Growing Your Own Finger Limes: Too Easy

Finger limes, a unique citrus fruit native to Australia, are increasingly popular due to their vibrant, caviar-like vesicles that burst with a tangy lime flavor. Perfect for garnishing dishes, these fruits are easy to grow even in non-tropical climates.

Why Grow Finger Limes?

1. Finger limes can be grown anywhere: They thrive in warm climates, but they can also be grown in containers in colder areas. If you live in an area where temperatures drop below 28F, plant your finger lime in a 10-gallon pot to move it indoors during winter. You’ll have huge success for their low maintenance when container-grown.

2. Production of multiple crops yearly: Here in Philadelphia, the first harvest begins in August and the second continues during the winter indoors. They’ll also flower indoors during the late winter or early spring. Don’t fret, they don’t require pollination from bees and will produce limes even if left indoors. 

3. Precocity: Finger lime trees can even fruit within the first growing season. 

4. Many culinary uses: The tiny vesicles inside finger limes add a burst of flavor and texture to various dishes. They’re ideal for garnishing sushi, fish tacos, salads, and even desserts like cheesecake. Finger limes can also enhance beverages or top fresh oysters for a gourmet touch.

5. Variation: Don’t forget about the different varieties and colors of finger limes.

Related: Why I Grow Fig Trees and Why You Should Grow & Plant Your Own

Finger Lime Varieties

Similar to other fruits, each variety and color offers a slightly different flavor profile and appearance. The outer skin can range from deep green to shades of red, yellow, purple, and even black. The interior vesicles, known as "lime caviar," can also vary in color, including green, pink, and pale yellow.

Some popular varieties include:

• Green Finger Lime: A classic variety with vibrant green skin and pale green vesicles. This is the most common variety found in the US.

• Red Finger Lime: Features reddish skin with pink to red vesicles, offering a slightly sweeter taste. Also easily found in the US.

• Pink Ice: This variety has pink vesicles that produce a subtle, sweet-tart flavor similar to a ruby grapefruit.

• Collette: The flavor is highly aromatic and has been rated superior by Chefs. Fruit is highly ornamental, with its shiny black skin and as a cut fruit, as it has a dark lime green pulp.

The following two varieties and many others are readily available in Australia. I’m sure in the future they’ll be making their way into the US for growing at home. Check them out and many other varieties here.

Growing Finger Limes

Caring for finger lime trees requires attention to several key practices to ensure healthy growth and fruit production. 

Pruning Finger Limes

Pruning finger lime trees is essential to maintain their shape and encourage healthy growth. In the first and second years, aim to shape the tree like a beach ball, keeping it symmetrical by trimming back any overly long branches.

When pruning, pay close attention to the terminal bud growth rings. These growth rings are key because the first few buds above them are often "blind," meaning they won’t produce new shoots. To encourage more productive growth, trim branches just above these rings, which will stimulate new growth and lead to more abundant flowering and fruiting.

Additionally, remove any trifoliate (three-leafed) shoots that emerge from below the graft line on the tree. These shoots are from the rootstock and can divert energy away from the main scion, reducing overall fruit production. Always cut these off as close to the base as possible to prevent them from re-sprouting.

Fertilizing & Watering Finger Limes

Fertilizing finger lime trees is crucial, at all times of the year. Remember, citrus trees and finger lime trees are evergreen–they’ll continually need water and food, unlike deciduous trees. Use a balanced citrus fertilizer, applying it every four to six weeks. This helps support the tree’s nutrient needs for producing multiple crops of fruit throughout the year. Instead, apply a slow-release fertilizer like Osmocote twice a year, similar to how I treat my fig trees.

Related: Fertilizing Fig Trees: A Guide to Optimal Growth

Watering is equally important; keep the soil consistently moist but well-drained. Citrus trees are not forgiving when it comes to drought as the branches will die back. At the same time, overwatering can lead to root rot (they’re particularly prone to it), so ensure that the soil has good drainage, particularly if the tree is planted in a container. Like other container fruit trees, the same rules apply.

Related: Fig Tree Watering | How Much Water, When to Water & Why Excess Water Leads to Watered-Down Figs!

Planting Finger Lime Trees

When planting finger lime trees, choose a sunny location with well-drained soil. Mulching around the base of the tree helps retain moisture and regulate soil temperature. Use organic mulch like wood chips or straw, and apply it in a layer about 2-3 inches thick, keeping it away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Repotting Finger Lime Trees

Repotting finger lime trees is essential for their continued growth and health. When you first receive your tree, start by moving it to a slightly larger pot, such as a three-gallon container for a one-gallon plant. When repotting, be gentle with the roots—try not to damage them, and remove any excess soil from the bottom. Use a well-draining, peat-based soil mix that allows for good water retention without becoming waterlogged. Ensure the new soil is loosely packed to maintain aeration, and consider adding some fertilizer if needed.

Related: The BEST TIPS for Repotting Fig Trees | Planting a Fig Tree in a Pot for Success

Harvesting

Ripe finger limes are plump and detach easily from the tree. The fruit doesn’t ripen further after picking, so it’s essential to harvest at the right time. The fruit’s skin may change color depending on the variety, signaling ripeness. Look for plump finger limes that feel firm, not empty. If the lime has fully hardened, looks dull, and/or feels light for its size, the pearls inside may have dried out.

Storage

To keep finger limes fresh, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month. For short-term storage, they can sit at room temperature for a couple of days. Cut only what you need, as sliced finger limes dry out quickly. Wrap any cut portions tightly in plastic wrap and refrigerate for up to two days.