How to Grow Australian Finger Lime Davey Red

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Australian Finger Lime Davey Red

Citrus australasica 'Davey Red'

tree

Davey Red is a cultivar of the Australian finger lime, a small citrus tree producing distinctive elongated, finger-like fruits with deep red skin and ruby-colored juice vesicles inside. The tree is compact and ornamental, making it suitable for container growing or small spaces. Known for its intense, tart flavor profile with complex berry-lime notes, it's prized by chefs and home gardeners alike.

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Example Australian Finger Lime Davey Red timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)

Plant Australian Finger Lime Davey Red
Around Apr 17

Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
Tend & protect
Late spring–summer

Watering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
Harvest Australian Finger Lime Davey Red
Late summer into fall

Before the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)

Sample dates for Pittsburgh, PA. Sign up to get exact Australian Finger Lime Davey Red dates for your own zip code.

Growing Conditions

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Sun: Full sun, 6-8 hours daily minimum; tolerates partial shade in hot climates

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Water: Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged; water deeply 2-3 times weekly during growing season; reduce in winter; sensitive to both drought and standing water

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Spacing: 48-60 inches (4-5 feet) for in-ground planting; suitable for containers 20+ gallons inches

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Days to maturity: 1095-1460 days (3-4 years from grafted sapling to first significant fruit)

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Planting depth: Plant so graft union is 1-2 inches above soil line; in containers, leave 2 inches from rim for watering

Soil

Type: Well-draining sandy loam or potting mix

pH: 5.5-6.5

Amendments:

Perlite or coarse sand for drainage Compost or aged bark Sulphur to lower pH if needed

Growing Zones

Find your zone →

Thrives in zones 9b-11; can survive brief freezes to 28°F (-2°C) with protection

9b 10a 10b 11

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Growth Stages

Establishment

12-18 months

Young grafted tree (1-2 years) with vigorous upright growth, glossy dark green foliage, and establishment of root system

Stake if necessary; maintain consistent moisture; fertilize monthly with citrus formula; remove any flowers first year to direct energy to growth

Vegetative Growth

18-24 months

Tree develops branching structure and fills out; foliage is dense and healthy green

Prune lightly to establish shape; apply balanced fertilizer every 6-8 weeks during growing season; maintain humidity above 50% if indoors

Flowering

3-6 weeks per flush

Small, fragrant white flowers appear in clusters, typically in spring and sometimes in fall; flowers are ornamental and attract pollinators

Ensure adequate light and consistent watering; hand-pollinate if indoors using small brush; avoid moving tree during flowering; reduce nitrogen fertilizer

Fruit Development

16-20 weeks

Fruits develop from flowers over 4-6 months, elongating and turning from green to deep crimson-red; interior vesicles fill with juice

Thin fruits if excessive (leave 1 per branch for young trees); maintain steady moisture and warmth; apply slow-release potassium-rich fertilizer; mist foliage in dry conditions

Harvest & Rest

Continuous with seasonal peaks

Fruits reach full deep red color and yield slightly to gentle pressure; tree may slow growth slightly

Harvest when fully colored and aromatic; prune lightly after harvest to shape; reduce fertilizer and water slightly in winter; watch for pests year-round

Companion Planting

Plan your garden →

Plant with:

Basil Nasturtium Marigold Borage Parsley

Avoid planting near:

Fennel Dill Walnut trees Other shallow-rooted competitors in confined spaces

Common Pests

Remove infested leaves; use yellow sticky traps; apply neem oil or horticultural oil in early morning; encourage natural parasitoid wasps
Increase humidity by misting; spray with water jet to dislodge; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 7-10 days; introduce predatory mites if severe
Remove by hand or with soft brush; spray with horticultural oil during dormant season; apply neem oil monthly during growing season
Isolate affected plants; spray with 70% isopropyl alcohol solution; apply insecticidal soap; use neem oil every 7 days for 3 weeks
Spray with strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap; use neem oil; encourage ladybugs and parasitic wasps

Uses

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Gourmet Garnish & Molecular Cuisine

Culinary

Finger limes are prized by top chefs as a premium garnish and flavor component; the juice vesicles burst on the palate, delivering intense tart-citrus and berry notes. Used in cocktails, desserts, seafood dishes, and to 'caviar' over plates. [source]

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Fresh Juice & Beverages

Culinary

The juice is exceptionally tart with complex flavor; dilute for beverages, cocktails, or squeeze directly over dishes. One fruit yields 1-2 teaspoons of juice; use sparingly as a flavor accent. [source]

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Vitamin C & Antioxidant Source

Medicinal

Like other citrus fruits, finger limes are rich in vitamin C and contain flavonoids and limonene with antioxidant properties. Traditional use in Australian Aboriginal medicine for immune support. [source]

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Ornamental Indoor Plant

Household

The compact growth habit, glossy foliage, fragrant flowers, and stunning deep red fruits make Davey Red an attractive ornamental for bright indoor spaces, sunrooms, or conservatories in cooler climates. [source]

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Pollinator & Bird Support

Wildlife

The fragrant spring flowers attract bees, butterflies, and beneficial insects. The fruits persist on the tree and can provide food for wildlife in warmer regions. [source]

This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.

Harvest Tips

Fruits are ready to harvest when fully deep crimson-red (usually May-June in Northern Hemisphere), slightly soft to gentle pressure, and emit a strong citrus-berry aroma. Cut fruits from tree with pruning shears rather than pulling; they do not continue to ripen after harvest. Store at cool room temperature (60-65°F) for up to 2 weeks or refrigerate for up to 3-4 weeks. Yield is typically modest on young trees (5-15 fruits) but increases with age.

Fun Facts

🌱 Australian finger limes are native to the rainforests of Queensland and are sometimes called 'caviar limes' because the juice vesicles burst like caviar on the tongue.
🌱 The 'Davey Red' cultivar is a late-season variety, typically maturing 1-2 months later than standard finger limes, allowing an extended harvest window and deeper red color development.
🌱 Finger limes are unusual among citrus for their extremely high acidity (pH often below 2.5) and complex flavor profile blending lemon, lime, and berry notes—a quality profile that has made them a darling of fine dining establishments worldwide since the 1990s.

Gardening Terms

New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:

Cultivar Full Sun Partial Shade pH

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