Name: Australian Finger Lime Tree | Green Citrus Caviar Lime
SKU: Australian Finger Lime
Availability: InStock
Rating: 4.67 (3 reviews)

Description

Australian Finger Lime is one of those plants that feels like a secret ingredient growing on a tree. Instead of typical citrus segments, the fruit is filled with tiny, bead-like juice vesicles‚Äîoften called ‚Äúcitrus caviar‚Äù‚Äîthat pop with bright, aromatic acidity.

This green selection is grown primarily for culinary use: slicing and squeezing over seafood, tacos, salads, desserts, and cocktails where you want a clean citrus lift and an unforgettable texture. The tree stays naturally compact and does very well in containers, making it a favorite for patio growers and chefs alike.

Overview

Green finger lime with ‚Äúcitrus caviar‚Äù pearls for garnish and finishing.
Bright, aromatic flavor with a clean lime-like snap.
Compact, container-friendly growth habit.
Soft thorns are normal‚Äîhandle with care when pruning and harvesting.
Self-fertile.

Growing Details

Latin Name: Citrus australasica
Site and Soil: Full sun; well-drained soil
Rootstock: 1-gallon trees on Flying Dragon; larger sizes on C-35
Hardiness: Frost sensitive; protect from freezing temperatures‚Äîmature trees may tolerate brief dips into the upper 20s¬∞F, but protection is recommended below 32¬∞F
Bearing Age: Often fruits immediately; grafted trees may produce in their first season
Size at Maturity:
‚Ä¢ Flying Dragon: Typically 6‚Äì8 ft tall and wide
‚Ä¢ C-35: Typically 10‚Äì12 ft tall and wide
Note: Trees grown in containers remain smaller and are easily maintained with pruning.
Bloom Time: Spring to early summer
Ripening Time: Fall to winter (timing varies by climate and growing conditions)
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile
Pests & Diseases: Similar to other citrus; good airflow and excellent drainage reduce issues

Additional Notes

Grower‚Äôs Insight: The ‚Äúcaviar‚Äù texture is the magic‚Äîslice the fruit crosswise and let the pearls tumble out as a finishing garnish.
Regional Insight: Best suited to mild-winter regions; in cooler climates it excels in containers so you can protect it during cold snaps.
Harvest tip: Finger limes don‚Äôt always drop when ripe‚Äîpick when the fruit feels full and releases with a gentle twist.

Planting & Care

At a Glance – Australian Finger Lime

Sun: 3/4 day to full day of sun
Soil: Well-drained soil
Soil pH: Performs best between 5.5–6.5
Water: Moderate; consistent during establishment
Tree Size: Compact to medium, manageable with pruning
Pollination: Self-fertile
Harvest: Fall to winter
Cold Care: Protect from freezes; container growing is ideal in colder climates

Planting & Care – Australian Finger Lime

Site Selection

Choose a sunny spot—more sun means better growth and better fruit quality.
If you get winter cold, a warm microclimate (south wall, protected patio) makes a big difference.
Good air movement supports clean foliage and steady growth.

Soil Preparation (In-Ground vs Container)

In-ground: Drainage is the foundation. Finger limes do best where water moves through the soil easily—raised beds or mounds are excellent if your soil stays wet.
In-ground: Aim for slightly acidic soil (pH 5.5–6.5) for best nutrient uptake and leaf color.
Container: Use a fast-draining citrus mix in a pot with drainage holes. Containers are often the easiest path to success for finger limes in cooler climates.
Container: Keep the pot off saucers that hold water—good drainage keeps roots vigorous.

Planting Instructions

Dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball, or choose a container just larger than the root mass.
Set the tree so the root flare sits at or slightly above finished soil or potting mix.
Backfill gently and water thoroughly to settle.
Mulch lightly for in-ground plantings, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk.

Watering (In-Ground vs Container)

In-ground, establishment: Keep soil evenly moist while roots establish, allowing the surface to dry slightly between waterings.
In-ground, established: Deep, periodic watering encourages strong roots. Let soil dry several inches down between waterings.
Simple check: If soil feels dry 3–6″ below the surface, it’s time to water.
Container: Water thoroughly, then wait until the top couple inches of mix feel dry before watering again. In warm weather, containers can dry quickly.
Goal: A steady wet-to-dry rhythm keeps roots active and resilient.

Fertilizing

Citrus are heavy feeders, and finger limes respond beautifully to consistent nutrition.
Simple approach: Most growers do great using a slow-release citrus fertilizer applied in early spring and again in early summer.
In-ground trees: Slow-release feeding provides steady nutrition during active growth without pushing excessive soft growth.
Container trees: Because nutrients leach out faster, lighter but more frequent feeding works best.
Optional boost: During strong growth, an occasional liquid citrus feed can help fine-tune leaf color and vigor—especially for container-grown trees.
Ease off feeding later in the season to help the tree harden naturally before winter.
If leaves pale despite feeding, pH balance or micronutrients are often the key rather than extra nitrogen.

Cold Care

Finger limes appreciate protection from freezing temperatures, especially when young.
In-ground trees do best in sheltered locations; protecting the canopy during cold snaps helps preserve growth and fruiting wood.
Container trees can be moved to a bright, protected space during hard freezes for peace of mind.

Pruning

Light pruning keeps the canopy open and productive.
Thorns are part of the natural habit—gloves make pruning and harvest more pleasant.

Harvest & Use

Harvest when fruit feels full and aromatic, and releases with a gentle twist.
Slice crosswise and use the pearls to finish seafood, salads, desserts, and cocktails.

General Tips

Give it sun, keep it draining well, and feed consistently—finger limes reward steady care.
Container growing is an excellent strategy if you’re pushing climate limits.

Australian Finger Lime