Citrus medica Seeds | Citron
LATIN NAME: Citrus medica
COMMON NAME: Citron
Plant Profile
A distinctive member of its genus, Citron (Citrus medica) is an evergreen tree in the citrus family. Citron is oldest of citrus fruits, and big, knobbly, thick-skinned fruit is one old trade carried across the world. It is a tree of open, sunny, well-drained ground. Plants that offer this much while asking this little are rare enough to treasure.
Science & Biotechnology
Seed science, comparative botany and horticultural selection all touch on Citrus medica, a representative of the citrus family with clear practical value. Centuries of cultivation have left a detailed record of how it grows and behaves.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Citron earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Citron is a fine, historic tree of warm garden and the pot. Citron is one of founding fruits of citrus family, and warty rind has a very long record as candied peel and aromatic essence. Once settled, it thrives on neglect more than on fussing.
Citrus gives far more than vitamin C: peel flavonoids such as hesperidin and naringin are studied for vascular health, the dried peels, Chen Pi and Qing Pi, are major Chinese digestive herbs, and citrus pectin is a standard soluble fiber ingredient.
Growing from Seed
Seed is the natural starting point for Citron, and the process is uncomplicated. Scatter the seed evenly over a loose seed compost, cover to no more than its own depth, and keep the pot moist and bright. Move strong seedlings into individual pots, keep them in good light, and set them out when the weather and their size agree.
Our Take
Citron repays a little patience at sowing time with plenty of garden presence later.
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Related Reading
Gardeners who grow Citron often pair it with these related subjects: