A member of the citrus family, buddha’s
hand produces an interesting oddity of a fruit. While the pulp is
edible when extracted, the primary appeal of the fruit is the fragrance. The
powerful and pleasant smell adds an unusual, citrusy scent to the holiday
dining area or wherever you might choose to locate it. Also called fingered
citron, buddha’s hand is often candied and used in desserts or a sweet trail
mix. Zest from the rind is a favorite of some chefs. The fruit is shaped like a
hand with fingers, in most cases. The hand may be open or closed into a fist.
Aside from those great reasons to grow the plant, this tree displays beautiful, showy blooms. Sometimes, for growers, you may experience buddha’s hand dropping flowers. Let’s see how to best go about avoiding buddha’s hand losing flowers.
How to Avoid No Flowers on Buddha’s Hand
If you grow the Buddha’s hand among your other citrus
trees, you’ll expect the blooms in spring on most of them before the
fruits appear. You have a valid concern when there are no flowers on buddha’s
hand. Encouraging blooms on your tree begins long before it is time for
flowers.
When purchasing a buddha’s hand tree, look for one that is grafted. A grafted tree is more likely to flower early. The blooms on this specimen are twice the size of most citrus blooms, making the evergreen even more attractive. It is sturdy and attractive, growing in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11. Plant the tree in the right location with full sun and protection from the wind.
Appropriate fertilization encourages the biggest and
showiest blooms, which then become the healthiest of fruit. Fertilization when
buds are visible discourages premature buddha’s hand flower drop. Use citrus-specific
fertilizer, or feed with a 10-10-10 product. Feed every six weeks
for young trees. Increase the amount of food and time between feedings as the
tree matures.
If you’re just planting your buddha’s hand tree into the
ground, work in a generous amount of organic and well-composted material as you
prepare the planting hole. You may include pelleted, slow release fertilizer
instead of feeding in stages.
Other info about how to avoid blooms falling off buddha’s
hand includes high humidity, which is said to encourage fruit growth, so it
stands to reason that flowers prefer it as well. If your humidity is low, try
placing buckets of water discreetly under the tree. If you’re growing buddha’s
hand in a container, place it on a pebble tray filled with water.
Nighttime darkness also contributes to proper flowering, so
turn off those porch lights. You may cover the plant with a dark tarp at night,
a few weeks before flowering is expected if you’re serious about getting the
most abundant blooms.
A member of the citrus family, buddha’s
hand produces an interesting oddity of a fruit. While the pulp is
edible when extracted, the primary appeal of the fruit is the fragrance. The
powerful and pleasant smell adds an unusual, citrusy scent to the holiday
dining area or wherever you might choose to locate it. Also called fingered
citron, buddha’s hand is often candied and used in desserts or a sweet trail
mix. Zest from the rind is a favorite of some chefs. The fruit is shaped like a
hand with fingers, in most cases. The hand may be open or closed into a fist.
Aside from those great reasons to grow the plant, this tree displays beautiful, showy blooms. Sometimes, for growers, you may experience buddha’s hand dropping flowers. Let’s see how to best go about avoiding buddha’s hand losing flowers.
How to Avoid No Flowers on Buddha’s Hand
If you grow the Buddha’s hand among your other citrus
trees, you’ll expect the blooms in spring on most of them before the
fruits appear. You have a valid concern when there are no flowers on buddha’s
hand. Encouraging blooms on your tree begins long before it is time for
flowers.
When purchasing a buddha’s hand tree, look for one that is grafted. A grafted tree is more likely to flower early. The blooms on this specimen are twice the size of most citrus blooms, making the evergreen even more attractive. It is sturdy and attractive, growing in USDA hardiness zones 8 to 11. Plant the tree in the right location with full sun and protection from the wind.
Appropriate fertilization encourages the biggest and
showiest blooms, which then become the healthiest of fruit. Fertilization when
buds are visible discourages premature buddha’s hand flower drop. Use citrus-specific
fertilizer, or feed with a 10-10-10 product. Feed every six weeks
for young trees. Increase the amount of food and time between feedings as the
tree matures.
If you’re just planting your buddha’s hand tree into the
ground, work in a generous amount of organic and well-composted material as you
prepare the planting hole. You may include pelleted, slow release fertilizer
instead of feeding in stages.
Other info about how to avoid blooms falling off buddha’s
hand includes high humidity, which is said to encourage fruit growth, so it
stands to reason that flowers prefer it as well. If your humidity is low, try
placing buckets of water discreetly under the tree. If you’re growing buddha’s
hand in a container, place it on a pebble tray filled with water.
Nighttime darkness also contributes to proper flowering, so
turn off those porch lights. You may cover the plant with a dark tarp at night,
a few weeks before flowering is expected if you’re serious about getting the
most abundant blooms.