Australian Blood Lime Tree
One of our favorite new introductions from down under, the Australian Blood Lime is a beautiful gem of a fruit resulting from the open pollination of an Australian Red Finger Lime and either a Rangpur Lime or an Ellendale Mandarin. The fruit has qualities of both parents and features the elongated fruit and red pigments of the red finger lime but with a more spherical shape than finger limes typically take. The flesh is not quite the citrus caviar of the finger limes but is certainly more heavily segmented than a typical lime and when fully ripe it does break apart like a finger lime. But, of course, it’s all about the flavor, which does not disappoint! The unique flavor and spicy zing of the finger lime is combined with the aromatic oils of either Rangpur Lime or the Ellendale Mandarin to create a citrus unlike any other we’ve ever experienced. The plants themselves look much like a finger lime tree with slightly rounder foliage and a more upright habit. Enjoy!
Click here to view our Citrus Growing Guide.
Latin Name: Microcitrus australasica var. sanguinea x Citrus hybrid
Site and Soil: In spring, summer and fall, keep your potted Citrus in a location with 1/2 day to full sun. In the winter, place your plant in a well-lit room. Potting soil should be coarse, acidic, and well-drained.
Rootstock Description: Self-rooted
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile. You can help it set fruit by taking a small brush and moving pollen from flower to flower.
Hardiness: Hardy to about 25-30° F. We recommend bringing Australian Finger Lime to a well-lit and protected location in early fall before frost.
Bearing Age: 1-2 years after planting
Size at Maturity: 5-8 ft.
Taste: Spicy, aromatic, unique flavor
Fruit Skin: Red
Fruit Flesh: Red-orange
Bloom Time: Winter
Ripening Time: Late fall into winter
Yield: 50+ fruit
Care: Fertilize with citrus mix 3-4 times per year with typical applications in late winter (Jan-Feb), late spring (May-June) and early fall (Sept-Oct).
Pests & Diseases: While outside, Citrus plants will likely not be bothered by insect pests. Be on the lookout for slugs. Indoors, Citrus can have mites and/or aphids. Watch carefully for any problems and treat with an insecticidal soap or wash them off. We have not seen any disease problems on our Citrus plants.
USDA Zone: 9b