Description

Characteristics of Key Lime Trees

The Key Lime, also called Mexican Key Lime, is well-known for its use in making Key lime pie. Because it adapts well to growing in containers indoors or outdoors, the Key lime tree is a favorite for growing citrus at home. In temperate climates it may be planted in the ground.

This is the perfect plant to accent your patio—with the bonus of fresh limes! Enjoy attractive green leaves, beautiful pinkish white blossoms, and fragrant flowers, followed by fresh, floral citrus. These limes are prized for baking delicious Key Lime pies, first made popular in the Florida Keys. They are also used in tropical cocktails, savory marinades, and refreshing limeades.

Homesteaders will enjoy preserving an abundance of fruit. These lovely citrus trees may bloom again while the fruit is still growing, allowing for continuous harvesting!

About the Fruit

Mexican Key limes are small, and the peels are thin. The ripe fruit is yellow or yellowish green, and it is highly acidic with the distinctive smell of lime. Each lime takes six to nine months to ripen. Limes are high in vitamin C and the antioxidant phytonutrients known as flavanones.

Growing Key Lime Trees

Grown in the ground, the trees can reach up to twelve feet tall. In a garden pot, the tree’s height will be reduced by the size of the pot. Pruning is not typically needed, except for shaping the tree. Key limes are self-pollinating fruit trees, so outdoor trees will produce fruit by natural means. Indoor trees can be pollinated by hand using a small paintbrush.

These citrus trees require moist, but not wet, soil, and should be watered deeply, but not frequently. The soil pH should be neutral. With regular fertilizing, you can have your first harvest within a couple of years!

Key lime trees require full sun. The trees are heat tolerant, but not cold-hardy, so if you live outside of the recommended growing zones, be sure to treat them as houseplants before freezing temperatures arrive by bringing the patio plants indoors.

Key limes are not often found in grocery stores in the United States; they are more widely available in Mexico and the Caribbean. To enjoy your favorite recipes using Key limes, you will love growing your own! Buy a Mexican Key lime tree and enjoy this beautiful plant and its delicious fruit!

Survival Guaranteed!

Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.

Characteristics

Bloom Color Pink, White
Fruit Color Green
Fruit Size Small
Pollination Self-Pollinating
Shade/Sun Full Sun
Soil Composition Loamy
Soil Moisture Well Drained - Average Moistness
Soil pH Level 6.0 - 7.0
Taste Tart
Texture Firm, Juicy
Years to Bear 1 - 2
Zone Range 2 - 11

Size & Spacing

Mature Size

When your tree matures, it will be approximately 6 - 12' tall x 5 - 8' wide.

Recommended Spacing

We recommend spacing these trees 5 - 8' apart to ensure room for growth.

Zone Compatibility

This Variety's Zone Range 2 - 11 Outdoors: 8 - 11
My Hardiness Zone ?
The USDA hardiness zones offer a guide to varieties that will grow well in certain climates. Each zone corresponds to the minimum winter temperatures experienced in a given area. Make sure that your hardiness zone lies within the zone compatibility range of this variety before ordering.
This item can be grown in colder climates if it's planted in a container and brought indoors during the winter months. If you're planting it outdoors in the ground, we recommend being within the outdoor zone range.

Pollination

This variety is self pollinating.

In many cases, you may still want to plant pollinating partners to increase the size of your crops, but with self-pollinating varieties doing so is optional. You'll get fruit with only one plant!

Tools & Supplies

Having the proper tools and supplies when growing your own can make the difference between a good harvest and a great harvest! Here's a list that our experts recommend for this variety.

Planting & Care

Learn all about how to grow citrus trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.

Shipping Information

Arrives when it's time to plant

Your success is our priority. We work hard to make sure that your order arrives at the ideal time for planting in your location based on your local climate conditions.

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Questions & Answers

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