SERIES 27 Episode 17
Native limes are all the rage in the culinary world and for good reason - they're a unique fruit that adds citrus zing and visual appeal to both sweet and savoury dishes.
Often referred to as 'finger limes', they're easy to grow and Angus shows us now to get the best from different varieties.
While Australia has six species of native citrus - without a doubt the most popular and cultivated is the Australian Finger Lime (Citrus australasica).
FEATURED PLANTS
FINGER LIME 'PINK ICE' Citrus australasica
FINGER LIME 'JUDY'S EVERBEARING' Citrus australasica
AUSTRALIAN RED CENTRE LIME Citrus 'Australian Blood'
'AUSTRALIAN SUNRISE LIME' Citrus cv.
DESERT LIME Citrus glauca
GENERAL CARE FOR AUSTRALIAN CITRUS AND CULTIVARS
Position: Part-shade to full sun.
Soil: Native lime cultivars are grafted onto exotic citrus root stock and prefer well-drained soil with a pH of 5-6.5.
Height: Up to 5m.
Flowers: Cream flowers from late winter to spring.
Fruiting: Up to five months from flowering to fruition.
Prune: Lightly, in spring. Don't prune too hard when fruit is forming as you can accidentally cut off your upcoming crop.
Note: As with other citrus, discourage root competition by avoiding underplanting and mulching out to the drip line.
Avoid mulching around the trunk as it can cause collar rot.
Fertilise lightly with an organic, pelletised complete fertiliser in late winter and spring.
