How to Grow Finger Lime in Australia
A year-round fruit for the long-term patch
Growing Finger Lime rewards a little local know-how, and in the right season the plants do most of the work for you.
This guide covers when to plant Finger Lime in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Finger Lime is a year-round crop, half-hardy (it takes light frost but not a hard freeze). In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Finger Lime full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 5.5 to 6.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down.
Planting
Plant Finger Lime into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 300 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Australian native citrus producing prized "citrus caviar" pearls. Thorny, slow, but worth the wait. Takes 3 years from grafted plant to fruit. Drought tolerant once established. Rainforest understorey species, handles part shade. Varieties include Rainforest Pearl (green), Pink Ice (pink pearls), and Judy's Everbearing (red).
Care
Water consistently, roughly 10 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Citrus gall wasp and Stink bug. The main diseases to watch are Melanose and Citrus canker. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Finger Lime is typically ready to harvest within roughly 36 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
In the Kitchen
Nutritionally: high in vitamin C and antioxidants and native Australian superfruit.
Track Your Finger Lime Growing
Add finger lime to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Finger Lime in Australia?
Finger Lime is a year-round crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in March, April, May, June, July, August, September and October. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Finger Lime take to grow?
Finger Lime is generally ready to harvest within roughly 36 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
How much sun does Finger Lime need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Finger Lime in the Plant Library
