How to Propagate Citron?

(Citrus medica)

Citron, also known as Buddha's hand

Citron is commonly propagated through grafting, a method that provides genetic uniformity and vigorous growth. For successful grafting, choose healthy rootstocks of closely related citrus varieties to ensure compatibility and adhesion. Use sharp tools to make precise cuts for the scion and rootstock, and bind them securely to promote healing and establish a strong union. Careful hygiene and follow-up care increase the chances of successful propagation, including keeping the graft site moist and protected until establishment.

What Is the Best Time To Propagate Citron?

Propagation Type

Grafting

Propagation Season

Spring,Winter

The optimal time for propagating citron using grafting is during late winter to early spring. This period leverages the start of the growth season when temperatures are mild and lighting gradually increases, promoting better graft unions and root establishment. These conditions stimulate active growth ensuring higher survival and success rates in propagation.

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What Tools Are Used in Citron Propagation?

Grafting Knife

A sharp grafting knife is essential for making precise cuts on citron during the grafting process. This tool allows for clean incisions on the scion and rootstock, which is crucial for successful tissue alignment and fusion. The sharpness of the knife ensures minimal damage to the plant tissues, enhancing the chances of a successful graft.

Pruning Shears

Pruning shears are used to trim citron prior to grafting, preparing both the scion and rootstock by removing excess foliage and shaping the branches to be grafted. Good quality shears that provide clean cuts are vital to prevent crushing or tearing plant tissues, which can significantly impact the healing process and graft success.

Grafting Tape

Grafting tape is used to securely hold the scion and rootstock of citron together. It maintains the alignment of the cut surfaces, ensuring they remain in contact until the graft has taken. This tape is usually flexible and moisture-resistant, providing a protective seal that prevents dehydration and contamination.

Rooting Hormone

Though primarily used in other forms of propagation, rooting hormone can sometimes be beneficial when applied to the base of the scion of citron before grafting. It can promote quicker tissue healing and integration, thereby increasing the success rate of the graft.

Budding and Grafting Clippers

Specifically designed clippers for budding and grafting can be advantageous when dealing with citron. These tools often come with dual functionality: a blade for precise cutting and a rounded tip for lifting bark without damaging the underlying tissues, crucial for certain types of grafts like bud grafting.

How to Propagate Citron?

Propagation Type

Moderately Difficult

Choosing Rootstock

Select a healthy, disease-free rootstock of a closely related citrus species, ensuring it is compatible with citron.

Scion Preparation

Cut a 4-6 inch piece of a healthy citron branch, with several buds, using a sterilized sharp knife or pruner.

Grafting

Make a slanting cut into the rootstock's stem and a corresponding cut on the scion. Fit them together so that the cambium layers (green tissue under the bark) align. Secure the graft with grafting tape or a rubber band.

Protection

Cover the graft junction with grafting wax or a similar sealant to protect it from pests and diseases, and to prevent it from drying out.

Aftercare

Place the grafted plant in a warm, humid environment with filtered light. Keep the soil moist but not soggy. Gradually expose to more light as the graft heals and new growth appears.

How to Care for Your Newly Propagated Citron?

Once the graft has successfully taken, typically after a few weeks, start acclimatizing citron to its permanent growing conditions. Citron prefers full sun exposure, well-draining soil, and regular watering to keep the soil slightly damp. Protect citron from frost, provide adequate nutrients with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, and prune as necessary to maintain shape and promote healthy growth.

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Common Mistakes to Avoid When Propagating Citron

Inadequate cutting preparation

Using non-viable or diseased cuttings can lead to unsuccessful propagation of citron. It's important to choose healthy, mature stems free from pests and diseases.

Improper cutting size

Cuttings that are too small may not contain enough resources to survive, while too large cuttings can struggle with water loss. Both scenarios can hinder the development of citron.

Overwatering cuttings

Waterlogged soil can cause rot in the cuttings of citron, hampering root growth and potentially leading to the death of the cutting.

Ignoring cleanliness

Using dirty tools or containers can introduce pathogens to citron cuttings, increasing the risk of infection and disease.

Neglecting aftercare

Once cuttings of citron are planted, neglecting proper care like maintaining humidity and monitoring for pests can adversely affect the success rate of propagation.

Tips For Propagating Citron

Select healthy cuttings

Choose robust, disease-free cuttings from citron to ensure a higher likelihood of successful root development.

Cutting size optimization

Prepare cuttings of citron that are about 4 to 6 inches long with several leaf nodes, as this size tends to root more successfully.

Moderate watering

Water cuttings of citron just enough to keep the medium slightly moist, avoiding waterlogging to prevent root rot.

Sterilize tools and containers

Sanitize all equipment before use to minimize the risk of contaminating citron cuttings with diseases and pests.

Attentive aftercare

Maintain a consistent environment for the citron cuttings post-planting, monitoring and adjusting humidity and light as needed to support healthy growth.