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Photo by Shu Suehiro

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Buddha's Hand Citron

Scientific Name: Citrus medica 'Fingered'

Also Known As

Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis
Citrus x medica 'Buddha's Hand'
Fingered Citron

Plant type

tree, shrub, fruit / vegetable

size

H: 6'-10'
W: 6'-10'

planting zones

10a-11

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Buddha's Hand Citron plant details

Buddha's Hand Citron is a broadleaf evergreen fruit / vegetable, shrub or tree with green foliage. In spring white flowers emerge followed by yellow fruit. Grows well with sun and even moisture - regular water. Does well in average, rich and well-drained soil. A good option if you're seeking something verticillium wilt resistant.

CHARACTERISTICS OF Buddha's Hand Citron

Plant type: fruit / vegetable, shrub or tree
Plant family: rutaceae
Foliage: evergreen green
Mature size: 6 FT - 10 FT - wide, 6 FT - 10 FT - tall
Flowers: white blooms in spring
Uses: fragrant, unique, winter interest

GROWING CONDITIONS for Buddha's Hand Citron

USDA Zones: 10a - 11
Sun exposure: sun
Watering frequency: even moisture - regular
Resistant to: verticillium wilt
Soil needs: average, rich and well-drained

Nursery contributed plant descriptions

This cultivar of the citron is the most exotic and unusual container fruit we grow. The oldest known citrus in cultivation, it produces a large fruit with long protruding fingers and a thick rind. The fruit is nearly absent of pulp. The rind, however, is often candied and somewhat sweet. It makes the best, most fragrant lemon zest for all types of cooking.

By: Logee's Plants for Home & Garden

This unique variety bears striking fruit with ?fingers". The thick, intensely flavorful rind of this bright orange fruit is candied like orange peel or used as a delicious seasoning.

By: Phoenix Perennials and Specialty Plants Ltd.

The citrus with strange and wonderful fruit that does, indeed, look like ancient pictures of the hand of Buddha. A charming small tree, to only 6' tall or so, with shiny, slightly serrated leaves, purplish in new growth and somewhat lumpy and rumpled looking in maturity. From early spring onward, purple blushed buds open to white, scented flowers followed, in winter, by the singularly entertaining fruit. Though without pulp or juice, the abundant oils provide lots of citrus aroma, while the outer rind is wonderful for cooking or for candied peel. Loves sun, rich soil, and moisture. Hates cold, only tolerating low temperatures in the 30s °F, USDA zone 10. So grow outside in summer and bring indoors well before the first frost. And enjoy!