Overview
Introduce an exotic flair to your garden or patio with the remarkable green finger lime tree. This exceptional live finger lime plant, often referred to as the ‘citrus caviar’ plant, is celebrated for its unique, elongated fruits filled with tiny, pearl-like vesicles that burst with a zesty, tart flavor. Originating from Australia, this citrus variety adds a gourmet touch to culinary creations, from seafood dishes to cocktails and desserts. Our australian finger lime specimen arrives as a healthy, thriving plant, approximately 2 feet tall and established in a 3-gallon nursery pot, ready to be transplanted and begin producing its coveted fruit.
The green finger lime tree is a fascinating and rewarding plant for both experienced gardeners and adventurous beginners. Its slender, thorny branches and small, aromatic leaves contribute to its distinctive appearance. Beyond its culinary appeal, this citrus plant offers an attractive ornamental presence, making it a wonderful addition to any sunny landscape or as a potted specimen in cooler climates where it can be moved indoors during winter.
Key Benefits
Owning a green finger lime tree brings a host of unique advantages, blending ornamental beauty with exceptional culinary utility. This plant is more than just a fruit producer; it’s a conversation starter and a source of fresh, gourmet ingredients right at your fingertips.
- Unique Culinary Ingredient: Harvest your own ‘citrus caviar’ – small, bead-like vesicles that provide a burst of tangy flavor, perfect for garnishing dishes, adding to drinks, or creating exotic desserts. The unique texture and taste are unparalleled.
- Ornamental Appeal: With its distinctive foliage and compact growth habit, the live finger lime plant serves as an attractive specimen plant in gardens, on patios, or even indoors in bright, sunny locations. It adds a touch of the exotic to any setting.
- Freshness at Home: Enjoy the unparalleled freshness of homegrown finger limes, free from pesticides and picked at their peak ripeness. This ensures the best flavor and nutritional value for your culinary endeavors.
- Adaptable Growth: While ideally suited for USDA Zones 9-11 outdoors, this citrus tree can thrive in containers in cooler regions, allowing you to bring it indoors during colder months. This flexibility makes it accessible to a wider range of gardeners.
- Relatively Low Maintenance: Once established, the australian finger lime requires consistent care but is generally robust. With proper sunlight, water, and well-draining soil, it will reward you with abundant fruit. Learning finger lime care is straightforward.
- Long Blooming Season: The plant typically blooms from spring to early summer, offering fragrant white flowers that enhance its beauty and signal the upcoming harvest of its distinctive green fruits.
Plant Care & Growing Tips
Successful cultivation of your green finger lime tree depends on providing the right environmental conditions and consistent care. This citrus variety, while resilient, thrives best when its specific needs for sunlight, water, and soil are met. Understanding proper finger lime care is crucial for a bountiful harvest.
For optimal growth and fruit production, your live finger lime plant requires abundant sunlight. It performs best in full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day. If growing indoors, place it in your brightest window, preferably south-facing, or supplement with a grow light. Adequate watering is also critical; the soil should be kept consistently moist but never waterlogged. Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings to prevent root rot. During hot, dry periods, more frequent watering may be necessary, while in cooler months, reduce the frequency. Ensure excellent drainage, as citrus plants are very susceptible to standing water. A well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for citrus plants or a blend of standard potting soil with perlite and sand is ideal. The plant is hardy in USDA Zones 9 to 11, tolerating temperatures down to about 25°F (-4°C) for short periods. In colder zones, it must be brought indoors when temperatures drop below freezing.
Fertilization is important for healthy growth and fruit development. Use a balanced citrus-specific fertilizer during the growing season (spring through fall), following the product’s instructions for dosage and frequency. Pruning can be done to maintain shape, remove dead or crossing branches, and encourage new growth and fruit production. Watch for common citrus pests like aphids, scale, and spider mites, and treat them promptly with organic insecticidal soaps or neem oil. Providing good air circulation around the plant helps prevent fungal issues. Consistent and attentive finger lime care will ensure your tree remains healthy and productive for years.
Size & Details
This green finger lime tree is a thriving specimen, approximately 2 feet tall from the base of the pot to the top of the foliage, and comes established in a robust 3-gallon nursery pot. This size provides a significant head start, allowing the plant to quickly settle into its new environment whether planted in the ground or a larger container. The mature size of a australian finger lime tree can reach 6-8 feet tall when grown in ideal conditions, though container-grown plants tend to remain more compact. It typically ships as a well-rooted, actively growing plant, ready for immediate transplanting.
The tree exhibits a moderate growth rate and will begin producing fruit within a few seasons under proper care. Each tree is carefully selected to ensure health and vigor upon arrival. Please note that citrus plants cannot be shipped to California due to agricultural restrictions. The plant will arrive securely packaged to minimize stress during transit, ensuring it is ready to flourish in its new home. Expect vibrant green foliage and the promise of delicious citrus caviar.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Q: How big does this green finger lime tree get? A: This green finger lime tree arrives at approximately 2 feet tall. When mature, it can reach 6-8 feet tall if planted in the ground, or remain more compact in a large container.
- Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant? A: The live finger lime plant thrives outdoors in USDA Zones 9 to 11. In colder climates, it can be grown in a container and brought indoors during winter months to protect it from freezing temperatures.
- Q: How much sunlight does the australian finger lime need? A: This plant requires full sun, meaning at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily, for optimal growth and fruit production. Indoors, place it in the brightest available window.
- Q: Is this plant easy to care for? A: With consistent finger lime care, including proper watering, sunlight, and well-draining soil, this plant is moderately easy to care for. It’s suitable for gardeners with some experience or enthusiastic beginners.
- Q: What condition will the green finger lime tree arrive in? A: Your tree will arrive as a healthy, actively growing specimen, approximately 2 feet tall and established in a 3-gallon nursery pot, securely packaged to ensure its safety during transit.
- Q: How long until it blooms and produces fruit? A: This plant typically blooms from spring to early summer. With good care, you can expect fruit production within a few seasons after planting.
- Q: What type of soil is best for this citrus caviar plant? A: The citrus caviar plant prefers well-draining soil. A high-quality potting mix formulated for citrus or a blend with added perlite and sand will provide the necessary drainage and aeration.
- Q: Can I grow this plant in a small apartment? A: While it can be grown indoors, this tree can reach 6-8 feet tall. It’s best suited for a large, sunny apartment with ample space and a large container.
- Q: What are the main benefits of growing a green finger lime tree? A: The primary benefits include harvesting unique ‘citrus caviar’ for culinary uses, its ornamental appeal, and the satisfaction of growing an exotic, relatively low-maintenance fruit tree.
- Q: Is this australian finger lime plant shipped with fruit on it? A: While it is a mature plant, we cannot guarantee fruit will be present upon arrival due to seasonal variations and the shipping process. The plant is healthy and capable of producing fruit in due course.























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