How To Grow A Lime Tree

A lime tree needs full sun to develop its juicy fruit, so choose a spot with 6–8 hours of direct sunlight and well-draining soil. If the soil is hard to dig and mostly clay, consider growing in a raised garden bed or large pot filled with quality potting mix.

How long does it take for a lime tree to bear fruit?

Lime trees grow at a moderate rate of 13 to 24 inches each year from the seedling stage onward. Seedling trees begin to blossom and fruit in 3 to 6 years and reach full production in 8 to 10 years. Fruit is harvested during two periods each year, May–June and November–December.

Can I grow a lime tree from a lime?

However, most citrus seeds are relatively easy to grow, including those from limes. While it’s possible to grow a lime tree from seed, don’t expect to see any fruit right away. The downside to growing lime trees from seed is that it can take anywhere from four to ten years before they produce fruit, if at all.

What does a lime tree need to grow?

Lime trees typically need at least 3 to 4 years to bear fruit, depending on the size of your tree at purchase. They also need ideal growing conditions, including plenty of sunlight, adequate moisture and well-draining soil. Trees moved outside for the summer are most likely to bear fruit.

Do you need 2 lime trees to produce fruit?

You do not have to plant two lime trees together for the flowers to be pollinated outdoors; however, you do need foraging bees or other pollinating insects. The more bees you have, the more flowers are pollinated and the more limes your tree will yield.

How big does a lime tree get?

Typically, lime trees can grow as high as 15 to 20 feet tall so it is out of the question to take them indoors.

Where is the best place to plant a lime tree?

First, when growing lime trees, make sure that where your lime tree will be planted will receive plenty of sunshine. If at all possible, choose a location that gets southern sun. Second, make sure the drainage is excellent. If you pay attention to no other lime tree tips, you must pay attention to this one.

How do you grow a lime tree indoors?

Citrus plants grow best indoors at 65° during the day, dropping five to ten degrees at night. Plant in soil containing a fair amount of organic matter. Make sure the leaves are kept clean by periodically washing them. Stem cuttings root easily.

Can you have a lime tree indoors?

Dwarf lime trees reach a height of about eight to ten feet tall, and can be grown in a container, meaning you can keep them indoors. Just like with a full-size lime tree, the limes grown on a dwarf lime tree can be used for juice, cooking, zest, or any recipe that requires fresh lime.

How often do you water a lime tree?

Lime trees need consistent moisture to grow well. Water the soil deeply once or twice a week, rather than frequent shallow watering. When the soil is dry to about 6 inches, water the lime tree. Do not let the lime tree dry out, since the leaves will wilt and drop.

What temperature is too cold for a lime tree?

Lime trees are one of the least cold-tolerant of all the citrus species, notes the University of Arizona. The tree will experience damage to the leaves and flowers when temperatures reach 30 to 32 degrees Fahrenheit. If temperatures drop to 29 degrees, more serious damage can occur to the wood, and the tree may die.

What is the best fertilizer for lime trees?

Fertilizers for Lime Trees Chemical fertilizers for citrus contain nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium in varying percentages. For instance, an 8-8-8 food is good for young limes that are not yet bearing but a mature fruit bearer will need more nitrogen so switch to a 12-0-12 formula.

Do bees like lime trees?

“Buff-tailed and white tailed bumblebees love the flowers of lime trees, although there is something in the nectar which seems to make them dopey and even sometimes kill them”.

Can a lemon tree pollinate a lime tree?

Can lemon and lime trees cross-pollinate? Yes, as members of the same genus, it is genetically possible and very likely that nearby lemon and lime trees will cross-pollinate. Cross-pollination of lemon and lime trees will affect the plant’s seeds, but not the parent trees.

Why do bees like lime trees?

Lime trees are noted for their far reaching, sweet scent. Maybe this odour together with caffeine in the flowers could result in a fatal attraction of the bees to the point where they run out of energy and starve?Sep 27, 2017.

Can you grow lime trees in pots?

Growing a potted lime tree means that even cool climate gardeners can enjoy homegrown limes. Position the pot in a warm, protected spot, like against a north-facing wall, where it can soak up the sun and also enjoy radiated heat from the wall.

How much room does a lime tree need?

The best time to plant lime trees is in early spring, after the threat of frost has passed, which allows the tree to become established and better able to withstand hot summer temperatures. When planting, space regular-sized trees at least 12 feet apart and dwarf trees about eight to 10 feet apart.

How big is a 2 year old lime tree?

1-2 Year Old (Approx. 1-2 Ft) Key Lime Tree. A Gorgeous Tree that produces beautiful blossoms and produces delicious Key Limes.