Description
Limes are delicious citrus fruits that are known for their tasty zing, which adds so much flavour to food and drinks.
They are smaller and greener than lemons and have a milder, more complex taste. Limes can be grown all year round. There are various types of limes in South Africa.
Limes have a particularly high vitamin C content; but are also high in other antioxidants, folate, magnesium, phosphorus and niacin. They provide a little iron, calcium, vitamin B6, potassium and thiamine too. They boost immunity, reduce the risk of heart disease, promote healthy skin, and much more.
Position
Full sun in a spot sheltered from the wind is best. Limes do not tolerate very cold temperatures well and will not thrive in places that dip to 10-degrees Celsius or below. If your garden is exposed to very cold conditions, plant your lime tree in a pot that can be moved indoors. Plant your tree with a space of at least 5 metres all around it.
Size
A full-grown lime tree can be 5 metres tall and 5 metres wide. A seedling will take between 3 and 6 years to begin to bear fruit and reach full production at 8 to 10 years old.
Soil Type
Lime trees thrive in warm, moist soil well-enriched with nutrients, whether in a pot or the garden. However, the soil needs to have excellent drainage, as any residual moisture will threaten the survival of your tree. Pack the soil firmly around the roots when planting. The air around the roots will be detrimental to your plant.
Mulch
Citrus trees generally do well with an organic mulch that keeps the soil pH optimal and retains moisture. Use materials like pine needles, leaves, straw or bark. It’s best to replace the mulch each time rather than turning it into the soil (as this may disturb or damage the roots).
Watering
Water your lime tree frequently, but conservatively. They do better with regular sprinklings than with a heavy soaking.
Fertilising
The lime trees feed quite heavily on the soil around them, quickly depleting their natural nutrient content. Fertilise them regularly with compost or a high-nitrogen fertiliser (especially in spring and summer). To promote fruiting, use our Berry/All-plant Fertiliser.
Pruning
Lime trees are particularly easy to care for because they don’t require much in the way of pruning. However, for optimal condition, it’s wise to prune them at least once every year or two. This helps to prevent disease, strengthen the limbs and produce better, healthier fruits.
Harvesting
Your lime tree will likely produce fruit during summer, but some produce all year round. Pick the delicious limes when they are a vibrant green and are juicy inside. By the time they have turned yellow and wrinkled, they are over-ripe and will be bitter.
