Position
Plant your pomelo tree in full sun, where it will get 8 to 12 hours of sunlight daily. If you live in a region with mild winter frost (-1°C to -2°C), then opt to grow lemons, navel oranges, naartjie varieties (satsumas), clementines and mandarin hybrids, limes and kumquats.
Size
Most pomelo trees reach a mature height of between 6 and 13 metres.
Soil Type
Pomelo trees require slightly acidic soil with a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5. Ensure that you have good drainage.
If you plan to grow your pomelo tree in a 50 x 50 x 50 centimetre pot, use a whole bag of our volcanic rock dust with a mixture of compost and potting soil. Place stones on the bottom of your pot for good drainage. The plants will thrive in a container as long as they receive enough sunlight and are protected from freezing winter weather.
Volcanic rock dust re-mineralises your soil for better growth and fruit production.
If you’re planting your pomelo tree in the ground, dig a hole at least 50 centimetres wide and 50 centimetres deep. If the soil is loamy (not clay), mix it with a bag of our volcanic rock dust.
Watering
Water this tree regularly to keep the soil moist at all times, particularly when they are flowering and setting fruit. Ensure the soil never dries out completely for the rest of the year.
Mulching
Add a thick layer of pine bark mulch, keeping it about 20 to 30 centimetres away from the tree trunk (any closer may cause excess moisture and damage the trunk). This will retain the moisture in the soil and will prevent weeds from taking over.
Fertilising
Pomelo trees need a high nitrogen fertiliser added through the winter to spring. Apply a little Epsom salts to the drip line of the tree (where the leaves extend their reach) if the leaves are yellowing. Utilising our slow-release fertiliser is a must for citrus; even though it is called berry fertiliser it is for all plants/trees.
Pruning
A good time to prune your citrus tree is once it has stopped fruiting. Remove branches in the middle of the tree to thin it out as this will aid in pest and disease control. Prune the tree to your desired height to enable easier harvest. During the year, cut away branches that cross over one another and remove any tangled leaves, twigs and branches to enable vertical growth.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids, citrus psylla, red scale, citrus greening. Spraying regularly with Agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control ) will assist in either prevention or after the fact. If you already have aphids or mites, wash the tree with a harsh hosing, and when dry, spray with Neem oil or EM Control.
Practice good garden hygiene (remove fallen fruit and leaves).
Watch for root rot (if overwatered) and fungal infections during wet periods.
Harvesting
Pomelos are ready to be picked when at least half of the skin has changed colour.
