- Mature height
- 4m to 6m
- Mature width
- 3m to 4m
Citrus paradisi 'Wheeny' is the Australian grapefruit. It was selected at Wheeny Creek near Kurrajong in New South Wales in the 1920s, and it is the variety that performs where imported grapefruit disappoint. It crops harder than Marsh and the fruit carries noticeably more juice.
The fruit is thin skinned with pale yellow flesh, milder and less bitter than the American selections, and it holds on the tree for weeks after ripening so the harvest can be taken as needed. Ripening runs late, from winter through into summer, which fills the gap after other citrus have finished. It is seedy, and that is the honest trade-off for the juice and the crop weight. If you want a seedless grapefruit, Marsh is the one to plant.
The tree is vigorous and forms a broad rounded canopy of large glossy leaves, evergreen and dense enough to work as a feature in its own right. Fragrant white flowers come through spring and are heavily worked by bees. It is self-fertile, so a single tree crops on its own.
Grow it in full sun with free draining soil and shelter from hard frost. Advanced specimens at this size are years ahead of a nursery tube and will crop in their first or second season in the ground.
Frequently Asked Questions
About Citrus paradisi 'Wheeny'
What makes Wheeny different from other grapefruit?
It was raised in Australia rather than imported, and it shows. Wheeny is a heavier cropper than Marsh, the fruit is thinner skinned and far juicier, and the flavour is milder and less bitter. It is the grapefruit Australian growers reach for when they want reliability and volume.
Does it have seeds?
Yes. Wheeny is a seedy grapefruit and there is no getting around it. That is the trade for the juice content and the crop weight. If seedless matters more to you than juice, plant Marsh instead.
When does it ripen?
Late. Fruit colours through winter and holds into summer depending on the district, which is later than most other grapefruit. It stores well on the tree, so you can pick as you need rather than harvesting all at once.
Does it need a second tree to pollinate?
No. It is self-fertile and crops well as a single specimen. A second citrus nearby will not hurt, but it is not required.
Is it frost tolerant?
Not fully. Like all grapefruit it is frost sensitive, particularly while young. Plant in a warm sheltered position out of frost hollows, and protect through the first couple of winters in colder districts.
How big does it get?
Wheeny is a vigorous grapefruit and will reach 4 to 6 metres with a spread of 3 to 4 metres if left unpruned. Light pruning after harvest keeps it in bounds and makes picking easier without costing you crop.
How do I care for it?
Water deeply once or twice a week through the warmer months and more often while fruit is filling, since uneven moisture causes fruit drop and splitting. Feed with a complete citrus fertiliser in early spring and again in late summer. Mulch the root zone and keep it clear of the trunk. Remove any shoots below the graft as soon as they appear.
