Pummelo (Citrus maxima) is a spectacular citrus tree that produces some of the largest fruits in the citrus world, often reaching 6 to 9 inches in diameter and weighing 2 to 4 pounds. Native to Thailand, though some experts point to Polynesia or the Malay Peninsula, this tree has become deeply embedded in Southeast Asian and Chinese fruit culture. Hardy in zones 9-11, it grows 15 to 20 feet tall and wide, with fragrant, showy flowers that precede the impressive edible fruit. Today it thrives in pockets of the U.S. (Florida, California, and Hawaii), though commercial cultivation remains limited. This is a tree that commands attention: both for its generous spring blooms and its remarkable harvest.
Full Sun
Moderate
9-11
240in H x 216in W
—
High
Hover over chart points for details
The fruit alone justifies growing pummelo; a single tree produces enormous, thick-skinned fruits that dwarf standard grapefruits and can weigh as much as a small melon. The tree itself is handsome year-round, with sweetly scented flowers in spring and dramatic pale green or yellow fruits hanging from branches through autumn. Unlike many citrus trees that demand constant fussing, pummelo asks for simple, straightforward care: full sun, well-drained soil, and moderate water. It tolerates occasional cold snaps down to 32°F, making it viable in warmer parts of zone 9. There are no serious insect or disease problems to contend with, a gift for gardeners tired of battling pests.
Pummelo fruit is eaten fresh, the thick, easy-to-peel skin revealing segments of juicy flesh that can be enjoyed out of hand or separated into a bowl. The large size means a single fruit can feed an entire family or yield enough flesh for multiple uses: fresh consumption, juice, desserts, or preserves. The thick, bitter-sweet pith can be candied, a traditional preparation in Asian cuisines. Some cooks use the peel itself in cooking, candying it or infusing it for flavor.
No timeline data available yet for this variety.
Pummelo fruits mature in fall and early winter, typically reaching 6 to 9 inches in diameter (occasionally up to 12 inches). Harvest when the skin has shifted from green to pale yellow or greenish-yellow, and the fruit yields slightly to gentle pressure. The exceptionally thick skin clings to the fruit and can be hand-peeled in thick sections, revealing the juicy segments within. A mature tree will produce substantial crops, so plan for a prolific harvest.
Enter your ZIP code to see a personalized growing calendar for this plant.
“Pummelo occupies a singular place in citrus history as a parent of the grapefruit, one of the modern world's most economically important fruits. Its origins point to Thailand, though some botanical evidence suggests the Malay Peninsula or Polynesia. For centuries it remained a prized fruit in Southeast Asia and China, known and loved in those regions long before Western gardeners had any notion of it. In the 20th century, limited commercial cultivation began in the warmest U.S. regions, but pummelo never achieved the widespread cultivation of its descendants. It has largely remained a specialty fruit, grown by enthusiasts and in regions where its tropical origins feel at home.”