Citron (incl. Buddha’s hand) Citrus medica
Citron (incl. Buddha’s hand) (Citrus medica) is an evergreen perennial fruit plant in the Rutaceae family, native to Himalayan foothills, north-east India and Myanmar. It grows 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) tall and 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) wide, wants full sun and moderate water, and is hardy to about -3 °C (27 °F). Space plants about 3 m (10 ft) apart.
Plan Citron (incl. Buddha’s hand) in your garden →
Free. Draw your beds, then watch it grow through the year in 2D and 3D.
Citron (incl. Buddha’s hand) at a glance
| Type | Perennial fruit plant, evergreen |
|---|---|
| Family | Rutaceae |
| Mature height | 2–4 m (6.6–13 ft) |
| Mature spread | 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft) |
| Spacing | 3 m (10 ft) centre to centre |
| Sun | Full sun, at least 8 h of direct sun a day |
| Water | Moderate; drought tolerance low, waterlogging tolerance none |
| Soil pH | 6–7.5 |
| Cold hardiness | About -3 °C (27 °F) once established (roughly USDA zone 9) |
| Heat stress | Likely above about 38 °C (100 °F) |
| Flowering | from about April for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones) |
| Wind tolerance | Low |
| Pollinator value | Moderate |
| Edible | Yes: thick peel (candied), zest |
| Native to | Himalayan foothills, north-east India and Myanmar |
| Common in gardens of | 🇮🇹 Italy, 🇬🇷 Greece, 🇮🇱 Israel, 🇮🇳 India, 🇨🇳 China, 🇯🇵 Japan, 🇺🇸 United States |
Is Citron (incl. Buddha’s hand) toxic?
- People: not known to be toxic
- Cats: mildly toxic
- Dogs: mildly toxic
- Parts: leaves, peel oils
Citrus oils and psoralens are listed by the ASPCA as mildly toxic to cats and dogs (vomiting, light sensitivity).
If a child or pet may have eaten part of a plant, call a poison centre or vet straight away.
Companion planting: what to grow with Citron (incl. Buddha’s hand)
No well-documented helpful pairing. Group it with plants that like full sun and moderate water.
Keep apart or take care
- caution With Sweet orange: Asian citrus psyllid spreads huanglongbing (citrus greening) between citrus and relatives such as orange jasmine (Murraya). Keep new citrus away from infected or neglected hosts. Evidence B
Questions about Citron (incl. Buddha’s hand)
- How far apart should I plant Citron (incl. Buddha’s hand)?
- About 3 m (10 ft) apart, centre to centre. A mature plant spreads 2–3 m (6.6–10 ft).
- Does Citron (incl. Buddha’s hand) need full sun?
- Full sun: at least 8 hours of direct sun a day.
- How much water does Citron (incl. Buddha’s hand) need?
- Moderate water. Drought tolerance is low and waterlogging tolerance none.
- How cold-hardy is Citron (incl. Buddha’s hand)?
- It tolerates about -3 °C (27 °F) once established, roughly USDA zone 9.
- When does Citron (incl. Buddha’s hand) flower?
- From about April for 4–9 weeks (northern hemisphere; later in cold climates, earlier in warm ones).
- Is Citron (incl. Buddha’s hand) poisonous to cats and dogs?
- For cats it is mildly toxic; for dogs mildly toxic; for people not known to be toxic. Citrus oils and psoralens are listed by the ASPCA as mildly toxic to cats and dogs (vomiting, light sensitivity).
- What grows well with Citron (incl. Buddha’s hand)?
- There is no well-documented companion pairing for Citron (incl. Buddha’s hand). Group it with plants that like the same sun (full sun) and water (moderate).
Sources and evidence
Evidence grade B (B: extension service or peer-reviewed).
- UC IPM degree-day models and pest notes, University of California
- GRIN-Global Taxonomy, USDA ARS
- ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plant List, ASPCA
Notes and assumptions
- One of the original citrus species: a huge, knobbly fruit that is almost all fragrant rind; the fingered form is Buddha’s hand. Frost-tender.
Reference values for planning, not horticultural, veterinary or medical advice. Varieties, soils and local climates differ: check with a local nursery or extension service.
Related plants
- Lemon tree (dwarf) Citrus limon
- Curry tree Murraya koenigii
- Kaffir lime Citrus hystrix
- Common rue Ruta graveolens
- Sweet orange Citrus x sinensis
- Mandarin orange Citrus reticulata
- Persian lime Citrus x latifolia
- Key lime Citrus x aurantiifolia