Citron
Citrus medica
Rutaceae, Rue Family
And ye shall take you on the first day the boughs of goodly trees, branches of palm trees, and the boughs of thick trees, and willows of the brook; and ye shall rejoice before the Lord your God seven days.
Leviticus 23:40 KJV
Find citron in NIV God's Word for Gardeners Bible featured near Leviticus 23:40 & as part of the Garden Stories section, devotions on Sun & Shade, page a-43
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
2 Peter 1:3 NIV
Cultural Information
| Type | Edible Tree, hardy to Zone 10 |
| Height | 4 to 10 feet |
| Soil | moist, warm, rich, well-draining |
| Exposure | full sun |
| Leaves | evergreen, roughly teardrop shape, deeper green, fragrant, approximately 3-4 inches long |
| Flowers | clustered, creamy white with tinge of pinkish-purple, profusely fragrant |
| Fruit | lemon-like yet larger size, warty rind nearly 1/2 thick, generally oval yet fruits not uniform in shape, diameter, or color, ranging from sunny yellow to variegated lime green, lemony scented rind with camphor-like undertones, most aromatic when zested |
Planting Tips
- most of us will grow citron in pots, makes a good houseplant
- grows in a variety of soil types; maintain good aeration
- start citron from seed, seedling or graft to an existing citrus tree
- trim away lower branches as desired to form a tree standard
- otherwise, needs no pruning to stimulate fruit production
- keep citron trees both well-watered yet free from standing water
- trees will have flowers and fruit simultaneously, though generally fruit crop is heavier in winter
- follow general growing guidelines for other citrus species and varieties
Garden to Table
- citron’s compelling aroma is in the oil of its rind, released when grated or zested
- use zest to add a lemony-mystery to drinks, jellies, jams & marmalades, and other savory dishes calling for lemon flavor
- growing a potted citron tree is our best recommendation, to enjoy the pleasure of fragrant leaves, flowers and fruit all together
- remember citron was the one and only citrus tree in Holy Land cultivation during Biblical times; in today’s world, the citrus market is abundant with plentiful and less costly varieties
More Research
See Blog Posts on CitronCitron’s place in the Festival of Tabernacles celebration is a bright reminder of God’s protection and shelter of the Israelites in the sun-scorched Sinai Desert along their journey from Egypt to the land sworn to their ancestors. At this festival, the people rejoice that God’s mercy watches over our need for temporary shelter, protecting us until we reach our permanent, eternal home. In our full range of exposures, from sunrise to sunset, bright sun to restful shade, earth to eternity, he has given us everything we need for a godly — and “goodly” — life (2 Peter 1:3).
-from the NIV God's Word for Gardeners Bible
His divine power has given us everything we need for a godly life through our knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness.
2 Peter 1:3 NIV
Photo Credits
© 2015 Whiskybottle | Dreamstime.com - Citron Fruit on bush
© 2015 Shelley S. Cramm A pair of citron, Citrus medica, catch sunlight on a bed of willow leaves
© 2015 Shelley S. Cramm Citrons, also known as Etrog, among the citrus for sale at Central Market in Southlake, Texas
