Limes (Citrus latifolia)

Add a bit of the tropics to your garden or pot by planting a lime tree. They have become a very popular backyard citrus tree for gardens or large containers. Limes can be planted at any time (but avoid extremely hot or cold conditions). To reduce transplant stress water with Seasol when planting.

An attractive spreading tree with glossy green leaves and small white fragrant flowers in spring and summer, the uses of the tree are endless, so why not plant more than one? The fruit adds a limey tang to drinks and citrus desserts, while the leaves add a tangy citrus flavour to savoury curries and stir-fries.

Check out your local hardware or garden centre for varieties to suit your location. The most common lime varieties are:

    • ‘Tahitian (Citrus latifolia)’ has small, round, seedless fruit that may be lime green or yellow. The tree is compact usually reaching around 2-3m high. They are an ideal choice for a containerised fruit tree for a small garden or sunny balcony. Trees crop for many months with fruit ripening from mid-autumn through to spring. They are used for their tangy juice, sliced to flavour water or alcoholic drinks such as gin or beer, and also finely sliced to make lime marmalade.
    • ‘West Indian (C. aurantifolia)‘ also known as the Key Lime, has small, round green to yellow juicy fruit with a good, strong lime flavour ideal for cooking. Traditionally used in Key Lime pie, the fruit is more acidic and contains more seeds than the Tahitian lime.
    • ‘Finger (C. australis)’ is the native Australian lime, due to its elongated, finger-sized fruit. The interior is filled with tiny tangy globes with a strong citrus flavour but the fruit isn’t juicy. Skin colour can vary from green to yellow, orange or dark red.
    • ‘Kaffir (Citrus hystrix)’ is mostly grown for its leaves, not its fruit. The leaves provide a sharp tang, citrus flavour used in cooking including curries and stir-fries. The fruit is small and is recognised by its bumpy skin. Trees range in size from 2 to 3 metres.

Growing conditions

Aspect Limes need a bright, sunny location with sun from the morning onwards. They can tolerate a little afternoon shade, especially in hot climates. Protection from cold conditions is vital.

Soil Limes grow in a wide range of soils but require excellent drainage. Before planting add homemade compost and organic matter and/or Seasol Super Compost. In areas with poor drainage, grow limes in raised garden beds (raised at least 30cm) or in large containers using a premium potting mix such as Seasol Advanced Potting Mix.

Climate Although limes are subtropical plants, they grow in all temperate climates however, in cold areas, they need protection from cold winds and frosts, especially over winter. Key Lime trees are frost-sensitive, so grow best in warm and subtropical climates.

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How to grow and look after limes for tasty, zesty fruit including soil, planting, and feeding

General care

Watering Adequate and regular water is critical for fruit formation and development. Lack of water can lead to loss of flowers or fruit. Deep water (at least) weekly especially when plants are in new growth, flowering or fruiting. Water more frequently if plants are in hot, dry or exposed conditions or if they are growing in containers.

Feeding and mulching Like other citrus, limes are heavy feeders. Feed every season with a complete citrus food such as Seasol plus Nutrients Fruit & Citrus. Plants in containers or the garden can be liquid fed regularly every 2 to 4 weeks with PowerFeed PRO SERIES for Fruit & Citrus.

Protect the area around the base of the tree out to the edge of the canopy with a 5-7cm layer of organic mulch such as sugarcane mulch, lucerne or pea straw, which help keep the soil evenly moist and weed free.

Pruning Limes fruit without regular pruning however it is necessary to remove dead wood. Older trees can be renovated by hard pruning in spring (avoid pruning in summer as the bare branches can be sunburnt). Remove any developing fruit for the first two years of growth. This may be harsh, but it lets the tree put all of its energy into growth to build a strong, healthy framework.

Watch out The main pests that attack citrus also attack lime. Pests include aphids on new growth, scale on leaves and stems and citrus leaf miner, which causes silvery trails in new growth. Bugs including spined citrus bug attack developing fruit. These problems can be controlled with applications of EarthCare White Oil insect spray to both sides of the foliage and then repeat 14 days later if required.