Leslie Massey
Australian limes, also known as finger limes, are native to the country's rainforests and are a popular choice for home gardeners. They are a unique and exotic citrus fruit that produces elongated fruits with small, bead-like juice vesicles, resembling caviar. While they can be grown from seed, they will not grow true to the parent, and seeds have a low germination rate. Instead, Australian finger limes can be grown using semi-hardwood cuttings, with a growth hormone to stimulate root growth. They require specific care, including fertiliser that is safe for Australian native plants, and they need lots of nutrients to promote a good harvest.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Soil type | Well-drained, loose, allowing for root growth |
| Soil pH | Neutral or slightly acidic (6.0-7.0), 7.5 |
| Sunlight | Full sun (at least 6-8 hours daily) |
| Watering | Regular, thorough watering (2-3 times a week) |
| Fertiliser | Balanced, slow-release, applied every 1-8 weeks |
| Pruning | Regular, yearly, to maintain shape and remove dead branches |
| Frost | Sensitive, protect from frost and drying winds |
| Wind | Sensitive, protect from wind |
| Container | Pot with good drainage holes, at least 40 cm wide and 50 cm tall |
| Rootstock | Grafted onto semi-dwarf rootstock |
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Soil and climate requirements
Australian lime trees have specific soil and climate requirements that must be met for them to grow successfully.
Lime trees require well-drained soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic, with a pH of 6.0 to 7.0. If your soil is too alkaline, you can use a product like Yates Soil Acidifier Liquid Sulfur to increase its acidity. Conversely, if your soil is too acidic, you can use a product like Yates Hydrangea Pinking Liquid Lime & Dolomite to make it more alkaline. Heavy clay or poorly drained soil must be improved before planting lime trees, as they do not tolerate wet root zones. To check if your soil drains poorly, dig a hole and pour a bucket of water into it. If the water takes more than 30 minutes to disappear, your soil needs improvement.
In terms of climate, lime trees require full sun exposure with at least six to eight hours of sunlight per day. They can be grown in both tropical and subtropical climates, but in temperate regions, they should be grown in deep loamy soil with sufficient irrigation. Lime trees are susceptible to damage from strong winds, so they should be planted in a protected location. While they can withstand light frost, in cooler regions, it is recommended to situate the tree facing north in a semi-shaded area.
Lime trees also have specific watering requirements. During the summer, frequent watering is necessary, while watering can be reduced in the winter. It is important to water as soon as the soil is dry, without overwatering. To promote good air circulation and protect the root system, it is recommended to spread a layer of organic mulch, such as bark chips, around the root zone, keeping it away from the trunk.
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Fertiliser and feeding
Australian lime trees require a lot of nutrients to promote a healthy harvest. As such, they should be fertilised every eight weeks from spring until the end of harvest. This will promote healthy leaf growth and an abundance of flowers and fruit.
There are two types of fertilisers for lime trees: a commercial chemical fertiliser specially formulated for citrus trees, or garden compost or animal manure. Natural fertiliser nutrients are made available more slowly than chemical fertilisers and may need to be applied more often. Chemical fertilisers for citrus contain nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in varying percentages. For instance, a mature fruit-bearing tree will need more nitrogen, so switch to a 12-0-12 formula.
For potted lime trees, feed every one to two weeks from spring until the end of harvest with a natural citrus and fruit concentrate. Feed established garden-planted lime trees every eight weeks with a natural citrus and fruit organic-based, pelletised fertiliser.
When fertilising a lime tree, be sure that the fertiliser does not touch the trunk or roots directly and avoid fertilising with soluble nitrogen fertiliser when heavy rain is expected. The fertilising of mature lime trees should occur three times per year: once in fall or winter, once in early spring, and again during late summer. If fertilising a lime tree with slow-release fertiliser, only apply every six to nine months.
For finger lime trees, use a fertiliser that is safe for Australian native plants, such as a soil improver and plant fertiliser. Apply around the root zone every spring and autumn and water well.
Lime trees should be regularly watered after planting. Once established, they are fairly drought-tolerant but will benefit from deep watering at least once or twice a week, especially during hot, dry spells. Mulch can be applied around the root zone to help keep the soil moist and the roots protected.
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Watering
Lime trees typically require watering two to three times a week, depending on weather conditions. During hot and dry spells, increase the frequency to deep watering at least once or twice a week. In cooler regions, water less frequently during winter, protecting the tree from frost and drying winds.
Soil Moisture:
Maintain consistently moist soil without waterlogging it. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Ensure good drainage, as lime trees do not tolerate waterlogged conditions. In their native habitat, Australian finger limes thrive on well-drained slopes.
- Water in the evening and again in the morning, especially when the tree is young, to help it cope with transplant shock.
- Spread mulch, such as bark chips, sugarcane, or pea straw, around the root zone to retain moisture and protect the roots. Keep mulch away from the trunk.
- Use micro-sprinklers for young trees and consider a drip system for mature trees to deliver water directly to the root zone.
- Bury a clay olla pot underground when planting to make watering easier if you plan to be away during the summer.
Additional Tips:
- Lime trees are heavy feeders and require regular fertilisation to promote a great harvest. However, Australian finger limes are less demanding and can suffer from over-fertilisation.
- Choose a pot with good drainage holes and place it in a wind-protected position that receives at least six hours of sunshine daily.
- Remove deadwood and prune the tree regularly to let light penetrate the centre and control its size.
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Pruning
The best time to prune a lime tree is before blooming, which is usually from early spring through late summer. It is recommended to use sharp shears and make clean cuts to prevent causing stress to the plant. Dead, damaged, or diseased twigs and limbs should be cut away, and suckers should also be removed as they drain nutrients from the upper parts of the tree.
For Australian finger lime trees, regular pruning is necessary to maintain their shape and remove dead or diseased branches. This can also encourage better air circulation and fruit production. These trees are naturally bushy and thorny, so pruning can help to manage their growth.
If your lime tree is affected by pests such as the citrus gall wasp, it is important to prune out the gall-infected branches before any adult wasps hatch.
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Common issues
There are several issues to be aware of when growing Australian lime trees, particularly the popular Finger Lime variety. Firstly, lime trees are susceptible to transplant shock, which can occur if the tree is moved from a sunny, well-watered location to a sunnier, drier location, and the roots are damaged in the process. Strong frost can also kill lime trees, so they should be protected from frost and drying winds during the winter.
Lime trees are sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to root rot. It is important to allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again and to ensure the pot has good drainage. Heavy clay or poorly drained soil must be improved before planting lime trees, as they do not tolerate a wet root zone. To check if your soil is poorly drained, dig a hole and pour a bucket of water into it; if it takes more than 30 minutes for the water to disappear, your soil needs improvement.
Lime trees also require regular pruning to maintain their shape and remove dead or diseased branches. Pruning can also encourage better air circulation and fruit production. In addition, lime trees are susceptible to pests and diseases, such as aphids, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and the fungal disease Melanose.
When it comes to fertiliser, lime trees have specific requirements. Finger Limes, in particular, should be fed with a fertiliser that is safe for Australian native plants, such as Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser or a similar product. Avoid using animal manures, composts, or regular fertilisers, as these can burn the roots of the tree.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Australian Finger Limes grow from their own roots. They are found growing wild in the rainforests of Queensland and Northern New South Wales. They can also be grown from seed, but they will not grow true to the parent and seeds have a fairly low germination rate.
It is recommended to use a fertiliser that is safe for Australian native plants, such as Yates Dynamic Lifter Liquid Concentrate or Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver & Plant Fertiliser.
Water your lime tree two to three times a week, depending on the weather conditions. Allow the top inch of the soil to dry out before watering again and ensure that the pot has good drainage to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
The best time to plant a lime tree in cooler climates is in spring, and in temperate and warmer areas in spring and autumn.
