Citron

Scientific Name: Citrus medica

Plant Family: Rutaceae

Native Region: Southeast Asia, particularly India and the foothills of the Himalayas; now cultivated in Mediterranean regions (Italy, Greece) and parts of the Americas.

Citron

Brief Description

A large, fragrant citrus fruit with a very thick, bumpy, and uneven yellow rind and a small amount of acidic pulp. It is one of the three original ancestral citrus species.

Care Instructions

Requires full sun, well-draining acidic soil, and protection from frost. Water regularly but avoid waterlogging; fertilize with a citrus-specific feed during the growing season.

Medicinal Value

We do not currently provide medicinal value for plant identifications.

Sunlight

Full sun (at least 6-8 hours of direct light daily).

Watering

Moderate; water deeply when the top inch of soil feels dry. Sensitive to over-watering which causes root rot.

Soil

Well-draining, sandy loam with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5 to 7.0).

Hardiness Zone

USDA zones 9-11; very sensitive to frost and freezing temperatures.

Growth Habit

Evergreen shrub or small tree, reaching 8-15 feet in height with irregular, thorny branches and large, leathery leaves.

Bloom Season

Year-round in warm climates, typically peaking in spring. Flowers are large, purplish on the outside, and highly fragrant.

Toxicity

Generally non-toxic to humans. Like most citrus, the essential oils in the skin and leaves can be mildly toxic to dogs, cats, and horses if ingested in large quantities, causing stomach upset or photosensitivity.

Propagation

Most commonly propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings or grafting; can also be grown from seed, though fruit quality may vary.

Common Pests & Issues

Susceptible to citrus leaf miner, scale insects, aphids, and fungal diseases like melanose or root rot in poorly drained soil.

Similar Species

Lemon (Citrus limon), which has a thinner rind and more juice; Pummelo (Citrus maxima), which is larger and rounder with more pulp.

Interesting Facts

The Citron is one of the three 'parent' species from which almost all modern citrus hybrids (like lemons and limes) are descended. The variety 'Etrog' is used in the Jewish holiday of Sukkot.

Created At: 2026-05-05T18:16:08.885083