The Key Lime Tree, also known as Mexican Lime or West Indian Lime, is a compact and prolific citrus variety prized for its small, aromatic, and flavorful fruit. This subtropical evergreen tree features glossy green foliage, fragrant white blossoms, and produces round, thin-skinned ...The Key Lime Tree, also known as Mexican Lime or West Indian Lime, is a compact and prolific citrus variety prized for its small, aromatic, and flavorful fruit. This subtropical evergreen tree features glossy green foliage, fragrant white blossoms, and produces round, thin-skinned limes that turn pale yellow when fully ripe.
The fruit is highly acidic with a distinctive tangy flavor, making it a favorite for cooking, beverages, and desserts. Key Lime Trees are fast-growing and bear fruit throughout much of the year, often within one to two years of planting. Ideal for container gardening or small landscape spaces, this tree thrives in warm climates but can also be grown indoors near a sunny window in colder regions.
With proper care, it provides a reliable and rewarding harvest of juicy limes and adds vibrant greenery and citrus fragrance to your garden or home. Its manageable size, lush canopy, and extended fruiting season make it a top choice for home growers seeking both utility and ornamental appeal. Plant Characteristics: These evergreen trees are easily recognizable by their glossy green leaves, fragrant white blossoms, and brightly colored fruit.
The trees develop a rounded canopy and often bear fruit year-round in warm climates, adding both visual and functional appeal. Sunlight Requirements: Citrus trees thrive in full sun, needing a minimum of 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a sunny location such as a south- or west-facing area to ensure strong growth and optimal fruit production.
Watering Guidelines: Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry between waterings. While young trees require more consistent moisture, established trees prefer a moderate watering schedule tailored to their environment. Soil and Drainage Needs: Citrus trees prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil with good aeration.
Use a sandy loam or a quality potting mix for container planting, ensuring drainage holes are present to prevent root saturation. Growth and Size: Most citrus varieties grow at a moderate rate and can reach heights between 8 to 15 feet when planted in the ground, or stay smaller when grown in containers. Pruning helps maintain a compact shape and encourages healthy fruiting.