Citron Tree (Limón Sidra)

About the Citron Tree (Limón Sidra)

Citron is one of the original citrus species, an ancestor of the lemon and lime. It forms a shrubby small tree with large leaves and purple-tinged blossoms, and bears big, heavy, bumpy fruit with a very thick, fragrant rind and little juice. The rind is the treasure: it is candied for cakes, panettone and traditional sweets, and used to perfume rooms and drinks. A plant with real presence, it is supplied as a large plant and grows well in warm Mexican gardens or a big container. Grown on our farms in Yucatán and Chiapas and shipped via DHL.

How to Care for It

Plant in full sun in well-drained soil; citrus roots rot in soggy ground. Water deeply, then let the top layer dry before watering again. Feed with a citrus fertiliser with micronutrients three or four times a year. Citron is one of the most cold-sensitive citrus, so protect it from frost. Prune after fruiting to remove crossing branches and support heavy fruit if needed.

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

Family

Rutaceae

Native to

Northeast India and Southeast Asia

Mature height

2–4 m

Plant spacing

4 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