Buddha's Hand Citron Tree

About the Buddha's Hand Citron Tree

Buddha's hand is a variety of citron whose fruit splits into long, curling yellow fingers, like a hand raised in blessing. There is almost no pulp or juice: the whole fruit is fragrant rind and sweet, non-bitter pith. Grate the zest into desserts, marinades and cocktails, candy it, infuse it in spirits, or simply place one in a bowl to scent a room for days. In parts of Asia it is a traditional temple and New Year offering. The small, shrubby tree also has pretty purple-tinged flowers. Grown on our farms in Yucatán and Chiapas and shipped via DHL.

How to Care for It

Grow in full sun in light, well-drained soil or a citrus potting mix. Water deeply when the top layer is dry; avoid waterlogging. Feed with citrus fertiliser three or four times a year. Like other citrons, it is sensitive to frost and needs protection on cold nights. Prune lightly after harvest to open the canopy, and watch for thorns.

Grow fruit most people have never tasted. Our exotic fruit trees, from Monthong durian and Emperor lychee to jaboticaba, achachairú and red finger lime, are raised on our farms in Yucatán and Chiapas and shipped by DHL across Mexico. Most love heat and humidity; several do beautifully in large pots.

Growing Profile

Botanical name

Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis

Family

Rutaceae

Native to

Northeast India and China

Mature height

2–4 m

Plant spacing

3 m

Years to first fruit

2–3 years

Light

Full sun

Water

Moderate

Cold tolerance

down to -1 °C

Best climates

Subtropical, Humid tropics, Dry tropics, Mild highlands

Grows in a pot

Yes

Ships from

Our farms in Yucatán & Chiapas