Finger Lime is a highly sought after tropical fruit-bearing tree that is both beautiful, and delicious. Finger Lime may be grown in pots (cannot survive Canadian winter outside). When ripe, Finger Lime fruit has an oval shape, bitter green lime skin, and the pearls of citrus can be squeezed out, like caviar!
Where can finger limes be grown?
Finger limes are naturally grown along the east coast around the Queensland and New South Wales border. Finger lime fruit forms inside a cylindrical pod which hangs off dense, thorny trees. Fruit is small, spherical and akin to caviar in appearance.
On what climate does finger lime grow?
Finger lime is native to the sub-tropical rainforests of South-East Queensland from Mount Tambourine to the Richmond River in North-East New South Wales. The Bundjalung people who lived in this area of Australia called finger lime “gulalung.” They are currently grown in virtually all tropical and sub-tropical climates.
Are finger limes frost tolerant?
Finger limes thrive in dappled light as well as full sun. In cooler climates, a partly shaded north-facing site is preferred. They are able to withstand light frost. Finger limes, along with other citrus, make good hedges and espalier well against fences and walls.
Can you grow finger limes at home?
Finger limes grow well in either the ground or a large container and can be treated in much the same manner that you would treat traditional lemons, limes and other citrus. This means positioning them in a sunny or lightly shaded spot where it’s protected from heavy frost and strong winds.
How long does it take for finger lime to bear fruit?
Flowering and cropping.
Grafted finger lime trees begin fruiting in year three but larger quantities of fruit are not normally obtained until year six, when trees are classed as ‘bearing’. Seedling trees can take up to 15 years to produce fruit, depending on cultivar.
How much does a finger lime tree cost?
A delicate rainforest tree that naturally occurs as an understorey tree in SE Queensland and Northern NSW Australia. Finger Lime trees are erect trees growing up to 10 metres.
$39.00 ($39.00-$59.00 choose a size)
| Price | $39.00 | $59.00 |
|---|---|---|
| sku | 4921 | 3109 |
What is the coldest a lime tree can survive?
Lemon, lime and citron trees are the least cold tolerant and will suffer at least some damage when tem- peratures drop below 25ºF. Early ripening varieties can also be planted, so that the fruit may be harvested before cold weather arrives.
Can Lime trees survive winter?
The winter season has been tough on citrus plants. It is important to understand how cold temperatures affect citrus trees. Among the citrus types most easily killed or damaged by freezing weather are citrons, lemons and limes. Temperatures in the high 20s will kill or severely damage these plants.
How hard is it to grow finger limes?
You can order finger lime seeds from your local nursery or online, but keep in mind that most trees take up to 15 years to mature to the point of producing fruit. If you do opt to plant seeds, make sure to use fresh ones. Even with fresh seeds, the finger lime tree is slow to grow and seedlings have a low success rate.
Are finger limes rare?
Citrus Industry
Traditionally, finger limes have remained rare in the United States, grown few and far between.
How long do finger limes last once picked?
Once harvested, finger lime has a 4-5 week shelf-life if stored in a cool room. As with other citrus, care must be taken to prevent chilling injury, so fruit should not be stored below 8°C. Whole finger lime or the pulp can be snap frozen and stored for 6-12 months and thawed without loss of shape or flavour.
What is the best tasting finger lime?
Red Champagne is the most popular variety of finger lime. With a mild and subtle taste, it’s eating quality are quite versatile and it can also be eaten fresh. Cooler climate will bring more color to the fruit.
Are finger limes self fertile?
As with any fruit, the Finger Lime flowers are pollinated by native and honey bees – if the flowers aren’t pollinated, your Finger Lime tree won’t produce fruit. Alternatively, you can try pollinating yourself with a small, clean and sterilised paint brush.
Can I grow a lime tree indoors?
Like the plants at Versailles, your orange, lemon, or lime tree can grow in a container, thriving indoors during cold-weather months before basking outside in spring and summer.
How do you encourage finger lime to fruit?
Watering & Fertilising Finger Limes
Keep your soil/planting mixture moist – if it dries out the tree will ‘drop’ any fruit that has set. Lightly feed your Finger Lime tree with an all purpose flower/fruit fertiliser (NPK blend) that has a high Potassium (K) rating.
What part of finger lime is edible?
The finger lime has been recently popularised as a gourmet bushfood. The globular juice vesicles (also known as pearls) have been likened to a “lime caviar”, which can be used as a garnish or added to various recipes. The fresh vesicles have the effect of a burst of effervescent tangy flavour as they are chewed.
How tall does a finger lime grow?
Native finger lime grows into a large shrub or small tree up to 6m tall, but can be kept compact with regular trimming. Its dense canopy is made up of thorny branches and tiny, glossy green leaves.
Are finger limes good for you?
“Like other citrus fruits, finger limes are an excellent source of vitamin C, which plays a role in healthy immunity, as well as collagen formation for healthy skin,” explains Curtain. According to The Australian Super Food online, finger limes contain three times the vitamin C found in mandarins.
Can finger limes grow in pots?
You can grow your finger lime in the ground or in a container and they will perform well as a feature tree, hedge, or even espaliered against a fence. They will tolerate nutrient poor soil and will require around a quarter of the amount of fertiliser as regular citrus.
How tall is a 3 year old lime tree?
Approx 3.5 Ft
3-4 Year Old (Approx 3.5 Ft) Persian Lime Tree. Persian Limes are ideal for Cooking and Juicing.