-red flesh and sweeter, less acidic flavor. However, Ruby Red trees tend to lose pigmentation over time through successive propagations, leading to lighter flesh and rind coloration in later generations.

Redblush, sometimes called Redblush Ruby or Red Ruby, is a natural mutation of Ruby Red discovered later. It retains deeper red pigmentation more consistently in both the flesh and the blush on the rind. In terms of flavor, Redblush is nearly identical to Ruby Red—sweet, mildly tangy, and juicy—but it generally has a more vibrant appearance and fewer problems with fading coloration. Because of these improvements, Redblush has largely replaced Ruby Red in many commercial plantings.

Yes, the Ruby Red grapefruit tree is moderately sensitive to frost, like most citrus trees. It thrives in warm, subtropical climates and grows best in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11, where winter temperatures rarely drop below freezing. Prolonged exposure to temperatures below 28°F (-2°C) can damage young trees, tender new growth and developing fruit. Severe or repeated frosts can harm the tree’s canopy, affect flowering, and reduce fruit yields in the following season.

Young Ruby Red trees are especially vulnerable in their first few years, as they haven’t yet developed a robust canopy or deep root system to buffer against cold. To protect them, it’s recommended to cover them with frost cloth or blankets when frost is expected and avoid watering the foliage in the evening, as wet leaves freeze more easily.

For growers in marginal areas or colder microclimates, planting Ruby Red trees in a protected location, such as near a south-facing wall or under the shelter of taller trees, can help reduce frost risk. Container growing is also an option—dwarf varieties can be brought indoors or into a greenhouse during cold spells.

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The best planting density for Redblush or Ruby Red grapefruit trees in a commercial orchard varies depending on factors like rootstock, soil conditions, irrigation, and management style. For traditional orchards using vigorous rootstocks such as Carrizo or Swingle, a common approach is to plant trees 20 feet apart between rows and 15 to 20 feet apart within rows. This results in approximately 100 to 145 trees per acre, allowing ample space for mature canopy development, airflow, and machinery access.

In contrast, high-density planting strategies aim to increase early yields and overall orchard efficiency. These systems often use semi-dwarf or dwarf rootstocks, allowing trees to be spaced more closely—typically 12 to 15 feet between rows and 8 to 12 feet between trees. This configuration supports planting densities of 200 to 300 trees per acre. High-density systems require more frequent pruning, careful canopy management, and sometimes earlier tree replacement due to crowding over time.

Ultimately, the ideal density depends on your production goals and site conditions. Rich, well-drained soils and efficient irrigation systems like drip irrigation can support higher densities more effectively. However, growers must balance early production benefits with long-term orchard maintenance and access. For most commercial operations, a density of around 145 trees per acre suits traditional plantings, while those using intensive practices and suitable rootstocks may choose higher densities to maximize productivity.

No. Ruby Red is not a common variety at TreeSource, and a dwarf version would require a special propagation. We recommend using Rio Red instead, as the fruit is bigger, redder and performs well in most conditions.