Citrus Buddha's Hand Citron Tree

Citrus Buddha's Hand Citron Tree is a semi-dwarf cultivar that is valued not only for fruit production but also for ornamental purposes and can fit beautifully into an edible landscape. The tree blooms mainly in spring and fall, with sporadic blooms throughout the year. The pretty waxy white blossoms, often flushed pinkish purple, have 20 to 30 center stamens and a delicate citrus scent. Fruits follow the flowers. The main harvest is from late fall into winter (November to January in S. Florida, California, and Hawaii), with small amounts of fruit appearing throughout the year. Buddha's Hand was named for its unique 6- to 10-inch-long fruits that turn bright yellow to orange yellow, become highly fragrant, and separate into finger-like segments as they ripen to resemble a human hand. The hard outer rind (peel) has an intense lemony flavor and can be candied or grated for an excellent zest to flavor food and beverages. The finger-like projections have an inner white pith but no juice or pulp.

Grown in the garden, Citrus Buddha's Hand Citron Tree can reach up to between 10 to 15 feet tall at full maturity. Grown in a container, the tree will be much smaller. But it can be pruned to maintain any desired size and shape, in garden or container. And in cooler climates, this citrus tree can be grown in a container and moved indoors during winter, if ample sunlight is provided. Although a container grown tree will not reach its full growth potential, it will still flower and set full-sized fruits.

A native of northwestern India, Citrus Buddha's Hand Citron Tree, a broadleaf evergreen (Zones 10-11), is a small shrubby tree with an open habit of thorny stems and aromatic leaves. New spring foliage emerges with a purplish cast before turning green. It makes a nice small shade tree and can be trained as an espalier or bonsai. But it's an excellent accent or specimen.

Citrus Buddha's Hand Citron Tree requires at least 8 hours of full sun a day and grows best in deep, evenly moist, well-draining, sandy loams. The tree is particularly sensitive to cold and should be planted in a warm, sheltered location outside. Protect the plant when temperatures fall below 32°F. If container grown, the plant should be brought inside at the first sign of frost and placed in a location with plenty of bright sunshine. It should not be kept too warm, however, because cooler winter temperatures encourage flowering. The tree is self-pollinating and will bear fruit without any pollen from other varieties.

Citrus trees will ship at the appropriate planting time based on your growing zone. Citrus trees do not ship in December or January.