Pomelo at home: growing a tree from a stone and caring for a photo

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. So, a small tree will not only decorate the home, but will also bear fruit with proper care. Therefore, below you will learn how to properly grow a pomelo at home.

Description and characteristics of the plant

Pomelo is a separate species, 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 2-10 inflorescences. The color is white, in diameter - from 4 to 7 millimeters. A 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 in the order of things. The pomelo is shaped like a pear or ball. Color red, yellow, pink or green. The rind is strong enough, but is easily removed. The pulp inside is divided into slices and dryish, compared to other citrus fruits. However, the taste is pleasant and sweet if a ripe plant is chosen. The partitions between the slices are bitter, which should be cleaned. Inside the fruit also differs in color: white or red. The slices may contain seeds.

Pomelo ripens around February. Keeps about 1 month in the refrigerator or at room temperature.

Tree varieties

In stores, as a rule, there are green or yellow citruses, which are distinguished by a light shade of pulp. However, there are many more varieties of pomelo.

Khao horn - white flesh inside, yellow-green skin, sweet taste.
Khao namphung - the inside of the fruit has a light yellow color, the fruit itself is orange with a pleasant greenish tint, it tastes sweet.
Khao paen - white flesh, 12-15 slices inside, oblong ball shape, green skin, sweet taste with sour notes.
Khao phuang - yellow-white inside, skin tone green, with added yellowness, taste sweet and sour.
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, however, the fruits from them will not be expected soon.

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

Growing pomelo from a selected seed at home

Exotic citrus, it turns out, is quite possible to grow at home, in which case it will please the eye all year round, and with a competent approach, it will also give useful fruits. Next, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the detailed instructions for growing citrus with your own hands.

Preparation of planting material

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

Germination

Immediately before planting, it is advised to germinate the seeds. To do this, he althy and intact bones are taken out of the fetus, washed and dried, put 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 is taken 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 are suitable) and a small amount of humus.

Planting soil should contain:

one part of sheet soil;
two pieces of soddy soil;
one piece of sand;
one part of humus.

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

Transfer

Like all citrus fruits, pomelo does not tolerate transplanting well, so transshipment is applicable in this case.Thus, the roots are injured minimally. The next container for planting should be more spacious than the previous one. Pomelo is transplanted when the root system has entwined the ground in a pot or if the citrus fruit, for some unknown reason, is slow growing or does not bear fruit.

Essential 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

Pomelo suits warm and humid air - do not forget that this is a tropical fruit. In summer, the optimum 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. The window sill is definitely not suitable for this role. It is necessary to arrange the plant so that the leaves are maximally illuminated by sunlight. Along with this, citrus should not be placed close to radiators.

Irrigation

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

Monitoring the humidity is worth every day, especially in the summer.

Fertilization

Fertilizers also occupy an important place in the process of self-cultivation of 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 useful for the root system. Due to potassium, nitrogen is absorbed much faster. It also affects the appearance of shoots, the 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 to start bearing 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 give side branches for a long time, instead only the top shoot grows.

Seedling grafting

Reproduction of pomelo occurs by grafting onto seedlings or using air layers.

Pests and diseases

Pomelo is often attacked by sucking and gnawing parasites, fungi and viruses. Enemies of the plant: spider mites and scale insects. They have to be fought with the help of chemical or biological preparations, which, however, are suitable for greenhouses or open areas.As for housing, pesticides should not be used.

Harvest and storage of crops

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

In terms of storage, the ripened fruit is 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, as it dries quickly in this form.