Red Champagne Finger Lime

Red Champagne Finger Lime (Citrus australasica 'Red Champagne') is a finger lime selected for its red skin and red to pink pearls. A thorny, small-leaved tree of about 3m, it gives a milder flavour than the green species, which makes the fruit easy to love even if you find the usual finger lime sharp.

Why you'll love it

• Red skin, red to pink pearls. The colour inside and out is deep and rich, which looks striking as a garnish on seafood, cocktails and desserts.
• Milder flavour. The pearls are less acidic than the green finger lime, a gentler introduction to native citrus.
• Tough native parentage. It descends from a rainforest-margin species, so it tolerates shade better than regular citrus.
• Pot friendly. It performs well in a container, handy for courtyards and balconies.
• Native bee magnet. The spring blossom is small, white and popular with native bees.

Where it works best

Edible garden. Plant it close to the kitchen so you can pick a few fruit at a time. Space plants 2m apart for an edible screen.

Containers. A pot of 40cm or more with citrus mix suits it, and the compact growth keeps harvesting simple.

Sheltered positions. Choose a spot with morning sun and protection from wind and fierce afternoon heat.

Growing Red Champagne Finger Lime in Australia

Position and climate. Morning sun or filtered light suits it. It does well in subtropical and warm temperate gardens, and in cooler regions it is best in a pot so it can be sheltered through frosts.

Soil. Free-draining, humus-rich, slightly acidic soil is ideal. Never let it sit in waterlogged ground.

Water and feed. Water regularly in the warmer months so the soil stays moist, and give it a citrus fertiliser in spring and summer. Mulch the roots.

Pruning. Needs little beyond removing dead wood and lightly shaping after harvest. It is thorny, so use gloves, and watch for citrus leaf miner on fresh growth.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Red Champagne Finger Lime in 200mm pots in packs of 6, a good-sized young plant that settles quickly once planted. Water it in well and keep it moist through its first season. Our growers do not hold every size all year, so a size can show as on backorder at times. An order for a backorder size is confirmed with you before anything ships.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse citrus and fruit
• Lime tree care guide
• Edible plants

Common questions

Is Red Champagne sour?

It has a milder flavour than the green finger lime, though it keeps the bright citrus note.

Does it need full sun?

No. Morning sun and bright shade suit it, and hot afternoon sun can scorch the foliage.

Does it have thorns?

Yes. Short sharp thorns line the branches, so keep it off paths and prune with gloves.