How to grow Pomelo in New Zealand
Pomelo is the largest of the citrus fruits, with a thick, soft rind and sweet, mild segments, and it is one of the parents of the grapefruit. It needs a long, hot season and no frost to fruit well, so in New Zealand it is only for the warmest, most sheltered frost-free pockets of Northland and Auckland. Grow it like any other citrus.
📖 Our full guide: How to Grow Pomelo in New Zealand
At a glance
When to plant by region
| Region | When to plant | Regional note |
|---|---|---|
| Northland | September to November | |
| Auckland | September to November | |
| Waikato & Bay of Plenty | Not suited | Needs the frost free warmth of the Far North. The season here is too short and cool for it to fruit. |
| Central North Island | Not suited | Far too cold for pomelo. |
| Wellington & Lower North Island | Not suited | Too cool and windy for pomelo to fruit. It needs the frost free Far North. |
| Nelson & Marlborough | Not suited | Too cool for pomelo to fruit. It needs the frost free Far North. |
| Canterbury | Not suited | Far too cold for pomelo in Canterbury. |
| Otago & Southland | Not suited | Far too cold for pomelo. |
| Central Otago | Not suited | Far too cold for pomelo. |
Not to be confused with: Grapefruit, its offspring, which is smaller, juicier and more bitter, and copes with a cooler climate.
Where to plant
Like other citrus, pomelo needs a consistently sunny spot with shelter from cold winds and free-draining soil enriched with compost and sheep pellets. It needs more summer heat than grapefruit or lemon to ripen its big fruit, so a warm, north-facing site matters even in the north.
- Northland and Auckland: plant in the warmest, most sheltered frost-free spot you have.
- Waikato, Bay of Plenty, Wellington and Nelson: the season is too short and cool for pomelo to fruit. Grow a grapefruit instead.
- Central North Island and the South Island: far too cold for pomelo.
How to plant
- Dig in compost and sheep pellets, then add a citrus mix to the planting area.
- Soak the tree in a seaweed tonic before planting.
- Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball, loosen the roots gently and set the tree at the same level it sat in its pot.
- Stake at planting, as citrus dislike root disturbance later.
- Water well and mulch, keeping the mulch clear of the trunk.
Watering and feeding
Water well while the tree establishes, in dry spells and while fruit is developing, and more in summer. Feed with a citrus fertiliser in spring and summer; citrus need plenty of potassium and magnesium, and Epsom salts around the drip line correct the yellowing of magnesium shortage.
Pruning and care through the year
- Remove shoots from the rootstock below the graft.
- Prune only to shape the tree and remove dead or diseased wood.
- Cover young trees with frost cloth if a cold night threatens.
Harvesting
Pick when the fruit has reached full size and the rind has turned from green towards yellow, and taste one before picking the rest. Snip the stems with secateurs rather than pulling. Peel away the thick rind and the papery membrane around each segment, which is bitter, and eat the flesh fresh.
Growing in pots
In marginal spots a pomelo can be grown in a large pot of citrus mix, so it can be moved to the warmest sheltered place in winter. Water regularly and feed through spring and summer.
Companion planting
Citrus have shallow feeder roots and dislike competition, so keep the root zone mulched and clear.
Good companions
- Comfrey Grown nearby, its leaves make a potassium-rich mulch or liquid feed for citrus.
Pests and diseases
Pomelo shares the usual citrus pests. Guava moth is a particular problem in Northland and Auckland.
Pests to watch for
- Lemon tree borer Small holes in branches with sawdust-like frass, and dying twigs.
- Guava moth Small entry holes in the fruit and tunnels with caterpillar droppings.
- Leaf miner Silvery, winding trails in young leaves, which curl.
- Scale Small bumps on stems and leaves, often with sooty mould.
Diseases to watch for
- Melanose Small, dark, sandpaper-like spots on leaves and fruit.
Common questions
Can I grow pomelo in New Zealand?
Only in the warmest frost-free pockets of Northland and Auckland. It needs a long, hot season to fruit, so elsewhere grapefruit is the better choice.
What is the difference between pomelo and grapefruit?
Pomelo is one of the parents of grapefruit. It is bigger, with a much thicker rind and sweeter, milder, drier flesh. Grapefruit is juicier and more bitter, and copes better with cooler districts.
How do I eat a pomelo?
Cut into the thick rind and peel it away, then pull the segments apart and peel off the papery membrane, which is bitter. Eat the flesh fresh or in salads.
Can I grow a pomelo in a pot?
Yes, in a large pot of citrus mix. That lets you move it to the warmest spot in summer and a sheltered, frost-free place in winter.
Why are my citrus leaves yellow?
Yellowing between the veins of older leaves is often magnesium deficiency, which is common in citrus. Spread Epsom salts around the drip line and feed with a citrus fertiliser. Wet soil also yellows citrus leaves.
Sources we checked: Tui: Citrus growing guide; Waimea Nurseries: How to grow citrus.