🌿 Plant Overview
Common Names: Buddha’s Hand, Fingered Citron

Botanical Name: Citrus medica var. sarcodactylis

Family: Rutaceae (Citrus family)

Origin: Likely Northeast India or China

Type: Small evergreen tree or shrub

Growth Habit: Upright, slow-growing, bushy or small tree (8–15 ft tall in the ground; smaller in containers)


🌿 Plant Characteristics
Height: 6–15 feet when mature (can be kept smaller in containers)

Growth Habit: Bushy, spreading with thorny branches

Leaves: Glossy, oblong, fragrant citrus leaves

Flowers: White to purple-tinged, highly fragrant, blooms in spring/summer

Fruit:

Resembles multiple yellow fingers extending from a central base

Highly fragrant (lemon-blossom and lavender scent)

Little to no pulp or juice, unlike conventional lemons

🌞 Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun (6–8 hours daily)

Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil with slightly acidic pH

Watering: Moderate – keep soil moist but not soggy; allow topsoil to dry slightly between watering

Temperature: Prefers warm, subtropical to tropical climates (USDA Zones 10–11)

Fertilizer: Balanced citrus fertilizer (high in nitrogen) during the growing season

🌸 Pollination & Fruit Set
Pollination: Can be self-pollinating but benefits from insect activity

Fruit Development: Fruits mature in late fall to winter

Container Growth: Can be grown in pots for indoor/outdoor gardening in colder climates

🍋 Uses of Buddha’s Hand Fruit
Culinary:

Zest for flavoring dishes, desserts, and drinks

Infused in alcohol (e.g., vodka)

Candied rind (traditional in Asian cuisine)


🍋 Fruit Characteristics
Shape: Uniquely segmented like fingers (hence “Buddha’s hand”)

Color: Bright yellow when ripe

Texture: Thick rind, no pulp or juice (mostly rind and pith)

Aroma: Intensely fragrant lemon blossom scent

Taste: The rind is aromatic but not sour like lemons — often used for zest

🌞 Growing Conditions
Light: Full sun (6–8 hours/day)

Soil: Well-drained, loamy soil with neutral to slightly acidic pH

Watering: Regular, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings; avoid overwatering

Temperature: Prefers warm climates (USDA zones 10–11); sensitive to frost

Humidity: Moderate; avoid overly dry conditions indoors

🪴 Container Growing Tips
Use a large container with drainage holes

Choose citrus-specific soil or well-draining potting mix

Prune to maintain shape and encourage airflow

Fertilize monthly during growing season with citrus fertilizer