Buddha's Hand Tree
Description
About Buddha’s Hand Citrus Tree
A fragrant beauty with unique fruit! Experience the captivating allure of the Buddha’s Hand Citrus Tree, an extraordinary compact citrus tree celebrated for its finger-like fruit and delightful lemon fragrance. Each fruit, resembling human hands, offers a visually stunning display and emits a soothing aroma that freshens the air, making it a prized addition to any garden or indoor space.
Renowned for its distinctively shaped fruit and delicate lemon scent, the Buddha’s Hand Citron is cherished in China and Japan for its ornamental and culinary value. Its yellow rind, rich in essential oils, exudes a fragrance reminiscent of violets or osmanthus, creating a sensory delight in any setting. While the fruit contains no pulp, its zest is prized for flavoring various dishes, desserts, and beverages. Symbolizing happiness and long life, Buddha’s Hand holds cultural significance and is often used in traditional rituals and celebrations.
Growing Buddha’s Hand
To grow Buddha’s Hand, provide full sun exposure and well-drained soil rich in organic matter. With its self-fertile nature, this citrus tree requires minimal maintenance and is adaptable to container growth or outdoor planting. Protect the tree from frost by providing adequate shelter or bringing it indoors during cold spells. Buddha’s Hand is winter hardy to USDA Zones 10-11 but makes an excellent house plant in cooler regions. Prune to maintain a manageable size and enhance fruit production.
Embrace the allure of the Buddha’s Hand Citrus Tree, a versatile and visually captivating addition to any landscape or indoor space. With its unique fruit and aromatic fragrance, it offers a sensory experience like no other, inviting joy and tranquility into your home or garden.
Citrus medica 'sarcodactylis'
Survival Guaranteed!
Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.
Characteristics
| Bloom Color | Purple, White |
| Fruit Color | Yellow |
| Hardiness Zone Range | 2 - 11, Outdoor Planting: 9 - 11 |
| Pollination | Self-Pollinating |
| Shade/Sun | Full Sun |
| Soil Composition | Loamy |
| Soil Moisture | Well Drained |
| Soil pH Level | 5.5 - 6.5 |
| Years to Bear | 1 - 3 |
Size & Spacing
Mature Size
Recommended Spacing
Zone Compatibility
Pollination
This variety is self pollinating.
Tools & Supplies
Planting & Care
Learn all about how to grow citrus trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.
Shipping Information
Arrives when it's time to plant
Questions & Answers
THE CANDIED FRUITS ARE ADDICTIVELY DELICIOUS
South and East Asia also chia and Japan. It is used in Ceremonies and also for cooking
When I lived in South FL I planted a Stark Buddha's Hand in my yard, next to bananas, plumeria, citrus, all tropical. Amazingly most Stark plants matured within a year! I had banana bunches, lemons, PAPAYA-MY FAVORITE! BUDDA'S HAND produced a LARGE fruit also within a year. GREAT for grating rind on salmon,, drinks, etc. Better, more sour than my Meyer lemons or limes. And what a conversation fruit, even in S. FL where citrus is grown! Now in IL, I tried another Budda (potted, am in Zone 6b). It died days after May delivery. Lesson: SO EASY to grow tropicals outside in Zones 8-9, but be cautious using potted, indoor method for colder zones. Yes, potted method can work, esp. using new LED grow lights during winter when potted tropicals are inside. But other imp. variables must be considered (e.g., humidity, temp., soil in pot, watering, pot drainage, citrus fertilizer, PH, etc. AMPLE LIGHT A MUST! Read Stark citrus growing books, web site notes. Best Tip: Move to S. FL! Wish I could return. But inside, potted method can be successful with adequate attention to details. Good Luck!
Pollinating a Buddha’s Hand citron tree by hand is often necessary, especially if bees aren’t doing the job. Here’s how to do it effectively:
Step-by-Step Guide to Hand Pollination
Identify Male and Female Parts (They’re on the same flower):
Stamens (male): The yellow-tipped filaments in the center of the flower produce pollen.
Pistil (female): The single central structure with a sticky tip (the stigma) is what you’ll pollinate.
Collect the Pollen:
Use a small, soft paintbrush, cotton swab, or even your fingertip.
Gently brush the anthers (yellow tips of stamens) to collect the yellow pollen.
Apply the Pollen to the Stigma:
Lightly touch the stigma with the collected pollen. The stigma is most receptive when it looks moist or sticky.
Try to do this in the morning when the flowers are freshest.
Repeat Daily:
For best results, repeat this for a few days while the flower is open.
If the baby fruitlets fall off, it could be due to:
Lack of successful pollination.
Temperature stress (too cold or too hot).
Tree stress (under- or over-watering, or lack of nutrients).
Natural thinning—citrus trees often drop some fruit early to conserve energy.
I really love them, they have a similar flavor to yuzu
When your tree matures, it will be approximately 8 - 15' tall x 6 - 12' wide.
We appreciate you reaching out to us. You can find the years-to-bear information in the Characteristics section, near the top of the page, underneath the description. This tree takes 1-3 years to bear.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
We appreciate you reaching out to us. You can find the years-to-bear information in the Characteristics section, near the top of the page, underneath the description. This tree takes 1-3 years to bear. This ships in a quart pot so it will be about 6-10 inches.
If you have any further questions please don't hesitate to reach back out to us. Have a great day!
Customer Reviews
I will update this review after the winter or if edit of the first review is not possible then I'll write another one on cold hardiness of my buddha's hand plant.
Always thought these looked very unusual
teenager fell in love with it
Looks interesting !
Looked very interesting and at this price something to take a chance on.