A compact bush with a dense growth, commonly named Finger or Caviar Lime with narrow shaped fragrant leaves and a different appearance to the usual more available beautiful Mediterranean citrus.

The Finger Lime should be kept in a pot as it needs winter protection such as a cool but frost-free greenhouse or saving that, a winter plant cover.

The small finger shaped fruit forms from the creamy white flowers and are protected by spiky thorns. When opening the ripe fruit, the flesh inside is like a cluster of small pearl-shaped pearl fruit with a delicious zingy citrus flavour.

Chefs around the world seem to love the fruit in their recipes so maybe you can have a practice at home.

Cultivation: Protection in winter

Soil: Well drained John Innes No 3, failing that No 2. Added grit or stone.

Position: Full sun and sheltered position

Foliage: Evergreen

Fruit: Finger shape with pearl shaped citrus flavoured flesh

Flowering: Creamy white blossom

Habit: Dense & compact

Hardiness: Not fully hardy

Growth: Average

Benefits to Wildlife: Bees

Did you know:

Citrus australasica is a native of Australia and the rain forests of Queensland and New South Wales.

Care for Citrus

Citrus (Blood Orange, Grapefruit, Kumquat, Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, Orange)

Citrus can be kept outside from May/June to September, obviously depending on the weather, with an Indian Summer they can be kept out longer than usual. All Citrus must come in for the winter. No special pruning is required although one can improve the shape by light pruning of straggly shoots.

Citrus need winter light which is difficult to obtain in the UK so they do need to be in a glasshouse, conservatory or tunnel. Often some leaves will turn yellow and drop off but they will re-grow with warm spring sunshine. Another grower has suggested that once a month, breaking up several spent tea bags and stirring them into the compost’ which seems to be a good idea. Rotted leaves will have the same effect.

Suggested home remedy. About once a month, from November to March, add 1 level teaspoonful of Epsom Salts to each Citrus and water in – this will improve leaf colour and general well-being. Spray with a fine mist of water in spring to assist pollination. If scale insects appear on the undersides of the leaves spray with some leaf defence. Some gardeners recommend dabbing scale insects with a paintbrush dipped in methylated spirits or rubbing alcohol, although these substances are not approved as pesticides.

How To Grow Citrus Container Growing

Citrus are really only suitable for growing in patio tubs or containers in Britain. Choose one of a good size for the tree or shrub you are planting. Be careful not to plant in too small a container as a plant loaded with foliage and fruit can easily become top-heavy in high winds and it will also need to be re-potted much sooner as it grows.

There are many containers available but it is important to choose one that has good drainage. There should be holes in the base to ensure good drainage and prevent root rot.  It is always a good idea to put stones or rubble into the bottom of the container to help with drainage and prevent soil from falling out. Ideally, the container should be stood on a couple of house bricks or on gravel to assist drainage.

Aftercare

In the first growing season after planting it is vital to ensure the plant is adequately watered – and this is even more critical in extended dry periods or drought. When watering any newly planted stock ‘a bucket a week’ is favourable to a teacup a day, and will encourage a good, deep root system.

Keep the area around the base of your plant free of weeds and grass which would otherwise compete for moisture and nutrients.

To further aid moisture retention it is a good idea to mulch around your plant with chipped bark, well-rotted manure or similar; this will also help with suppressing weed growth.

During the active growing season, an occasional feed with our ‘Instant Life’ citrus food or a light top dressing with a base fertiliser will prove beneficial. Under no circumstances be tempted to overfeed!

Pruning and Training

Many many books have been written on fruit pruning and training therefore we would recommend Grow Fruit by Alan Buckingham (DK Publishing).