This healthy seedling, named 'Aunt Queenie' was sown in 1948 and kept in a pot until 1990, when the original owner died. It is now growing in the Chelsea Physic Garden, London, and has fruited regularly since 1998. Yes, it is in the corner of a sheltered walled garden, but it's about 600 miles north of the nearest citrus growing area! That's further north than any part of the USA except Alaska. Does anyone know of a fruiting grapefruit plant - or any true citrus - growing further North than this one,  unprotected and unheated outside? If you do, then please E-mail me! [Only one claim so far, see bottom of this page.]

There must be thousands of properties in London with equally sheltered positions in their gardens. If you own one why not try growing some citrus outside?

A reader of this page kindly sent me these pictures of 'Queenie' taken in Winter. The ripe, yellow grapefruit are clearly visible.

updated 17th August 2002

I recently received this e-mail:

We have a grapefruit tree growing in our garden at Porlock, Somerset. It was grown from seed about 20 years ago and is now approximately 9 feet high and wide. Flowers and fruit have been produced for the last 4 or 5 years.  However, the fruit have not yet achieved full grapefruit size, they split and fall when about as big as an apple. Perhaps the tree is still immature this might be due to the fact that it remains in its large pot that has been half buried for support. Is this one much further north that 'Aunt Queenie'? Just a bit. Geoff

However, according to my map-reading, Porlock is about 20 miles south of Chelsea, so I think 'Aunt Queenie' is still just  winning in the most northerly stakes!