Mexican Key Lime Tree

November 08, 2024 Post a Comment

Mexican key lime tree

Mexican key lime (Citrus aurantifolia), also known as key lime, bartender's lime, and West Indian lime, is a moderately sized, evergreen fruit tree. It grows vigorously once you plant it in the ground, reaching heights of 6 1/2 to 13 feet (2 to 4 m.) tall.

What is the difference between a Mexican lime tree and a Key lime tree?

A Key lime, which is also known as a Mexican lime, is much smaller and rounder. Key limes also contain seeds while Persian limes do not. These two also differ when it comes to taste. Persian limes are more acidic than Key limes, giving them a more tart flavor.

How do you take care of a Mexican lime tree?

Lime Tree Tips for Care

Water consistently – Lime trees will drop their leaves if left dry for too long. This being said, too much watering will kill them as well.
Fertilize frequently – Lime trees are heavy feeders. ...
Keep them warm – Lime trees cannot tolerate temperatures much under 50 degrees F.

How tall does a Mexican lime tree get?

The Key lime tree (also sometimes known as Mexican Key lime or West Indian lime) is an evergreen fruit tree that can grow between 6-13 feet high. It has beautiful fragrant flowers, deep green leaves, and of course, small green-yellow limes that grow to golf-ball size.

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

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.

Where should I plant my key lime tree?

Key lime trees in the home landscape should be planted in full-sun, 12 to 20 feet or more (4.1 to 6.1 m) away from buildings and other trees. Trees planted too close to other trees or structures may not grow normally or produce much fruit due to shading.

Do you need 2 key lime trees?

Unlike some fruit trees, most citrus is self-fertile, so only one tree is needed for the fruit to produce.

Do you need 2 lime trees to get fruit?

Read more about growing citrus in containers here. Most citrus varieties are self-fertile, so only one tree is typically needed for fruit production.

What is the sweetest lime tree?

Calamansi Limes The juice of this citrus fruit is sour, but it's prized for the rind which is sweet.

How long do Mexican lime trees live?

The typical lifespan of lemon and lime tree, including a hybrid lemon lime tree, is over 50 years. However, with proper care, excellent growing conditions, and satisfactory disease prevention practices, lemon and lime trees can live for over a hundred years.

What temperature can Mexican lime trees tolerate?

The Mexican lime cannot tolerate freezing temperatures and starts to incur frost damage at 32 degrees.

How do you winterize a lime tree?

Winter Indoor Citrus Care

Lower the room temperature. These trees go semi-dormant in winter and do best with a room temperature of 58-68 degrees.
Consider supplemental lighting. ...
Rotate the plant regularly. ...
Fertilize monthly. ...
Improve air circulation. ...
Water properly. ...
Watch for pests.

How far from the house should I plant a lime tree?

Planting in Ground Choose your planting site. Trees should be planted 15 feet apart and 15 feet away from house or other large trees. Citrus trees do not like standing water. They prefer sandy soils.

Can lime trees be planted next to house?

Citrus trees love sunlight and warmth, so a south-facing bed is best. A spot next to your house or garage can provide added protection and warmth, but don't get too close: your citrus plant will need a good 6-8 feet of space between it and a structure or driveway, sidewalk, sewer lines or septic system.

How much sun does a Mexican lime tree need?

As mentioned earlier, lime trees enjoy full sun, at least 6 hours daily, so place your tree where it can receive as much sun from morning to late afternoon. Lime trees enjoy a good-draining rich soil. Although they prefer sandy loam soil, they can tolerate other soil types except for salty soil and heavy clay soil.

Why won t my key lime tree bear fruit?

Answer: The main issue with your lime tree is age. We give citrus trees five years to settle in and mature after planting. During that time production of fruit is often lacking or erratic. So, lack of fruit production is typical for a tree planted three years ago.

How far do lime tree roots spread?

In other species, e.g. birch (Betula spp.), lime (Tilia spp.) and oak, the lateral roots descend diagonally ('oblique laterals') to a depth of 20-50cm at a distance of about 2m from the trunk and then continue growing outwards horizontally.

Can a lime tree survive winter?

Lemon, lime and citron trees are the least cold tolerant and will suffer at least some damage when tem- peratures drop below 25ºF. Early ripening varieties can also be planted, so that the fruit may be harvested before cold weather arrives.

How often should I water key lime tree?

Watering You'll want the top 2-3″ of your soil to completely dry out between watering. This can be anywhere from once a week to every day. Once the soil dries out on top, you should water until you see water escaping the drainage holes at the base of the pot. Citrus roots like moist but not soggy conditions.

Can key lime trees grow in pots?

You can grow Key Limes in a pot or a container so long as it has good water drainage system. Planting a Key lime tree in a pot will allow you to grow standard-sized, flavorful Key Limes. However, trees planted in a container, won't produce the same amount of fruits that trees planted in the ground will.