Green Finger Lime (Citrus australasica)
⚠ Citrus ships to Florida only ⚠
Behold the caviar of lime! This Australian Citrus tree is related to the Red Finger Lime and carries many similar qualities. Their oblong Green Finger Lime fruits cascade translucent “citrus pearls” of vibrant green onto any tropical plate and into any citrus-lover’s heart.
The free-flowing individual beads of citrus flesh are popular for gourmet dining, used for sour, bright, astringent toppings on any lime-loving hordevours. Native to sub-tropical rainforests of South-East Queensland, these sun-loving blasts of tangy flesh are loaded with tart flavor and minty fresh aroma. Traditionally considered a specialty crop “bush tucker”, the Green Finger Lime was rare and often merely foraged in the few places it was grown. Due to its uproar of popularity among chefs, an increase in tree production has grown the number of trees to reach demand.
The Green Finger Limes grow best when kept out of wind and frost. They are nutrient hungry and grow well in pots, enjoying citrus-friendly soil amendments every 6 weeks during the growing season.
These thorny-branched trees are low maintenance for the most part and love to be pruned. Many growers will remove thorns near fruits to prevent punctures if blown by the wind (there’s your harvest hack of the day).
Each thorn comes paired with an evergreen leaf at each axil. From these axils, you’ll find white-to-pink blossoms which will eventually become your virtually seedless fruit. You can keep your tree shrubby or let it grow up to its 25 ft. tall potential, either way, you’re sure to get a plentiful harvest!
Planting, cultural care, pruning, and harvesting are similar for all citrus plants, with a few slight variations. Generally, they are best planted in filtered sun with well-drained soil that can hold moisture and nutrients. Citrus trees a particularly high demand for nitrogen. If you’re fantasizing about long afternoons of picking fresh fruit from your personal citrus grove, keep this in mind: The key to growing citrus is setting it up for success from the start.
Plant Type:
Subtropical Evergreen Fruit Tree
Harvest Season:
Winter, Spring, Year-round
Main citrus fruit production will take place in late winter through spring, but may produce throughout the year
Mature Size:
7-30 ft
Mature size varies by citrus tree type. Overall, citrus varieties can be grown in containers and maintained at smaller sizes.
Soil & Moisture:
Well-drained, high fertility and good moisture-holding capacity; High nitrogen demands. Regular watering throughout the first year and throughout flowering and fruiting season.
Light Requirements:
Full Sun, Part Shade
Overall, citrus prefers slightly shady areas and has better fruit production in part shade lighting conditions.
Self-Fertile:
Yes
Growth Rate:
Medium
Zone Hardiness:
Outdoors 8-11; Patio/Greenhouse 4+
Although their fruit provides a distinctly tropical twist to any drink or dish, Citrus trees trees are actually very cold hardy fruit trees, taking temperatures down to the low 20's!
Propagation:
Grafted and capable of producing fruit within 1 year.
See More:
Sow Exotic offers many different unique varieties of Citrus trees. Shop the Citrus Collection!
