Lyla Lindsey
Australian finger limes (Citrus australasica) are native to the rainforests of Queensland and Northern NSW, Australia. They are a unique citrus fruit, growing in the shape of a finger, about five inches (12 cm) long, with caviar-like balls on the inside. Australian finger limes can be grown in a wide array of soil types in both tropical and
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What You'll Learn
- Australian finger limes thrive in warm, subtropical regions with summer-autumn rainfall
- They can be grown from seed, but will not grow true to the parent
- Protect young plants from frost and cold winds to prevent fruit damage
- In temperate regions, grow in deep loamy soil with sufficient irrigation
- Fertilise lightly with a water-soluble fertiliser or worm castings
Australian finger limes thrive in warm, subtropical regions with summer-autumn rainfall
Australian finger limes, or Citrus australasica, are native to Australia, where they thrive in warm, subtropical regions with summer-autumn rainfall. They are prevalent in specific regions, so their care is specific to these native conditions.
In nature, Australian finger lime trees reach a height of about 20 feet (6 m). They are thorny and contain aromatic oil glands. They bloom in the fall with white to light pink blossoms that give way to finger-shaped fruit. The fruit is about five inches (12 cm) long and has a unique caviar-like texture with small, lime-flavoured balls inside.
Australian finger limes grow best in their natural growing regions, which are typically warm, subtropical areas with summer-autumn rainfall. They can tolerate dry conditions and cold weather, but they are sensitive to frost and cold winds, which can damage the fruit. Young plants, in particular, will require protection from frost. In cooler regions, situate the tree facing north in a semi-shaded area to protect it from cold winds.
Australian finger limes grow on a wide array of soil types, from deep loamy soil in temperate regions to various soils in tropical and subtropical climates. The soil should be slightly acidic and rich in organic matter. To ensure the soil remains moist, mulch around the trees during the summer months. Protect the trees from drying winds in the winter.
Australian finger limes can be grown from seed, but they may have a low germination rate and will not grow true to the parent plant. They can also be grown using semi-hardwood cuttings, but this method is slow and has a low success rate. Grafted finger limes, often sold as dwarf varieties, may be more suitable for certain climates and can produce fruit in the first year.
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They can be grown from seed, but will not grow true to the parent
Australian finger limes (Citrus australasica) are native to Australia, where they grow naturally in the rainforests of Queensland and Northern NSW. They thrive in warm, subtropical regions with summer-autumn rainfall and can tolerate dry conditions and cold weather, but they do best in their natural growing regions.
While Australian finger limes can be grown from seed, they will not grow true to the parent, and seeds have a fairly low germination rate. This means that the fruit produced by the new plant may not have the same characteristics as the fruit from which the seeds were taken. For example, the colour, size, shape, and flavour of the fruit may differ. This is because the seeds of Australian finger limes are highly variable, even in the wild.
If you choose to grow Australian finger limes from seed, you can purchase seeds online. It is recommended to plant the seeds in deep loamy soil that is rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. Australian finger limes can be grown in a range of soil types, from tropical to subtropical climates, and can tolerate full sun to shaded conditions. However, care should be taken to protect the trees from hot or cold winds, as this is the primary cause of fruit damage.
In addition to growing from seed, Australian finger limes can also be propagated using semi-hardwood cuttings, although this method has a low success rate. Grafting is another option, but it may be beyond the skill level of some gardeners.
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Protect young plants from frost and cold winds to prevent fruit damage
Young Australian finger lime plants are sensitive to frost and cold winds, so they need to be protected to prevent fruit damage. Frost protection is needed in spring when the plants are young and tender, and in fall if you want to extend their growing season before winter sets in.
In temperate regions, situate your finger lime tree in a semi-shaded area facing north. This will provide some protection from cold winds and frost. If you live in a cooler region, bring your young plants indoors or into a greenhouse when frost is forecast. A heated location is not always necessary—a garden shed or garage will often provide enough protection. Alternatively, drape the plant with sheets, blankets, or large towels, supporting the material with stakes if needed. Make sure the covering extends to the ground to create a dome of insulation, and anchor it with heavy objects if the wind is an issue.
To protect your young finger lime plants from frost, you can also use row covers or garden fleece. Place the material over the ground at least one week before sowing to warm up the soil. Cloches are another option for young vegetable crops, but remember to remove them during the day so that the plants can benefit from the sun. Watering in the morning when there is a risk of frost can also help, as moist soil absorbs heat during the day and has an insulating effect.
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In temperate regions, grow in deep loamy soil with sufficient irrigation
Australian finger limes can be grown in a variety of soil types, but in temperate regions, they should be grown in deep loamy soil with sufficient irrigation. This type of soil is characterised by a high percentage of clay and a balanced mix of sand and silt, allowing for good water retention and drainage.
When selecting a location for your finger lime tree, choose an area that receives dappled sunlight to full sun. The soil should be rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. You can add mulch around the tree to retain moisture in the soil during the summer months and protect it from drying winds.
Although finger lime trees can withstand light frost, they are sensitive to cold and root rot. In cooler regions, it is advisable to situate the tree facing north in a semi-shaded area to provide some protection from cold winds, which are the primary cause of fruit damage.
Fertilise the tree lightly with a water-soluble fertiliser every three months, or more often with worm castings or seaweed emulsion. Additionally, protect your tree from pests and diseases, such as aphids, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and the fungal disease Melanose.
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Fertilise lightly with a water-soluble fertiliser or worm castings
Australian finger limes are susceptible to aphids, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and the fungal disease Melanose. To mitigate this, fertilise the plant lightly with a water-soluble fertiliser or worm castings. This should be done every three months, or more frequently if worm castings or seaweed emulsion are used.
Australian finger limes are native to the rainforests of SE Queensland and Northern NSW, areas of the Bundjalung nation. They thrive in warm, subtropical regions with summer-autumn dominant rainfall. They can grow in a wide array of soil types, but the soil should be rich in organic matter, slightly acidic, and kept moist during the summer months. In temperate regions, the soil should be deep and loamy with sufficient irrigation.
Finger limes can be grown from seed, but they will not grow true to the parent, and seeds have a low germination rate. They can also be grown using semi-hardwood cuttings, but this method is slow and has a low success rate. Grafted finger limes are only cold-hardy down to 32°F (0°C), and will likely be damaged by frost or freezing. If grown in a region with cold winters, the tree should be situated facing north in a semi-shaded area and protected from frost and drying winds.
Finger limes can be grown directly in the garden or in containers, and they do well as a hedge or espalier. They can also be grown in large pots, which can be brought indoors during the winter.
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Frequently asked questions
Australian finger lime (Citrus australasica) is a citrus fruit native to Australia. It is found growing as an understory shrub or tree in the rainforests of SE Queensland and Northern NSW, areas of the Bundjalung nation.
Australian finger limes grow on a wide array of soil types, but the soil should be rich in organic matter and slightly acidic. They grow in both tropical and subtropical climates in dappled sunlight to full sun. In temperate regions, they should be grown in deep loamy soil with sufficient irrigation.
Australian finger lime trees can withstand light frost but should be protected from frost and drying winds during winter. They can be grown directly in the garden or in containers, and they also do well as a hedge or espalier. Mulch around the trees to keep the soil moist during the summer months and fertilize lightly with a water-soluble fertilizer every three months.
Australian finger limes do not ripen off the tree, so they should be picked when fully ripe. The fruit will feel heavy and easily detach from the limb of the tree. It can take about seven months for the fruit to ripen to this point.
While Australian finger limes can be grown from seed, they will not grow true to the parent, and seeds have a fairly low germination rate. Australian finger limes can also be grown using semi-hardwood cuttings, but the success rate is nominal.
