Planting technology and cultivation management of bergamot

Buddha's hand is an evergreen shrub or small tree of the genus Citrus in the Rutaceae family. It is also called bergamot, five-finger orange, etc. Unlike other citrus plants, Buddha's hand is not suitable for fresh consumption, but it has high medicinal and ornamental value. So how to grow Buddha's hand? Let’s learn more about it below.

1. Planting conditions

Buddha's hand is not cold-resistant but is relatively shade-tolerant. Excessive light can cause sunburn or damage the shallow root system. The suitable temperature for its growth is 10-31℃. It needs to be moved into a greenhouse to overwinter when the temperature is below 0℃. It can still grow normally at 43℃. It can be planted in the open field in Guangdong and Guangxi, with about 110 plants per mu. Buddha's hand is not very demanding on soil quality. Sandy loam that is loose, fertile, breathable and has good water permeability is the best, followed by yellow-red sandy soil.

2. Planting method

In the selected plot, dig holes and set the planting holes according to the plant row spacing of 2.5×3 meters. The hole length and width should be 60 cm and the hole depth should be 40 cm. Apply enough base fertilizer, mix the fertilizer with the soil evenly, and then backfill the topsoil about 20 cm to avoid direct contact between the fertilizer and the roots. Place the prepared bergamot seedling into the hole, straighten the root system so that the roots are fully in contact with the soil, cover with fine topsoil, gently lift the bergamot seedling upwards a few times, straighten the seedling, press it tightly with your feet, cover it with another layer of soil, and then water it enough to ensure that the survival rate reaches more than 95%.

3. Plastic and pruning

In the year of transplanting, when the main trunk is 40-60 cm high, pinch or remove the top. 15-20 cm below the cut bud is the shaping zone, and the area below the shaping zone is the main trunk. Remove the branches and buds that sprout on the trunk in time to promote branching. When the branches grow to 20-30 cm, select 4-5 branches that are evenly distributed and strong in growth as the main branches, and remove the rest.

4. Fertilizer and water management

Buddha's hand is tolerant to fertilizer and water. In addition to applying sufficient base fertilizer, it needs adequate nutrient supply during the growing season. Usually, fertilizer is applied four times a year after planting: apply pre-flowering fertilizer after the beginning of spring; apply fruit-promoting fertilizer in July; apply rejuvenation fertilizer after fruit harvesting in October; and apply warmth-maintaining fertilizer in early December. In addition, Buddha's hand is a shallow-rooted plant and absorbs water relatively slowly, so watering and fertilizing should be synchronized as much as possible, with an appropriate amount of water each time, and drainage should be done well during the rainy season.

5. Soil cultivation and weeding

When the fruiting period comes, pull out the weeds around the plants by hand, and do not use a hoe to avoid damaging the roots. The soil should be added once a year for 5 years after planting Buddha's hand. This should be done after pruning and clearing the garden. After adding soil, cover the tree pit with a thin layer of grass.

6. Pest and disease control

The main disease is soot mold, which can be controlled by 1000 times diluted 40% dimethoate emulsifiable concentrate or 1:1:10 tobacco lime water. The main insect pests are scale insects, which can be controlled by using 2000 times diluted hypertonic imidacloprid and 1000 times diluted speed kill.



In general, the cultivation technique of Buddha's hand is not difficult, and if conditions permit, you can even grow it directly in a pot at home. However, we must also pay attention to cultivation and management. If not managed properly, the leaves of Buddha's hand will turn yellow, burnt, and curl, seriously affecting its ornamental value.