Australian Finger Lime

Planting & Care

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

1. Dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball, or choose a container just larger than the root mass.
2. Set the tree so the root flare sits at or slightly above finished soil or potting mix.
3. Backfill gently and water thoroughly to settle.
4. 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.