Finger Lime

Citrus australasica 'Rainforest Pearl'

fruit

Finger lime (Citrus australasica Rainforest Pearl) is a thorny, slow-growing Australian citrus, naturally an understory shrub or small tree, grown for slender, finger-shaped fruit. Inside, the pulp is made of tiny, firm, juice-filled spheres that spill out and pop like caviar, releasing a sharp lime flavor, which has made it a celebrated garnish for seafood, drinks, and desserts. Rainforest Pearl is a popular pink-blushed selection. Compact and container-friendly, finger lime is also notably tolerant of the citrus greening disease (HLB) that devastates other citrus.

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Sun

full sun

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Water

Every 6 days

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Harvest

~3 yrs

to first harvest

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Difficulty

medium

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Lifecycle

perennial

Comes back every year

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Spacing

6-8 ft apart

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Planting Depth

Set at the same depth as the nursery container, keeping the graft union several inches above the soil line

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Soil pH

6.0-6.5

Growing Details

Soil Type

Rich, well-drained, slightly acidic

Hardiness Zones

Zones 9 – 11

When to Fertilize

Feed in late winter, late spring, and summer

Fertilizer

Citrus fertilizer with micronutrients

🌱 Growing Guide

Plant finger lime in full sun in rich, well-drained, slightly acidic soil, with consistent moisture. It is frost sensitive, hardy to about the mid-30s F, so it suits central and south Florida and similar warm regions; elsewhere grow it in a container and bring it to a bright, protected spot before frost. It naturally grows as a thorny understory shrub and can take light shade. Keep it evenly watered, feed as for citrus, and prune to shape. Its HLB tolerance makes it one of the more resilient citrus for home growers.

Planting Calendar

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Direct sow

Apr 15

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Projected first harvest

Aug 13 · Year 4

JJan

FFeb

MMar

AApr

MMay

JJun

JJul

AAug

SSep

OOct

NNov

DDec

Year 1

✅ Plant alongside

Good neighbors that attract beneficial insects or deter pests

Comfrey — A nutrient accumulator for a mineral-rich mulch
Marigold — Suppresses nematodes and attracts beneficial insects
Nasturtium — A trap crop that pulls aphids off the new growth

🛡️ Pest & disease prevention

Proactive ways to stop trouble before it starts — tap a name with an arrow for its full guide

Citrus leafminer
Mines tender leaves; protect new flushes and avoid excess soft growth
Aphids
On new shoots; rinse off and conserve ladybugs
Citrus scale
On stems and leaves; use horticultural oil and conserve natural enemies

🌾 Harvest & storage

Finger limes ripen in fall and into winter; the fruit is ready when it is full, firm, and detaches with a gentle pull, and color deepens with ripeness. Pick before frost. To serve, cut the fruit crosswise and squeeze out the crisp juice pearls as a fresh, tangy garnish.

🥗 Nutrition & benefits

Finger lime is rich in vitamin C and aromatic citrus oils. The crisp juice vesicles are used fresh as a sparkling, tangy garnish on seafood, drinks, and desserts rather than eaten in quantity.

For educational and informational purposes only — HomeSown is not medical, health, or other professional advice. Always positively identify any plant before handling or eating it; some plants, and some parts of otherwise-edible plants, are toxic. Consult a qualified professional before consuming or otherwise using any plant, especially if you are pregnant, nursing, taking medication, or have a health condition.