Australian Finger Lime Tree
Australian Finger Lime Tree is one of the most fascinating discoveries in our fruit world. This unusual variety is sometimes called Citrus Caviar. Contained in the dark purple, 3″ long fruit are a multitude of juicy capsules bursting with intense, sweet-tart, lemon-lime flavor. Found in the wild in Australia, Finger Limes have only recently been introduced to the US.
Click here to view our Citrus Growing Guide.
Latin Name: Microcitrus australasica
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 35° 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: 3-5 ft.
Taste: Intense sweet-tart, lemon-lime
Fruit Skin: Dark purple
Fruit Flesh: Greenish to yellow, can vary
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: 10