Lexi Webster
Limes are a wonderful addition to any garden, with their shiny leaves, fragrant flowers, and juicy fruits. They are native to Australia and Papua New Guinea, and have been used as a food source by Indigenous Australians and Indigenous New Guineans for centuries. In this article, we will explore the different types of limes that can be grown in Australia, and provide a guide on how to grow your own lime tree. From the native Australian finger lime to the exotic West Indian lime, there is a variety suitable for every garden.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Lime Species | Citrus glauca (Desert lime), Citrus garrawayi (Mount White lime), Citrus gracilis (Kakadu lime or Humpty Doo lime), Citrus inodora (Russell River lime or large-leaf Australian wild lime), Citrus maideniana (Maiden's Australian wild lime), Australian Sunrise, Rainforest Pearl, Citrus warburgiana (Kakamadu or New Guinea wild lime), Citrus wakonai (Kakamadu), Citrus wintersii (Brown River finger lime), Clymenia polyandra, West Indian Lime, Finger Lime, Tahitian Lime, Kaffir/Makrut Lime, Australian Outback, Australian Desert, Blunobia Pink Crystal, Durhams Emerald, Judy's Everbearing, Pink Ice |
| Growing Environment | Garden or pots/containers, hedge or espalier |
| Soil Type | Neutral or slightly acidic (pH 6.0-7.0), well-drained, rich in organic matter |
| Watering | Keep well-watered during fruit formation in spring and early summer |
| Fertilizer | Yates Thrive Natural Citrus & Fruit Concentrate, Yates Dynamic Lifter Liquid Concentrate, organic fertiliser, worm castings, seaweed emulsion |
| Climate | Warm, humid, protect from frost when young |
| Sun Exposure | Full sun, reflected heat from a north-facing wall |
| Height | Up to 3-6 meters, can be pruned |
| Pests/Hazards | Thorned branches, sensitive to frost and drying winds |
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What You'll Learn
Australian Finger Limes
Australian Finger Lime, also known as Citrus Australasica, is a native Australian lime variety with a unique appearance and a zesty flavour. The fruit is elongated and finger-like, ranging in colour from yellow-green to purple, with tiny juice vesicles inside that resemble caviar. These vesicles, also known as pearls, burst with a tangy flavour when eaten, making them a popular gourmet ingredient in recipes and garnishes.
Finger Limes are native to the rainforest regions of northern New South Wales and Southern Queensland, specifically the coastal border region around Brisbane and the Clarence River. They thrive in lowland subtropical rainforests and grow on small trees or shrubs up to 10 metres tall. The trees have sharp spines, light green leaves, and fragrant white flowers.
In terms of cultivation, Finger Lime trees can grow between 3-6 metres tall and are well-suited for pots or garden beds. They prefer a neutral to slightly acidic soil pH of 6.0–7.0 and require regular feeding with fertilisers designed for Australian native plants, such as Yates Dynamic Lifter Soil Improver and Plant Fertiliser. The trees are susceptible to insect pests, including scale insects, katydids, and moth and butterfly larvae, but they are resistant to certain diseases like Phytophthora citrophthora root disease.
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West Indian Limes
Lime trees, in general, are nutrient-hungry and require regular feeding to promote healthy leaf growth and an abundant harvest. They prefer a neutral to slightly acidic soil pH of 6.0–7.0. When grown in pots, it is recommended to use a dwarf variety and a good-quality potting mix, ensuring the pot is at least 40 cm wide with adequate drainage holes.
West Indian Lime trees can be grown from seed, and they will produce true-to-type plants, meaning the resulting tree will be the same as the original source. They are a popular choice for home gardeners due to their compact size and the ability to prune them to maintain a smaller size.
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Tahitian Limes
Tahitian lime trees are attractive evergreen trees with deep green leaves, small scented white blossoms, and round, thin-skinned fruits that are yellow when ripe but are usually picked and used green. The trees grow to a height and width of about 3 metres and are well-suited to the Australian climate, preferring a frost-free, sunny and sheltered position. They can be grown outdoors all year round in most areas of Australia, although in regions that experience frost, it is advisable to plant them in containers that can be moved indoors during winter.
Tahitian lime trees are relatively low maintenance and do not require pruning unless it is to trim them to a desired shape or height. They prefer a neutral or slightly acidic soil pH of 6.0-7.0 and moist but well-drained soil. When planting, it is important to ensure that the roots are not sitting in water, so adding sand or gravel to the planting hole or potting mix is recommended. Container-grown plants should be raised slightly off the ground to facilitate proper drainage. Trees planted directly into the ground will require regular watering over the first few months until the soil settles around the roots and during prolonged dry spells thereafter.
Tahitian lime trees can be propagated through semi-hardwood cuttings, grafting, or air-layering. Seeds are unlikely to breed true, so growing a tree from seed will probably not yield the same fruit. To promote healthy leaf growth and abundant fruit production, it is important to feed the trees regularly with a fertiliser that is safe for Australian native plants, such as a citrus-specific formula or a fertiliser designed for Australian native plants.
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Kaffir Limes
Kaffir lime, also known as Citrus hystrix or Makrut Lime, is a small evergreen tree that is native to Indonesia. It is characterised by its highly aromatic foliage and knobbly, bumpy fruit. The leaves are an essential ingredient in many Southeast Asian and Thai cuisines, particularly in curries, soups, and stir-fries. The fruit, although not as juicy as other citrus fruits, has a strong flavour and can be used to impart a unique taste to drinks and cooked dishes.
When planting Kaffir limes, it is important to ensure the soil is fertile, sandy, and well-drained. The planting hole should be dug twice as wide as the root ball and at the same depth. A raised ring of soil should be formed around the plant's root zone to help retain water. Regular watering is essential, especially during the fruit-forming stage in spring and early summer. Fertilisation is recommended every two weeks in spring and summer using an organic fertiliser, and pruning can be done when new growth appears in spring to encourage branch growth.
Overall, Kaffir limes are a delightful addition to any Australian garden, providing a burst of fragrance and flavour with their aromatic leaves and unique fruit. With the right care and attention, these trees can thrive and bear fruit for many years.
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Australian Climate Conditions
Australian limes are native to Australia and Papua New Guinea. They are species of the plant genus Citrus and have been used as a food source by indigenous Australians and early settlers. They are also used in modern Australian cuisine, including marmalades and sauces.
Limes grow well in the warmer areas of Australia, such as Queensland and New South Wales. They can also be grown in cooler zones, but it is important to protect them from frost, especially when the trees are young. In addition, lime trees should be positioned in full sun and kept well-watered when the fruit is forming in spring and summer.
Lime trees are hungry and require lots of nutrients to produce a great harvest. They should be fed regularly with a suitable fertiliser from spring until the end of harvest to promote healthy leaf growth, flowers, and fruit. It is also important to keep the area beneath the trees free of grass and weeds, and to mulch with compost or other organic material, ensuring that the mulch does not touch the trunk.
Lime trees can be grown in the garden or in pots, and they do well as a hedge or espalier. They grow to around 3x3 metres tall, and some varieties can be pruned to remain more compact. The branches of some types of lime trees are thorned, so care should be taken with their placement.
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Frequently asked questions
Limes grow well in the warmer areas of Australia, such as the Northern Territory, Queensland, New South Wales, and Southern Queensland.
There are several types of limes that grow in Australia, including the Finger Lime, Kakadu Lime, West Indian Lime, Tahitian Lime, and Kaffir Lime.
Limes grow best in warm and humid climates with full sun exposure. They can be grown in cooler zones, but they need to be protected from frost, especially when young.
Lime trees prefer a neutral or slightly acidic soil pH of 6.0 to 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter and well-drained.
Yes, limes can be grown in pots or containers, but they will need to be placed in a warm and humid location with full sun exposure. Choose a dwarf variety and plant it in a pot at least 40 cm wide with good drainage holes.
