Our newest addition, a small lime tree, is sitting patiently in the
early morning sun on the verandah waiting for the next Full Moon.
Already
heavily ladened with three good sized limes, this little tree purchased
from the local Agriculture Department, has burst into the most heavenly
scented flowers, some of which have quickly (in just a matter of days)
transformed into clusters of fruit buds. I am almost frightened to
plant her (it looks like a her to me), for fear that the trauma of being
moved may disturb the developing fruit. Then there is the question of
whether these clusters of fruit buds need to be thinned in order to
produce better quality limes? I will have to consult the Citrus Guru
(my father).
He has already informed me that the
fruit, which I assumed to be fully mature and begging to be picked
(based on their size), will not be ready for some weeks yet.
Apparently, I will know they have reached perfection when they become
less dense to the touch, their skin will lose its dimples and become
almost totally smooth and shiny - only then will they be juicy and full
flavoured. Clearly in all things garden related, patience is a virtue
and Margarita Time will have to wait, for this little tree at least.
