How to prune citron

Late winter to early spring, after any frost risk has passed. Cut back the longest, unproductive canes by up to one-third to an outward-facing lateral. Open the centre to light. Wear gloves — thorns are prominent. Remove water sprouts and suckers promptly.

Annually, with sucker removal year-round. Citron (Citrus medica) is a large, sprawling, thorny shrub-tree grown for its thick rind. It benefits from regular pruning to control its ungainly habit and encourage new fruiting wood. Remove dead and crossing branches, thin interior growth, and keep suckers in check. It can be cut back fairly hard if it outgrows its space.

Cut back the longest, unproductive canes by up to one-third to an outward-facing lateral. Open the centre to light. Wear gloves — thorns are prominent. Remove water sprouts and suckers promptly.