Finger Limes

Pademelon1 says...
Ok,

First thing- check out the rest of the forum, there are extensive discussions about finger limes already that can answer any questions you have and more.

summary of finger limes:

1) Slow Growing - whilst it can grow to tree height (5m +), it is rare to see this, and usually will grow to a max of 3-4m over a decade or more. Can be pruned & hedged.

2) It is a subtropical rainforest tree - this being said it is extremely hardy and can withstand many conditions (including mild frosts), but full sun without drying out & in fertile soil will be best - likes well-drained soil in sheltered conditions.

3) Likes slightly acidic soil 6-7pH, and do not overdo the Fertiliser, it likes much less than other citrus. A slow-release, low conc. fertiliser is best. I have experience lots of aphids and scale on my limes, so monitoring disease is also important.

4) Variety selection - many varieties with different pro's/con's - research to find ones right for you. This being said, grafted produce more fruit & earlier, also growing faster, but don't live for as long and are slightly less hardy*, and seedlings are random and may produce inferior fruit. Another possibility is hybrid, which grow quicker and a more productive - CSIRO developed the sunrise lime, a cross between a cumquat and a finger lime - I fully recommend!, and there are a few others available as well.

Finally - Daley's does have a good selection, but often they are unavailable and you may need to wait a long time before a variety you want becomes available, especially if you want particular colours. And if you are after a unique and rare plant - the mount white finger lime is an endangered related species.

Hope this helps,
Pademelon

*depends on situation - sometimes the other way round.