Mexican Key Lime Tree Information Tips For Growing Key Limes

Mexican key lime trees need a site that has at least 10 hours of full sun. Mexican key lime trees can grow in a variety of soils, as long as it is well draining with a pH level of 6.1 to 7.8. Prepare a 4-foot (1+ m.) diameter circle to plant your tree.

1. How long does it take for a key lime tree to bear fruit?
2. Are Mexican limes and key limes the same?
3. How do you start a key lime tree?
4. How much sun do Key Lime trees need?
5. Do you need 2 lime trees to produce fruit?
6. Are coffee grounds good for lime trees?
7. Do key limes taste like limes?
8. Are Key limes sweeter than regular limes?
9. Do key limes taste different?
10. How often should you water a key lime tree?
11. How fast do Key Lime trees grow?
12. Are lime trees easy to grow?
13. What is the best fertilizer for lime trees?
14. Should I prune my key lime tree?
15. Can Lime trees grow in pots?
16. How do you encourage a lime tree to fruit?
17. How long do lime trees live?
18. How do I get my lime tree to flower?
19. Should I pee on my lemon tree?
20. Are eggshells good for citrus trees?
21. How do you take care of a key lime tree?

How long does it take for a key lime tree to bear fruit?

Key lime trees propagated from cuttings or air-layers may produce some fruit within a year of planting. Budded and grafted trees usually produce fruit within three years, whereas seedling trees require another year or two before fruiting. Vigorous, mature trees may produce 30 to 50 lbs (13–23 kg) of fruit per year.

Are Mexican limes and key limes the same?

Key limes—also known as Mexican limes or West Indies limes—are small, spherical limes that grow in tropical and subtropical regions. They're light yellow (not green) when ripe and contain more seeds than regular limes. Their skin is also very thin, which means they don't store well.

How do you start a key lime tree?

You can plant the seed directly in a pot of soil or place it in a plastic bag. Before planting lime seeds, however, be sure to wash them and you may even want to allow them to dry for a couple days, then plant them as soon as possible. Plant seeds about ¼ to ½ inch deep in containers with well-draining soil.

How much sun do Key Lime trees need?

Categorized as tropical trees, Key Lime trees prefer full sunlight but can tolerate some shade. When replanting the Key Lime tree that you bought, plant it near a south-facing wall to ensure it gets as much as 8 hours sunlight and at the same time has protection from the cold winds from the north.

Do you need 2 lime trees to produce fruit?

You do not have to plant two lime trees together for the flowers to be pollinated outdoors; however, you do need foraging bees or other pollinating insects. ... When the bee touches the sticky female pistil, the pollen is transferred and the flower can begin growing a lime.

Are coffee grounds good for lime trees?

Coffee grounds contain a good amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, magnesium, and copper, all of which are important to maintain a healthy plant. They also increase the acidity of the soil, which is helpful for citrus trees as they prefer more acidic soil with a pH of 6.0-7.0.

Do key limes taste like limes?

The limes grown in the Florida Keys tend to be small with a distinctive lime flavor that is tart, but not too acidic with a very distinct aroma. ... “Sampled plain, the Key lime juice tasted slightly less tart and bracing than its Persian counterpart,” they wrote.

Are Key limes sweeter than regular limes?

Key limes are also known as Mexican limes or West Indian limes. ... Key limes are also thin-skinned and nearly spherical in shape. Green Key limes are immature fruits offering juice with higher acidity. As they ripen to a yellow hue, the juice loses its acidity and takes on a sweeter flavor.

Do key limes taste different?

The limes grown in the Florida Keys tend to be small with a distinctive lime flavor that is tart, but not too acidic with a very distinct aroma. Grocery store limes, generally speaking, are Persian limes, which are larger and tarter than their Florida cousins.

How often should you water a key lime tree?

Lime trees need consistent moisture to grow well. Water the soil deeply once or twice a week, rather than frequent shallow watering. When the soil is dry to about 6 inches, water the lime tree. Do not let the lime tree dry out, since the leaves will wilt and drop.

How fast do Key Lime trees grow?

Lime trees grow at a moderate rate of 13 to 24 inches each year from the seedling stage onward. Seedling trees begin to blossom and fruit in 3 to 6 years and reach full production in 8 to 10 years. Fruit is harvested during two periods each year, May–June and November–December.

Are lime trees easy to grow?

Many people choose to purchase a lime tree from a local nursery rather than grow them from seed (though they are very easy to grow from seed).

What is the best fertilizer for lime trees?

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.

Should I prune my key lime tree?

Pruning lime trees helps improve airflow, reduce disease, strengthen limbs and makes it easier to harvest fruits. 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.

Can Lime trees grow in pots?

Container grown lime trees, like all the citrus trees, love lots of sun and moist, well-draining soil. Choose a location with at least eight hours of direct sun. ... The container should have drainage holes as citrus trees do not like “wet feet” and should be at least 15 gallons (57 L.) (an old whiskey barrel is ideal).

How do you encourage a lime tree to fruit?

TOP TIPS

1. Five hours of sunshine a day is needed for maximum fruiting.
2. In cold climates, plant the tree in spring, when the soil has warmed up. In warm areas, trees can also be planted in autumn.
3. Citrus likes water but only if it drains quickly. ...
4. Citrus trees don't need pruning to fruit well.

How long do lime trees live?

The typical lifespan of lemon and lime tree, including a hybrid lemon lime tree, is over 50 years. However, with proper care, excellent growing conditions, and satisfactory disease prevention practices, lemon and lime trees can live for over a hundred years.

How do I get my lime tree to flower?

Lime trees require phosphorous to bloom. Kaffir self-pollinates even when grown indoors. The tree requires at least six hours of direct sunlight and consistent irrigation during the flowering phase. Provide 1 to 2 inches of water, including any rain it receives, each week.

Should I pee on my lemon tree?

As a general rule, urine isn't very good for most plants, including lemon trees. Lemon trees prefer soil that is slightly acidic and while urine can make the soil too acidic, that isn't the biggest issue. ... Too much nitrogen can burn plants. The NPK of urine is often something like 12–2–2, making it very 'hot'.

Are eggshells good for citrus trees?

Eggshells are high in calcium and have trace amounts of magnesium, both of which are good for citrus trees. These nutrients help prevent disease, keep a balanced soil pH, and assist with overall plant growth. The best way to apply eggshells as a citrus tree fertilizer is to dry and crush them into a fine powder.

How do you take care of a key lime tree?

When you are growing key limes, water them deeply and slowly so the moisture reaches deep into the soil. If the weather is hot and dry, you may need to water more frequently. Fertilize the Mexican key lime tree with a slow-release fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. It should have an NPK ratio of 2-1-1.