Honey Pomelo seedlings

[Florian]

These are usually seedless but this winter I had a fruit that was full of large, flat seeds. I sowed them and they took their time but many germinated.

Now, I am wondering what to do.. I know pomelos do not come true from seed and our climate is much too cold to plant them in the ground but I'd still like to give them a try for the sake of it.

How long would they take to flower anyway? Any suggestions are welcome.

[SoCal2warm]

I know pomelos do not come true from seed

That's true but most of them will probably grow "pretty much true to seed", not too different from the parents.

and our climate is much too cold to plant them in the ground but I'd still like to give them a try for the sake of it.

You could always try growing them inside (taking them in during the Winter) and then eventually trying to hybridize them with a really cold-hardy variety.

Pomelo is pretty vigorous growing. I would suggest putting them on a root stock though, maybe citrumelo (otherwise it could take a long time to fruit).

[brian]

From what I’ve read it should take many years to get fruit from a containerized citrus seedling in Switzerland, unfortunately

[Millet]

Pummelo, in Switzerland would take at a minimum of 10+ years.  Also pummelos require a year around climate with high heat and plenty of sunshine to develop good tasting fruit, which will be very difficult in your area.

[Laaz]

Pomelo do not come true from seed & also require a large node count before they will flower. In ground they will take 5+ years in perfect conditions. In a container they will never flower or produce fruit, that's just the nature of the variety.

[Florian]

That's about what I expected but you will have guessed that it won't stop me from trying. Thanks a lot anyway.

[Millet]

The best of luck with your pummelo seedling Florian.

[Laaz]

I will still make a nice house plant. Try crushing a leave, it should have a decent scent to it. Lemons are the best when you crush the leaves as far as scent goes.

[Florian]

Ooh, yes, I love the smell of crushed lemon leaves. This actually is what got me hooked on citrus. Combava leaves are great too.