Add a unique twist to your garden and culinary creations with Finger Lime Seeds (Citrus Australasica), also known as Caviar Lime. This exceptional fruit tree produces small, elongated limes that are packed with juicy, tangy pearls, resembling caviar in both texture and flavor. Often used as a gourmet addition to salads, seafood, or cocktails, the Finger Lime is a fantastic choice for anyone looking to grow something extraordinary in their garden. Native to Australia, this hardy, slow-growing tree can thrive in a variety of climates and is perfect for gardeners looking to add a distinctive, flavorful fruit to their landscape.
Key Benefits
Unique Fruit: Finger Limes, with their elongated shape and caviar-like pearls inside, provide a stunning visual and flavorful addition to any dish. The tangy pulp bursts with citrus flavor, offering a refreshing zest. Gourmet Culinary Uses: The tangy, lime-flavored pearls are a favorite addition to salads, seafood dishes, cocktails, and desserts, making it an excellent choice for home chefs and food enthusiasts. Attractive Ornamental Tree: Besides its delicious fruit, the Finger Lime tree itself is a beautiful addition to your garden, with its glossy evergreen leaves and fragrant white or pink flowers that bloom in the spring. Cold Hardy: Unlike many other citrus trees, the Finger Lime is known for its cold tolerance and can survive in areas with moderate frost, making it suitable for a wider range of climates (USDA zones 8-11). Low Maintenance: Once established, the Finger Lime tree requires minimal care, making it ideal for both beginner and experienced gardeners.
How to Plant Finger Lime Seeds
Planting Season:
- Best Time to Plant: Start seeds indoors 6-8 weeks before the last frost date in early spring. For direct sowing, plant once the risk of frost has passed and the soil has warmed.
Seed Preparation:
- Soak Seeds: Soak the seeds in warm water for 24 hours before planting to improve germination rates.
Planting Instructions:
- Depth: Plant seeds about 1/4 inch deep in well-draining soil.
- Spacing: If planting multiple seeds, space them about 12 inches apart to allow for the tree’s growth.
- Light Requirements: Finger Limes require full sun for best fruit production, although they can tolerate partial shade.
Water and Care
Watering Needs:
- Keep the soil moist but well-drained, especially during the germination phase. Once the plant is established, reduce watering frequency, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.
Fertilizer:
- Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer in early spring to support strong growth and fruiting. Finger Limes thrive on well-fertilized soil but don’t require heavy feeding.
Pruning:
- Prune the tree in early spring to maintain its shape and remove any damaged or dead growth. This encourages healthy growth and better fruit production.
Hardiness Zones:
- Finger Lime thrives in USDA zones 8-11, making it suitable for warm to moderate climates. In colder regions, it can be grown in containers and brought indoors during the winter.
Perfect For
- Ornamental Gardens: The Finger Lime tree adds a tropical feel to your landscape with its attractive foliage, fragrant flowers, and unique fruit.
- Edible Gardens: A fantastic addition to any edible garden, the Finger Lime offers fresh, flavorful fruit for a variety of culinary uses.
- Pollinator Gardens: The tree’s fragrant flowers attract bees and butterflies, making it a great choice for a garden focused on supporting local pollinators.
- Container Gardening: If you're in a cooler climate or limited space, grow Finger Limes in containers that can be moved indoors when necessary.
Recommended Coverage
Packet: A packet of Finger Lime Seeds – Citrus Australasica contains enough seeds to grow multiple trees, ideal for planting in gardens or containers for a small fruit grove.
Grow Your Own Gourmet Caviar Limes
With Finger Lime Seeds, you can enjoy the unique flavor and ornamental beauty of this versatile citrus tree. Whether used for culinary creations or as a stunning addition to your garden, the Finger Lime is sure to impress with its distinct appearance and flavorful fruit. Order your seeds today and start growing this exotic fruit in your garden!