Field Trip Friday- Is Finger Lime the New Florida Citrus?!

We're back at the Tropical Research and Education Center (TREC) in Homestead, FL to talk with Dr. Jonathan Crane about research on Finger Limes. They may be the future of Florida's citrus!
trec.ifas.ufl....

[@marisasanchez1699]

No mention that this is actually an Australian Native plant.

[@davidlatif7829]

Thank you Chris interesting video. I enjoy watching Dr. Crane for his wealth of knowledge and his demeanor. It will be interesting to see the progression of their studies.

[@johannesvanhoek9080]

I had at least 13 different varieties of citrus tree in my yard and lethal greening killed them all, being a certified arborist of 25 years I experimented in conjunction with the County extension office and to our surprise we found out that different varieties of citrus trees that are grown under oak trees not beside them but underneath them were able to tolerate the Lethal greening and continue to grow and bear fruit ! PS. No answer has come forth as to why this works but it seems to

[@s.fla.beekeepingmangoesand1517]

This is the second time I've heard about the tie between oaks and citrus. Thanks for the reminder. What are you growing now?

[@victorv8990]

I have seen many wild citrus trees thriving in swampy oak hammocks in central FL. Just this year I planted one under an oak tree to see how it does.

[@johannesvanhoek9080]

@@victorv8990 I hope it does well for you, I think it will ! Thank you for sharing

[@johannesvanhoek9080]

@@s.fla.beekeepingmangoesand1517 lemon , “Meyers “. And Murcott’s

[@nonyadamnbusiness9887]

I'm beginning to think the magic is in the fungi that fill the soil under a big oak.

[@johns311]

Thanks for sharing!

[@justanotherhuman2466]

A few years ago Australian limes were said to be the savior for Florida citrus. The scientific research said to mix in Australian finger limes with other citrus.

[@jiggjohns1028]

I just bought one from my neighbor, she grows them and sells a couple varieties with her growers numbers on them They were $100 for a 3 foot tall plant in a one gallon sleeve pot, hers were flourishing here in North Florida and yes they have an unusually high amount of thorns.

[@johannesvanhoek9080]

Unless it’s a particular variety of citrus the nurseries spray them , which doesn’t kill the lethal greening it only retards it ! But it’s a practice that needs to be done every few months, I think in some cases it’s unfair that certain nurseries sell these trees without providing the information needed

[@s.fla.beekeepingmangoesand1517]

I enjoyed the brief history of your orchard and was comforted to find out I'm not the only one who can't grow citrus. I just want a healthy key lime. No Finger Lime for me.

[@mflbikes1870]

I cant wait for uf redlime and uf sunlime❤

[@nonyadamnbusiness9887]

Get a Sugar Belle tangerine and plant it under the drip of a live oak. It'll be fine.

[@mflbikes1870]

I've just done this, I will update this comment in 6 years with the results

[@chintanaohl9698]

It will be good to add it in chicken Lab or any salad. Use it to replace lime/lemon juice. I want some, please.

[@Savingusnow]

I would love some info on growing. How much space does it need? Looks to be about 4 feet? Feed and water requirements?

[@karennewberry4694]

Bob, being an Australian native plant, they typically don’t do well with over fertilisation or watering. They are originally an understory rainforest shrub so do well in sheltered spots with good drainage. Fertilise the hole on planting and lightly top dress with citrus fertiliser each year after cropping. Prune lightly to thin out and maintain good shape. Should fruit within 3-4 years of planting. Use a lime marmalade recipe to adapt for jam. Also makes refreshing cordial and syrup. Pour boiling water over the whole fruit before processing, sit for 10-15 minutes, repeat. This helps reduce bitterness in the skins. Have a look on google for more detailed info.

[@Savingusnow]

@@karennewberry4694 thank you

[@buzzardlife]

Look at a typical orange grove vs this. See the difference? The grove problems result from management and can be solved but our farmers are too hard headed.

[@yilengyang3325]

How can I order tho seeds from you guys ?

[@TrulyTropical]

Unfortunately, here at Truly Tropical we do not grow citrus trees (they are actually sub tropical fruit, not 'Truly Tropical' 🙂) and we currently do not sell seeds or ship plants at this time. I do not know if they sell seeds or ship plants, but the below nursery should have some of the newer finger lime trees for sale: Xain's World Nursery 13957 Tangerine Blvd, West Palm Beach, FL, United States, Florida [phone]

[@weseehowcommiegoogleis3770]

Greening, Another wonderful present from China. See a trend? Now mango is having a hard time in areas of Florida.

[@Jupe367]

Put this on oyster will be tasty.

[@billionjaybirds1906]

People use it with oysters.

[@veryrelevant1]

Now americas trying to claim other countries native fruits

[@JDAfrica]

Do you eat corn? Do you eat tomatoes or potatoes? How about lettuce? All plants originated from somewhere else - and have adapted around the world. I don’t see any issue with letting other countries and people enjoy them.

[@TheFuckery-ms5cn]

Yeah!