Citrus junos Seeds | Yuzu
LATIN NAME: Citrus junos
COMMON NAME: Yuzu, Japanese Yuzu
Plant Profile
Citrus junos, commonly known as Yuzu, is an evergreen tree. Yuzu is citrus fruit that smells like a whole garden in one peel. It grows as a small, spiny, evergreen tree, usually staying under three or four metres, with glossy dark leaves and thorny branches that make it a useful barrier as well as a fruit tree. Taken as a whole, it is a plant that repays a little attention many times over.
Science & Biotechnology
The species features in the wider study of the Citrus group, and its traits make it a useful subject for work on germination biology, cultivation and ornamental selection. Yuzu has drawn real interest in food and plant science. Breeders and collectors still work with it, so well-kept seed remains available.
Uses & Benefits
In the garden, Yuzu earns its place in borders, containers and mixed plantings, and it also rewards growers who raise plants for cutting, drying or kitchen use. Ecologically, yuzu is a good tree for a garden. Its spring flowers feed bees and other pollinators, and dense, thorny canopy gives birds shelter and nesting sites. It needs little once established and, being hardy, it can be grown in regions where other citrus fail. Once it has its roots down, it more or less looks after itself.
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
Sow fresh seed of Yuzu under ordinary good conditions. Growing yuzu from seed is a slow pleasure, and it works reliably if you are willing to wait. Seeds are plump and pale, and they benefit from a spell of cool, moist conditions before sowing, so wrap them in damp paper towel and keep them in fridge for about a month. Sow the seed evenly over the surface and cover lightly, using a loose, well-drained seed compost, and keep it just moist in bright light until the seedlings are well up. Grow the youngsters on steadily in pots until well rooted, then move them to their final positions.
Our Take
Yuzu, Japanese Yuzu earns its space through character rather than fuss. Sun and good drainage cover most of its demands.
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