Buddhas hand citron with bright yellow finger-like fruit hanging among large light green leaves

Buddha’s Hand Citrus

Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis
Categories:
Citrus  ·  
Specialty Citrus
Light
Full sun (afternoon shade in low desert)
Water
Water deeply, then allow the upper 2–3 inches of soil to dry before watering again. Increase frequency during extreme summer heat and reduce in winter; never leave roots waterlogged. Containers need more frequent checks.
Size
6-10 ft tall × 4-8 ft wide
Habit
Upright shrub
Toxicity
Toxic — Pets & Humans
Description
An unusual citron bearing intensely fragrant, yellow fruit divided into fingerlike segments. The thick rind and pith are edible, with little to no pulp or juice.
Bloom Time
Spring
Deciduous / Evergreen
Evergreen
Special Features
Architectural Form, Fragrant
Growth Rate
Moderate
Growth Habit
Upright shrub
Mature Size
6-10 ft tall × 4-8 ft wide
Flower Color
White
Foliage Color
Green
Landscape Use
Container / Patio, Edible / Orchard, Specimen / Accent
Garden Style
Edible Garden
Soil
Prefers Acidic, Well-Drained
Companion Plants
Cool-season calendula, Garlic chives, Society garlic
Toxic — Pets & Humans
Toxic to pets (mild GI upset); fruit edible for humans
Care Instructions

Light: Morning sun with afternoon shade is ideal in Phoenix. Protect foliage, fruit, and exposed bark from intense western sun.

Water: Water deeply, then allow the upper 2–3 inches of soil to dry before watering again. Increase frequency during extreme summer heat and reduce in winter; never leave roots waterlogged. Containers need more frequent checks.

Soil: Well-drained soil; slightly acidic conditions are preferred. Phoenix’s alkaline soils may require nutrient management. For containers, use a well-draining citrus potting mix.

Mature size: Typically 8–15 feet tall and 6–10 feet wide in the ground; smaller with container culture, dwarfing rootstock, or pruning.

Bloom: Primarily spring, with additional flowering possible during warm weather. Fruit generally ripens in fall and winter.

Evergreen / deciduous: Evergreen.

Growth rate: Moderate under warm conditions with adequate water and nutrition.