Pomelo
Citrus maxima 'Chandler'
fruitPomelo (Citrus maxima Chandler) is the largest of all citrus fruits, with very thick rind and pith surrounding mild, sweet, only lightly tart flesh that lacks the bitterness of grapefruit, its hybrid descendant. Chandler is a UC-bred variety with pink flesh and good flavor. The tree is large and spreading, reaching up to 30 ft, evergreen, and well suited to warm, humid subtropical climates. The fruit is usually peeled and eaten segment by segment, the firm juice vesicles separating cleanly.
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Sun
full sun
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Water
Every 7 days
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Harvest
~4 yrs
to first harvest
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Difficulty
medium
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Lifecycle
perennial
Comes back every year
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Spacing
20-25 ft apart
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Planting Depth
Set at the same depth as the nursery container, keeping the graft union several inches above the soil line
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Soil pH
6.0-7.5
Growing Details
Soil Type
Sandy loam, well-drained
Hardiness Zones
Zones 9 – 12
When to Fertilize
Feed in late winter, late spring, and summer
Fertilizer
Citrus fertilizer with micronutrients
🌱 Growing Guide
Grow pomelo in full sun in well-drained sandy soil, sheltered from wind. It is hardy roughly in zones 9 to 11; mature trees tolerate brief light frost but suffer branch dieback below the mid-20s F, so protect young trees and grow it in a container in colder areas. Give it space, as it makes a large tree. Water deeply and regularly with good drainage, and fertilize as for any citrus. It is among the more frost-tender citrus, so siting in the warmest available spot pays off.
Planting Calendar
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Direct sow
Apr 15
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Projected first harvest
Sep 12 · Year 5
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MMar
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OOct
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Year 1
✅ Plant alongside
Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests
- Comfrey: A nutrient accumulator for a mineral-rich mulch under the wide canopy
- Marigold: Suppresses nematodes and attracts beneficial insects
- Nasturtium: A trap crop that draws aphids off the citrus
🛡️ Pest & disease prevention
Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts. Tap a name with an arrow for its full guide
Mines new leaves; protect tender flushes and avoid pushing excess soft growth
On new shoots; rinse off, conserve ladybugs, and manage ants
On stems and leaves; use horticultural oil and conserve natural enemies
🌾 Harvest & storage
Pomelos ripen in winter; leave them on the tree until the rind takes on a pale yellow-green to yellow color and the fruit tastes sweet, since citrus will not sweeten after picking. The big fruit holds well on the tree. Harvest by clipping the thick stem. Peel away the heavy rind and pith and separate the firm segments to eat.
🥗 Nutrition & benefits
Pomelo is high in vitamin C and low in calories, with a mild, sweet, refreshing flavor. It is eaten fresh, segment by segment, and used in salads; the thick rind can be candied.
For educational and informational purposes only. HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.