Vadukapuli Lemon (Giant Wild Lemon)

 1. Description

Common Name: Vadukapuli Lemon / Giant Wild Lemon
Local Name: വടുകപുളി
Scientific Name: Citrus limon (var. Vadukapuli)

Overview:
Vadukapuli is a traditional South Indian lemon variety, especially popular in Kerala for its large size, sour flavor, and use in Ayurvedic and culinary preparations (like Narayani lehyam and pickles). Grafted Vadukapuli trees are specially propagated for early fruiting and consistent quality.

Fruit Description:

• Very large, thick-skinned lemon
• Strong aroma, highly acidic juice
• Excellent shelf life and medicinal properties

 2. How to Plant

• Propagation: Grafted saplings from a nursery
• Soil: Well-drained loamy or red soil; pH 5.5–7.5
• Planting Season: June–August (monsoon) or February–March (pre-summer)
• Spacing: 4 x 4 meters
• Planting Steps:
  1. Dig a pit 2x2x2 feet
  2. Mix compost and topsoil
  3. Place the sapling; ensure graft union is above soil
  4. Water well and mulch with dry leaves or straw

 3. Plant Size

• Height: 3 to 4 meters (grafted variety)
• Canopy Spread: Moderate; can be pruned
• Growth Habit: Bushy and upright

 4. Fruiting Time

• First Fruiting: 1.5 to 2 years (for grafted plants)
• Peak Fruiting: 3rd year onward
• Harvest Season: Multiple flushes; main season – August to February

 5. Plant Type

• Type: Perennial fruit tree
• Climate: Tropical to sub-tropical; thrives in warm humid climates
• Lifespan: 15–25 years with good care
• Pollination: Self-pollinating, bee-friendly

 6. Caring Tips

 Sunlight:

• Full sun (minimum 6 hours daily)

 Watering:

• Daily for first 3 months
• Twice a week later; more during summer

 Soil Care:

• Ensure good drainage
• Add organic compost every 3–4 months

 Fertilizer:

• Use NPK 6:6:6 or citrus-specific fertilizer
• Apply neem cake and cow dung manure biannually
• Micronutrient spray once in 2 months

 Pruning:

• Remove suckers below graft joint
• Cut dead or crossing branches post-harvest

 Pest & Disease Control:

• Watch for citrus leaf miner, aphids, citrus canker
• Use neem oil, copper fungicide, and pest traps as needed
• Maintain hygiene around the plant base