Description
Key limes are usually picked while still green, but ripen to a yellow color. Flowers and fruit appear throughout the year. These limes have a very bitter and almost caustic taste. For this reason, they are mainly used in delightful desserts, as the bitterness of the Key lime balances well with the sweetness of sugar.
The dwarf variety will bear fruit of the same size as a standard Key Lime Tree. The size of the fruit does not affect its yield.
Position
Full sun in a spot sheltered from the wind is best. Limes do not tolerate cold temperatures and will not thrive in places that dip to 10 degrees Celsius or below. If your garden is exposed to cold conditions, consider planting your lime tree in a pot so that it can be moved to a sheltered spot, possibly indoors.
A dwarf key lime tree typically grows 1.8 to 2.4 metres tall when planted in the ground. If you grow it in a container or pot, it stays even smaller, usually reaching just 1.2 to 1.8 metres in height
Soil Type
Lime trees thrive in warm, moist soil, well-enriched with nutrients, whether in a pot or a garden. However, the soil must have excellent drainage, as any residual moisture will threaten the tree’s survival.
Mulching
Add a thick layer of pine bark mulch, keeping it about 20 to 30 centimetres away from the tree trunk (any closer may cause excess moisture and damage the trunk). This will retain the moisture in the soil and will prevent weeds from taking over.
Watering
Water your lime tree frequently, but be conservative with the amount. Key Lime Trees do better with regular sprinklings rather than heavy soaking.
Fertilising
The lime trees feed heavily on the surrounding soil, quickly depleting the natural nutrient content.
Use our slow-release, nitrogen-rich Berry/All-plant Fertiliser, which is excellent for citrus. For young trees, apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids, citrus psylla, red scale, citrus greening. Spraying regularly with our Agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control) will assist with prevention or after-the-fact control. If you already have aphids or mites, wash the tree with a harsh hosing, and when dry, spray with Neem Oil or EM Control.
Practice good garden hygiene and remove fallen fruit and leaves.
Watch for root rot (caused by overwatering) and fungal infections during wet periods.
Pruning
Lime trees are easy to care for because they don’t require much pruning. However, it’s wise to prune them at least once every year or two for optimal conditions. Pruning helps to prevent disease, strengthens the limbs, and produces better, healthier fruits.
Harvesting
Your Dwarf Key lime tree will likely produce fruit in late summer and into winter, but some varieties produce fruit all year round. Pick the delicious limes when they are vibrant green and juicy inside. By the time they have turned yellow and wrinkled, they are overripe and will be bitter.
