Key Lime

Characteristics of Key Lime Trees

The Key Lime, also called Mexican Key Lime, is well-known for its use in making Key lime pie. Because it adapts well to growing in containers indoors or outdoors, the Key lime tree is a favorite for growing citrus at home. In temperate climates it may be planted in the ground.

This is the perfect plant to accent your patio—with the bonus of fresh limes! Enjoy attractive green leaves, beautiful pinkish white blossoms, and fragrant flowers, followed by fresh, floral citrus. These limes are prized for baking delicious Key Lime pies, first made popular in the Florida Keys. They are also used in tropical cocktails, savory marinades, and refreshing limeades.

Homesteaders will enjoy preserving an abundance of fruit. These lovely citrus trees may bloom again while the fruit is still growing, allowing for continuous harvesting!

About the Fruit

Mexican Key limes are small, and the peels are thin. The ripe fruit is yellow or yellowish green, and it is highly acidic with the distinctive smell of lime. Each lime takes six to nine months to ripen. Limes are high in vitamin C and the antioxidant phytonutrients known as flavanones.

Growing Key Lime Trees

Grown in the ground, the trees can reach up to twelve feet tall. In a garden pot, the tree’s height will be reduced by the size of the pot. Pruning is not typically needed, except for shaping the tree. Key limes are self-pollinating fruit trees, so outdoor trees will produce fruit by natural means. Indoor trees can be pollinated by hand using a small paintbrush.

These citrus trees require moist, but not wet, soil, and should be watered deeply, but not frequently. The soil pH should be neutral. With regular fertilizing, you can have your first harvest within a couple of years!

Key lime trees require full sun. The trees are heat tolerant, but not cold-hardy, so if you live outside of the recommended growing zones, be sure to treat them as houseplants before freezing temperatures arrive by bringing the patio plants indoors.

Key limes are not often found in grocery stores in the United States; they are more widely available in Mexico and the Caribbean. To enjoy your favorite recipes using Key limes, you will love growing your own! Buy a Mexican Key lime tree and enjoy this beautiful plant and its delicious fruit!