Star Ruby Grapefruit

Star Ruby arose from the Texas A&I University Citrus Center program that irradiated thousands of Hudson grapefruit seeds in 1959, primarily to reduce seediness. A 2004 review reports that Star Ruby was selected and released in 1970; UCR records receiving budwood from the Indio station in 1977.^⁠[2]⁠[1]

At Riverside, UCR describes Star Ruby as very dark pink, juicy, low-seeded or seedless, with smooth yellow skin; flesh color may fade late in the season. The collection lists a February–June ripening window at Riverside.^⁠[1]

Growing experience varies by region and material. UCR’s cultivar account reports comparatively low vigor and greater sensitivity to cold. An Australian fact sheet revised in 2002 describes difficult establishment, especially in replant sites, with long-term Australian yield then unknown. A South African seed-derived selection is described as compact and virtually seedless, though its account says it may differ from Texas Star Ruby.^{⁠[1]⁠[3]⁠[4]}