How to Grow an Australian Finger Lime Tree What is an Australian Finger Lime Anyway? Have you been wondering how to grow an Australian Finger Lime tree? The Australian finger lime tree (Citrus australasica), also known as the "citrus caviar," is a unique and exotic citrus fruit tree native to Australia. It produces elongated dark green fruits that contain small, bead-like juice vesicles resembling caviar. These vesicles burst with a tangy and flavorful citrus taste, making the fruit a popular choice for culinary uses, garnishes, and cocktails. The finger lime fruit is harvested and eaten while they are still green. They are overripe and become dry inside when the skin starts to turn yellow. Pick them when they are dark green, plump, and separates from the branch easily when lightly tugged. Due to the tree's very thorny nature, some growers choose to wait until the limes fall to the ground instead of venturing into the brambles and risking scratches to your arms and hands. (yes, they are that thorny.) Finger limes do not continue to ripen once picked. The flavor of the lime vesticles are very sour with an unmistakable lime flavor. There is a floral hint that accompanies the tartness, which sets it apart from traditional lime flavors like Bearrs and Mexican Key Limes. When you bite into a vesicle, it literally pops in your mouth and the small amount of juice inside overcomes your taste buds. There is a slight crunch as you bite down on them, not unlike tobiko or caviar. Here are some tips if you want to grow an Australian Finger Lime tree at home. Container Selection To grow an Australian finger lime tree in a container requires attention to specific conditions to ensure the tree's health and fruit production. Because they are grafted onto semi-dwarf rootstock, they will stay small and compact with yearly pruning. This is a good thing, because Australian Finger Limes have a tendency to be bushy and very thorny. For our primo sized trees, we recommend that you start with a container about 10-14" in diameter, or a 3-5 gallon sized pot. Repotting your lime tree in a pot that is too big with too much surrounding potting soil can cause stress to your tree's roots, as there is too much water for it to use at that time. Too much soil around your rootball can cause your soil to be oversaturated for too long. Planting in the Ground For in-ground planting, plant the tree in a prepared area about 3x the diameter of the pot, and as deep as possible. That soil should be well-draining and loose, allowing for root growth. Plant your tree at the same depth as the pot, keeping the crown of the roots just above the soil line. Water thoroughly after planting.  Soil Use a well-draining, chunky soil mix like our DIY Primo Potting mix. This orchid bark-based mix provides the drainage that you need for citrus trees.  Sunlight Australian finger lime trees thrive in full sun. Place the pot in a location where it receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Watering Water the tree consistently but avoid overwatering. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out before watering again. Ensure that the pot has good drainage to prevent water logging, which can lead to root rot. (Click here to read about deep watering vs. overwatering) Fertilization Feed the tree with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer, such as Romeo or G&B Organics Citrus and Fruit Tree Fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application rates. Reduce or stop fertilizing during the dormant season (fall and winter).  Pruning There is a general rule that you should start by pruning away the 4 D's: Diseased, Dead, Disoriented and Damaged branches.  You can prune dead, diseased and damaged branches as soon as you see them. Pruning for shape, however, should be done in the early spring after your last frost date. This is to prevent new grpwth from becoming damaged by late winter freezes or cold bursts. If you live in an area with mild winters like los angeles or the bay area, you can also prune for shape in the early fall. Pruning can also encourage better air circulation and fruit production. (Click here to read about pruning your citrus trees) Temperature & Humidity Australian finger lime trees are native to Australia and prefer warm temperatures-  and they are very sensitive to frost. If you're in a colder climate, consider bringing the potted tree indoors during the winter months to care for it. Once inside, they appreciate higher humidity levels, so using a humidity tray or humidifier can help if you're located in a dry climate. When you grow an Australian Finger lime tree indoors, keep it away from any heating vents or drafty areas that can promote drying your tree out. Pest & Disease Control Keep an eye out for common citrus pests like aphids, mealybugs, and scale insects. Regularly inspect the tree's leaves and stems for signs of infestation. Use organic or chemical treatments as needed, such as Captain Jack’s Insecticidal Super Soap or Mite X. Pollination Australian finger lime trees are self-pollinating, so they don't require cross-pollination by insects or wind. Support & Staking As the tree grows, it might need support to keep its shape and prevent breakage. Use the stake provided for the first couple of seasons to help support your tree.  If you want to grow Australian Finger Lime tree or any other variety of citrus, keep in mind that container-grown plants may have slightly different care requirements compared to those grown in the ground, so it's essential to monitor your tree's health and adjust care practices accordingly. With proper care, your Australian finger lime tree can provide you with delicious and unique citrus fruits to enjoy in your culinary creations. List of Growing Must-Haves If your are new to citrus growing, but want to grow an Australian Finger Lime tree, here is a list of the things that you will need to get started: Your Australian Finger Lime Tree A starter pot for your tree Chunky, well-draining potting soil for potted trees Plant Food/ Fertilizer (we recommend synthetic fertilizer for potted citrus and organic fertilizer for in-ground citrus trees) Pruning shears for pruning and harvesting fruit. Product Embed | Australian Finger Lime Semi-Dwarf Tree FAQs
