Citrus made easy for growers, nurseries, and distributors

Red Finger Lime trees, also known as Red Caviar Limes, offer several unique characteristics that set them apart from other lime varieties. One of the most distinctive features is their fruit, which contains round, teardrop-shaped vesicles that resemble caviar. These vesicles burst out when the fruit is cut, providing a unique texture and visual appeal, often referred to as "citrus caviar." Depending on maturity and growing conditions, the fruit's color can range from dark green to dark red.

Compared to other lime varieties, Red Finger Limes have a more intense and zesty flavor, making them highly prized in culinary circles for garnishes and trendy cocktails. They are also more tolerant to citrus greening disease (Huanglongbing/HLB), which makes them a resilient choice for growers. Unlike traditional limes, such as Persian or Key limes, which have a more uniform shape and flavor, Red Finger Limes offer a unique combination of appearance, texture, and taste that is not found in other lime varieties.

Overall, Red Finger Lime trees provide a distinctive and versatile option for both culinary uses and ornamental appeal.

Citrus Liners are innovative products perfect for wholesale nurserymen looking to add citrus to their product line. The most challenging part of producing citrus is the time involved in raising a rootstock seedling that is ready to graft and then grafting or budding the liner. With regulations due to the presence of Asian Citrus Psyllid in the United States, finding quality, clean budwood sources can be difficult.

Our Citrus Liners are grown in a 1.2” x 8” cone to promote healthy root growth in a pest and disease-free environment. They are cultivated in a soil-free media in accordance with most phytosanitary regulations for international shipping.

Once received, the liner can be transplanted into any desired container size. The 7-inch rootball can also be trimmed back moderately to fit into a shorter pot if needed.

At TreeSource, we have been shipping our Citrus Liners worldwide since 2004. We have developed methods to ensure you receive a quality tree when the package arrives at your location. To prepare for shipment, all cones are removed, so you must plan for transplanting soon after receiving your liners. The liners are bundled in groups of 10 to increase stability and wrapped in plastic wrap to keep the root balls moist throughout shipment. We can fit up to 120 liners in one carton!

Each carton is lined with ethylene-absorbing bags to keep the liners happy. Due to USDA regulations, boxes must be sealed completely, so no air holes are allowed. We can ship during winter months with insulation and 2- or 3-day air service if needed. If you cannot transplant the liners immediately, we can ship them in cones, but you will incur the cost of the cones, and the quantity per box is reduced to 110.

The maturity level and fruiting stage of our Red Finger lime trees depend on the product you purchase:

• Citrus Liners: These young trees require a bit more patience, as they have a longer wait time before they begin bearing fruit. However, they offer the potential for long-term growth and a fruitful future.

• Small Pots: These 6-month-old trees are ready to start producing fruit sooner than liners, providing you with a quicker harvest and a more immediate citrus experience.

• Large Pots: Our trees in large pots are one year old and will begin producing fruit shortly after arrival, offering a great balance between maturity and speed of fruiting.

• Box Ready Trees: These are our most mature trees, at 4 years old, and they will typically start producing fruit the following spring after they arrive, providing an almost immediate harvest.
  

This allows you to choose the right maturity level based on your needs and how soon you want to enjoy fresh Red Finger limes.

We provide grafted Red Finger lime trees to ensure the healthiest and most robust plants. Our trees are grafted onto various rootstocks, including Carrizo, C35, Flying Dragon, Macrophylla, Volkamariana, Sour Orange, and Rich 16-6. We use precision in every graft to guarantee the best results. Additionally, we use clean, certified budwood for our grafts, ensuring that our trees are healthy and free from disease.

By grafting onto different rootstocks, we can provide trees that are well-suited to various growing conditions and needs. This meticulous process ensures that our Red Finger lime trees are of the highest quality, ready to thrive in your nursery

As first-time Red Finger lime buyers, we provide comprehensive, growing resources and support to ensure your success. Here are some key aspects:

• Location: Red Finger Limes thrive in full sun, requiring 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day. They prefer subtropical to tropical climates, with optimal temperatures ranging from 68°F to 86°F.

• Soil Preparation: Use well-draining sandy loam soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Enrich the soil with organic matter, such as compost, to improve fertility and moisture retention while ensuring proper drainage.

• Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist, but avoid waterlogging. Red Finger Limes need moderate watering, particularly during dry spells.

• Fertilizing: Apply a balanced citrus fertilizer (NPK 10-10-10) every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season to support healthy growth and development.

• Pruning: Prune in late winter or early spring to remove dead or damaged branches and shape the tree. Regular pruning enhances air circulation and light penetration, promoting overall tree health.

• Ongoing Care: Regularly monitor your plants for any signs of pests or diseases, and adjust your watering and fertilization practices according to the changing seasons.
  

We also offer detailed guides and personalized support to help you with any specific questions or challenges you may encounter. Feel free to contact Daniel Cervantes or the rest of our sales team for further assistance!