Citrus medica, Citrus reticulata and Citrus maxima also available.

Want rare and unusual seeds? Then check out the full range on our Etsy shop.
--------------------------------------------------------------------

The Buddha's hand citrus - Citrus medica is an unusually shaped citron variety whose fruit is segmented into finger-like sections, resembling those seen on representations of the Buddha.

The different cultivars and variations of this citron variety form a gradient from "open-hand" types with outward-splayed segments to "closed-hand" types, in which the fingers are kept together. There are also half-fingered fruits, in which the basal side is united and the apical side fingered. The origin of this kind of citron is commonly traced back to South or East Asia, probably northeastern India or China, where most domesticated citrus fruits originate.

Soak Citrus medica seeds for a couple of hours or so before planting them into 2-3 inch pots. Only sow one seed per pot using a good quality, free draining soil based compost such as John Innes seed or No 1, then water in.

If you can, place the pots into a heated propagator at a temperature of 30 degrees Celsius, otherwise transfer them to a warm, bright position such as a kitchen windowsill. Water periodically so that the compost doesn't dry out, but make sure that the compost is never left waterlogged either.

Germination should occur any time from 4 – 6 weeks. However there is no need for concern if it takes longer as citrus seeds have been known to take several months before they germinate.

The newly emerged seedlings can be left in their pots for a further 3 – 6 months depending on how they develop but once they get to about 4 or 5 inches they can be potted on to the next size pot using a John Innes ericaceous mix or No 2 potting compost. So long as there are no frosts predicted the young orange plants can be put outside to harden off over the next two to three weeks.