How to Grow Finger Lime in New Zealand
Finger lime is frost-tender and best in the warm north or in a pot that can be moved under cover in winter. Plant in spring once the soil warms. Slow to fruit and tolerates part shade as a rainforest understorey plant.
When to plant finger lime in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
| Auckland | January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December |
Best finger lime varieties for NZ
- Australian Finger Lime — Thorny citrus producing citrus-caviar pearls, grown in warm sheltered northern gardens or pots. (specialist citrus nurseries)
How to grow finger lime
- Space plants about 300cm apart.
- Sow seed around 30cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 1095 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 1 days.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Guava moth, Citrus leaf miner, Scale. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Finger Lime plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant finger lime in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in January, February, March, April, September, October, November, December. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy finger lime seeds or plants in NZ?
Try specialist citrus nurseries.