Heavy bearer of juicy, lemon sized fruit in winter to early spring. Grows into a densely branched shrub or small tree with a full rounded crown. Excellent container plant for patio or indoors in cold areas. Evergreen.
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.
Chemical fertilizers for citrus contain nitrogen, phosphorous, and potassium in varying percentages. For instance, an 8-8-8 food is good for young limes that are not yet bearing but a mature fruit bearer will need more nitrogen so switch to a 12-0-12 formula.
Lime trees, like other citrus, grow best in soil with a pH level from 6.0 to 7.5, with 6.5 the ideal value.
The best time to prune lime trees is early spring or late summer or anytime prior to blooming. Prune lime trees every year or two, which will help keep them from becoming too large. Always use sharp pruning shears or loppers when pruning lime trees. If you have frost damage, wait until the trees have shown new growth.
Ideally, the temperature for lime trees and other citrus fruits should be between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, and it should not drop below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, notes Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service.
