Finger Lime - Brown - Grafted
- Regular price
-
$199.00 - Regular price
-
- Sale price
-
$199.00
Couldn't load pickup availability
Brown finger lime is a beautiful, uncommon variety of citrus, introduced into the market by our nursery. We graft from our mother tree onto Trifoliata or Flying Dragon rootstocks. This variety has brown skin, and a soft pink flesh. If left to ripen fully, they flesh will change into a dark pink/red colour. The brown finger lime fruit grow larger than the green selection, becoming the size and shape of a small sausage when mature, and they are also less seedy, almost seedless.
Finger limes grow well in containers, so well in fact, our mother tree was growing in a 35 litre pot for the first 9 years of its life. . They also grow well in the ground, however we do recommend container growing for the colder parts of the country so you can move the plant into shelter for the winter. At this stage we also have a few plants that are grafted onto flying dragon rootstock (dwarf), so if you are looking for a container plant, this is the best option for you. In saying that, our tree is on Trifoliata, and is doing just fine, it just requires more pruning than if it were on Flying Dragon.
Our mother tree fruits 12 months a year, and is constantly flowering, producing and ripening fruit at the same time all year round. This is in ideal conditions, grown in a plastic poly house, and fertilised regularly. Our outdoor tree fruits for 9-10 months of the year. We have discovered the fruiting season to vary depending on the plants location, age, climate and growing conditions.
Most of our grafted trees will start to produce flowers and fruit in their first spring, and some of the trees have already flowered. Although this is super exciting, we do not recommend letting them fruit for the first year of planting, so the tree can focus its energy on growing roots and shoots.
Trees that are pruned early will bush out, however if unpruned, they grow more upright. Finger limes send out long water sprouts which then become their branches, so you can easily shape the trees to how you would like them to look in the future.
Rootstock options:
Trifoliata (Standard) - Tree will grow to around 3-3.5 meters high, and 2.5 meters wide. Best option if you have plenty of space, and want a full sized tree.
Flying Dragon (Dwarf) - Tree will grow to around 1.8 meters high, and 1.8 meters wide. Best option for growing in a container/pot, small garden, or for those who like a uniform, manicured citrus tree look.
The fruit produced on both rootstocks is exactly the same, as the grafted scion is from the same mother plant. These different rootstocks mainly control the tree size, but also both have fantastic pest, disease and cold resistance, and are the best for helping you grow citrus trees in New Zealand's climate.
Citrus Care Tips
|
Watering: Citrus plants should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on the soil and weather conditions. Water the plant until the soil is evenly moist, but not waterlogged. Avoid letting the soil dry out completely, as this can cause the leaves to yellow and drop. |
|
Fertilising: Feed citrus plants with a balanced fertiliser (such as a 10-10-10 formula) every month during the growing season (spring and summer). Alternatively, you can use a slow-release fertiliser or a liquid fertiliser. Citrus plants also benefit from the addition of compost or well-rotted manure to the soil. |
|
Pruning: Prune citrus plants to remove dead or damaged branches, and to shape the plant as desired. Pruning also helps to encourage new growth and keep the plant healthy. Use clean, sharp pruning tools to make precise cuts. |
|
Pest control: Keep an eye out for pests such as aphids, mealybugs, and mites, which can damage citrus plants. These pests can be controlled through the use of natural methods such as introducing beneficial insects, or by using pesticides as a last resort |
|
Sunlight: Citrus plants need plenty of sunlight to grow and produce fruit. In most cases, a location with 6-8 hours of direct sunlight per day is ideal. However, be sure to provide some shade during the hottest parts of the day to prevent the leaves from burning. |
|
Soil: Citrus plants prefer well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-6.5. If your soil is not suitable, you can improve it by adding compost or peat moss to increase the organic matter content. |
|
Pollination: Citrus plants are self-pollinating, which means that they do not need to be pollinated by another plant in order to produce fruit. However, the presence of bees and other pollinators can help to improve the quality and quantity of fruit. To attract pollinators, consider planting flowering plants near your citrus trees. |
|
Temperature: Citrus plants thrive in warm temperatures and can tolerate a wide range of temperatures, as long as they are protected from frost. |
|
Mulching: Mulch around the base of your citrus plant to help retain moisture and suppress weeds. Use a mulch that is well-draining, such as wood chips or pine needles. Avoid using a mulch that is too thick, as this can prevent water and air from reaching the roots. |
|
Pruning for fruit production: To encourage fruit production, prune your citrus plant to allow for good air circulation and sunlight penetration. Remove any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other, as well as any branches that are diseased or damaged. |
| Pesticide use: If you need to use pesticides on your citrus plant, be sure to follow the instructions on the label carefully. Wear protective clothing, such as gloves and a mask, to avoid exposure. Avoid applying pesticides when pollinators are present, and wash your hands thoroughly after handling pesticides. |
