Citron
Citrus medica · Rutaceae
📷 Johann Werfring · CC BY-SA 3.0
⚠️ La pulpe mûre est comestible. Feuilles, tiges, écorce et peau du fruit contiennent des huiles essentielles et psoralènes pouvant causer troubles digestifs ou irritation chez chiens et chats.
The gardener's calendar
In autumn, ease off feeding and take the chance to clean up around citron and prepare for winter.
ID card
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Type
- Fruit tree
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Flowering
- April to May
- Adult height
- 5 to 6 meters
- Hardiness
- Frost-sensitive, warm temperate to subtropical climate
- Origin
- Southeast Asia (India, Malaysia)
- Growth
- Moderate to slow
✓ Taxonomy verifiedSource: AI estimate · hardiness: reliability high.
Expert tips
The key tip
Citrus medica in the ground needs very well-drained, slightly acidic soil. In cold climates, grow it in a pot (80-120 cm) and bring it indoors for winter.
The common mistake
Watering it wrong: too much in winter, not enough in summer.
The pro's trick
A light foliage spray early in the morning (March-April and August-September) boosts fruiting.
Care
Exposure
The citron tree requires full sun exposure for optimal fruiting and flowering. Install it in a bright location, sheltered from strong winds. In cold regions, grow it in a pot to bring indoors to a greenhouse or conservatory in winter.
Watering
Water regularly during the growing season (spring-summer) keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Gradually reduce watering in autumn and winter. Preferably use non-limey water.
Soil
Prefer well-draining soil, slightly acidic to neutral, enriched with organic matter. A mix of potting soil, garden soil and coarse sand works well. Good drainage is essential to prevent root rot.
Fertilizing
Fertilize monthly from April to September with a balanced fertilizer or one specific to citrus. Reduce or stop feeding in winter. Supplement with trace elements if leaves become chlorotic.
Pruning and maintenance
Prune lightly after flowering to maintain a nice shape. Remove dead or poorly oriented branches. Regularly clean the foliage to limit pest attacks.
Diseases and pests
Watch for spider mites, scale insects and aphids, especially indoors. Hygrometric fluctuations favor these attacks. Good ventilation and preventive treatments reduce risks.
Did you know?
The citron, an ancient citrus fruit originating from the Indian subcontinent, is one of the three parent species of all modern citrus fruits. In the Mediterranean, its bright yellow zest was prized since Antiquity for perfuming homes and repelling insects. The Romans considered the citron tree a symbol of wealth and cultivated it in their prestigious gardens.
Where to buy it
Best planted in autumn so the roots settle in before summer, or in early spring once the frost has passed. Pick a plant with healthy foliage and roots that are not exposed. Best time: March, October, November.
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Tips generated and checked by Viridia — adapt them to your local climate.