pummelo

Also known as: narinjin; pamplemousse; pomelo; pompelmous; shaddock

An evergreen shrub to 4m tall, with glossy, oval leaves to 10cm long and fragrant white flowers to 4cm across that appear throughout the year. The large, green fruits are flattened-spherical to slightly pear-shaped, and may weigh as much as 2kg. Pomelos are best grown in a cool or temperate greenhouse or conservatory and moved outside during the summer months

Scientific classification

Species: pummelo (Citrus maxima)
Genus: Citrus
Family: Rutaceae

Fruit harmful to skin with sunlight/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Toxicity: Conservatory Greenhouse · Shrubs
Plant type: 2.5-4 metres
Height: 1.5-2.5 metres
Spread: Evergreen
Foliage: Bushy
Habit: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
Season of interest: Full sun
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

pummelo pictures

Distribution of pummelo

Distribution map

Southeastern Asia

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Culture

Information to be completed

Toxicity

Fruit harmful to skin with sunlight/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling

Quick identification of pummelo

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pummelo care guide

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings
Watering: Full sun
Sunlight: 15 – 25 °C
Ideal temperature

Watering

Moderate regular watering, allowing brief slight drying between soakings

Fertilizing

Balanced perennial feed every four weeks from spring through summer

Pruning

Little pruning is needed. Remove diseased, damaged, crowded or crossing shoots and unwanted growth. Timing depends on the plant: generally late winter or early spring; plants prone to bleeding and deciduous magnolias need different timing, and deciduous azaleas and lilacs are pruned after flowering.

Propagation

Propagate by semi-ripe cuttings in summer, or layer in early spring. Sow seed at 16°C in spring

Growing

Under glass, grow in loam-based potting compost (JI No. 2) in full light, with shade from hot sun. In growth, water freely, mist daily and apply a balanced liquid every 2-3 weeks; water sparingly in winter. See citrus cultivation for further information

More growing and care information →