6/11/2023 0 Comments Plants that cut fingers![]() ![]() Here are the main things to look out for: Unfortunately citrus are vulnerable to quite a few problems and even though finger limes are a native plant they are no exception. Check around the base of the tree daily and pick up any fallen fruit. With some varieties the skin will also change colour. Ripe fruit will feel firm to the touch and detach easily. Otherwise just prune if you wish to restrict the height or encourage into a hedge or ball shape.įinger limes should only be harvested when they’re ripe as they don’t ripen any further once removed from the tree. Simply remove any dead or damaged wood periodically. Remove any shoots which appear below the graft union as this is the rootstock.įinger limes don’t require any fancy pruning. If die-back occurs on any stems, prune to just above a healthy node and the stem will usually reshoot. This occurs regularly with nursery stock and given time they grow back. As long as you know your plant is getting enough water don’t be too alarmed if your finger lime starts losing leaves for no apparent reason. They have a relatively shallow root system and will appreciate the regular watering. This is especially important for young establishing plants and those grown in containers.įor optimum cropping, water your finger lime thoroughly during flowering and fruiting. In addition every 2-4 weeks apply a dose of OCP eco-aminogro with OCP eco-seaweed to ensure an abundant harvest. In warm climates trees this can be done in winter too as the plant will still be active. Fertilise in spring, summer and autumn with a layer of compost, manure and organic pellets. Water in with OCP eco-seaweed and mulch the surface as well.įertilising and Maintenance of Finger Limesįinger limes like other citrus are hungry plants and will benefit from regular feeding. The bigger the better really so if you’ve got the space go larger. If planting into a container use a premium quality potting mix and a pot with a minimum diameter of 50cm. Then add a layer of mulch but keep a 5-10cm gap around the trunk to prevent fungal problems developing. Ensure the finger lime is planted to the same depth that it was in the pot as this will ensure the graft union is at least 10cm above the ground.Īfter planting water in with a solution of OCP eco-seaweed to settle the soil around the roots, reduce transplant shock and encourage new roots. Into clay soils add some gypsum and create a raised mound to further improve drainage. To improve the soil before planting work in some compost and manure. When planting in the ground finger limes do best in well-drained soil with a pH of between 6 and 7. Note that in dryer regions with scorching hot summer sun some afternoon shade is necessary to prevent burn. As an understory plant they can handle more shade than regular citrus but will produce less fruit. ![]() This means positioning them in a sunny or lightly shaded spot where it’s protected from heavy frost and strong winds. Grafted varieties are more expensive but worth it when you consider non-grafted forms can take up to 15 years before they begin producing fruit.įinger 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. They are usually prolific fruiters and should bear fruit within a year of planting. In nurseries you’ll commonly find grafted varieties which are suitable for growing in a wide range of soils and climates. In the wild they can grow to 6m but in cultivation they usually stop at 3m which allows easy access to the fruit. Simply choose whichever appeals to you.įinger limes grow naturally as an understory tree in the sub-tropical rainforests of south-east Queensland and north-east New South Wales. The skin of the mature fruit can be green, burgundy or a dull orange while the pulp may be green, pale peach or red. Essentially they’re all the same when it comes to flavour with differences being in the size and colour of the fruit. In recent years there’s been an explosion finger lime cultivars released so you might be wondering which one to choose. To use the fruit simply cut it in half, squeeze the pulp out and add to seafood dishes, salads, desserts and even cocktails for a bit citrus zing.įinger limes grow as a large dense shrub or small tree but if you have the space they also make a fabulous informal hedge that beneficial insects and birds will appreciate as much as you. The pulp inside is made up of tiny translucent balls that are simply bursting with zestiness and what people love. Finger limes ( Citrus australasica) are a native citrus that produce elongated fruit which look like stubby little fingers. ![]()
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