Finger Lime Tree for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

Planting and Care

by John Haryasz | Horticulture Writer and Landscape Designer – last update on June 28, 2022

Planting instructions

The manner in which you grow a finger lime tree depends on where you live. For example, if you live in the southeastern United States, Texas, or the West Coast, you have a chance to grow this plant outdoors year-round. Those who live in colder climates will need to plant their finger lime trees in containers to overwinter them when frost arrives. Whether you grow this plant indoors or out, it will survive with full or partial sun and does best with fertile, loamy soils.

Watering and nutrients

As is true for most fruit trees, your finger lime tree should receive plenty of water to keep its soil moist at nearly all times. Typically, you should give this plant water once per week during the growing season. However, monitoring the soil and watering based on the moisture level you feel is a better approach. Beginning in spring, you can fertilize your finger lime tree about once every three months. When fertilizing, use a blend that is specific to citrus trees. Otherwise, you can use a nitrogen-heavy fertilizer or a balanced fertilizer.

Pollination

Like most fruit trees, finger lime trees are self-fertile, but they will provide a better harvest when cross-pollination occurs. In the outdoors, the finger lime tree will make use of flying insects to carry its pollen from one flower to another. However, those who grow this plant indoors cannot rely on those pollinators. Instead, indoor growers will need to conduct hand pollination. The easiest way to do that is to use a small paintbrush to move the pollen from the male parts of the plant to the female structures.

Pruning

When pruning a finger lime tree, you should focus first on removing any dead or declining branches. Next, you should improve the overall shape of your tree to make for better harvesting and disease prevention. The best way to do that is to encourage the development of a few main branches that are strong enough to carry a lot of fruit. You should also thin the canopy to improve air circulation and cut away any suckers that form at this tree’s base.

Pests, diseases, and animals

The most prominent infestation concerns for the finger lime tree come from aphids, grasshoppers, and a few other insects, including mites. Occasionally, scale insects and citrus leaf miners may also afflict your plants. Along with those problems, finger lime trees can also contract diseases. Twig dieback and different forms of rot can be common, as well as the Huanglongbing disease, which causes the leaves of this plant to turn yellow and die. As soon as you notice any disease signs, you should remove the affected portion.

Harvesting

After about half a decade of life, your finger lime tree will reach an age at which it is mature enough to bear fruit. When this occurs, the tree’s flowers will bloom in the fall and drop off the tree to give way to the fruits. After several months, the fruits will reach a harvestable stage during the spring months of March, April, and May. Finger limes that are ready for harvest will be a few inches long, should have consistent color, and will be firm to the touch.

Achieving maximum results

It’s often best to control the shape of a finger lime tree with your pruning cuts. Without some training, these plants will usually develop into a denser, more shrub-like form. While there is nothing inherently negative about this form, it is not ideal for a fruit harvest. It’s better to trim this plant into a small tree form to allow for better fruit-bearing and harvest. You should also understand that irrigation and drainage are essential for this tree, as excessive moisture and a lack of moisture will both interfere with growth.

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