Name: Buddha’s Hand Citron Tree | Fragrant Fingered Citrus
Price: 69.99 USD
Availability: OutOfStock

Description

Buddha’s Hand is one of the most distinctive citrus trees you can grow, producing dramatic fingered fruit unlike anything else in the orchard. Long prized in Asia for its fragrance and symbolism, this citron is equally appreciated today for both its ornamental beauty and culinary uses.

The fruit contains little to no juice and is grown almost entirely for its intensely aromatic peel. The fragrance is sweet, floral, and lemon-like—without bitterness—making it exceptional for zest, candying, infusions, and baking. When mature, a single fruit can perfume an entire room.

The tree itself is attractive and upright, with glossy foliage and fragrant blossoms. Whether grown in the ground in mild climates or in containers elsewhere, Buddha’s Hand offers a rare combination of beauty, aroma, and usefulness.

Overview

Extraordinarily fragrant citron with fingered fruit.
Grown for peel and aroma; contains little to no juice.
Equally valued as an ornamental and culinary citrus.
Large, showy fruit with strong visual appeal.
Self-fertile.

Growing Details

Latin Name: Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis
Site and Soil: Full sun; well-drained soil
Rootstock: 1-gallon trees on Flying Dragon; larger sizes on C-35
Hardiness: Frost sensitive; mature trees may tolerate brief dips to approximately 30°F with protection
Bearing Age: Often fruits immediately; grafted trees may produce in their first season
Size at Maturity:
• Flying Dragon: Typically 6–8 ft tall and wide
• C-35: Typically 10–12 ft tall and wide
Note: Trees grown in containers remain smaller and are easily maintained with pruning.
Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
Ripening Time: Fall to winter
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile
Pests & Diseases: Similar to other citrus; good airflow and drainage reduce issues

Additional Notes

Grower’s Insight: Buddha’s Hand is one of those citrus that earns its place even if you never juice it—the fragrance alone makes it unforgettable.
Regional Insight: Best suited to mild-winter regions; container growing is ideal in cooler climates where winter protection is needed.
Use note: The peel can be zested, candied, or infused whole into spirits and syrups.

Planting & Care

At a Glance – Buddha’s Hand Citron

Sun: 3/4 day to full day of sun
Soil: Well-drained soil
Soil pH: Performs best between 5.5–6.5
Water: Moderate; consistent during establishment
Tree Size: Compact to medium, manageable with pruning
Pollination: Self-fertile
Harvest: Fall to winter
Hardiness: Brief dips to ~30°F once established

Planting & Care – Buddha’s Hand Citron

Site Selection

Choose a sunny, warm location to maximize growth, fragrance, and fruit quality.
A sheltered microclimate improves cold performance and fruit finish.
Good air movement helps maintain healthy foliage.

Soil Preparation (In-Ground vs Container)

In-ground: Excellent drainage is essential. If soil holds water, plant on a mound or raised bed.
In-ground: Slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5) supports nutrient uptake and healthy growth.
Container: Use a fast-draining citrus mix in a pot with drainage holes.
Container: Container growing makes winter protection simple and reliable.

Planting Instructions

Dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball, or select a container just larger than the root mass.
Set the tree so the root flare sits at or slightly above finished soil or potting mix.
Backfill gently and water thoroughly to settle the tree.
Mulch lightly for in-ground plantings, keeping mulch away from the trunk.

Watering (In-Ground vs Container)

In-ground, establishment: Keep soil evenly moist while roots establish, allowing the surface to dry slightly between waterings.
In-ground, established: Deep, periodic watering encourages strong root development.
Simple check: If soil feels dry 3–6″ below the surface, it’s time to water.
Container: Water thoroughly, then allow the top couple inches of mix to dry before watering again.
Goal: A steady wet-to-dry rhythm supports healthy roots and growth.

Fertilizing

Citrus are heavy feeders, and Buddha’s Hand responds well to steady nutrition.
Simple approach: Apply a slow-release citrus fertilizer in early spring and again in early summer.
In-ground trees: Slow-release feeding supports balanced growth and fruit development.
Container trees: Lighter but more frequent feeding works well due to nutrient leaching.
Optional boost: Occasional liquid feeding during active growth can enhance vigor and leaf color.
Ease off feeding later in the season to help the tree harden before cooler weather.

Cold Care

Buddha’s Hand benefits from protection during freezing temperatures.
Young trees are more sensitive and appreciate extra care.
Container trees can be moved to a protected location during cold snaps.

Pruning

Light pruning maintains shape and airflow.
Remove damaged or crossing branches as needed.

Harvest & Use

Harvest fruit when fully yellow and highly fragrant.
Use peel for zest, candying, infusions, and baking.

General Tips

Sun, drainage, and consistent feeding are the keys to success.
This tree rewards growers with both visual impact and remarkable fragrance.

Reviews

There are no reviews yet.

Be the first to review “Lemon (Buddha’s Hand)”

Lemon (Buddha’s Hand)