How to Grow Lime Treesgardeningchannel.com
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By Julie Christensen
Lime trees are among the most cold-sensitive of all citrus
trees, growing outdoors only in warm, mildclimates. But, you dont
have to live south of zone 9 to grow lime trees indoors. If youve
got a sunnywindow with southern exposure, you can grow lime trees
indoors no matter how much snow piles upoutside.
Lime trees, with their glossy leaves and fragrant flowers, are
gorgeous in their own right, but if you canbring a lime tree to
harvest, so much the better. Lime trees typically need at least 3
to 4 years to bearfruit, depending on the size of your tree at
purchase. They also need ideal growing conditions, includingplenty
of sunlight, adequate moisture and well-draining soil. Trees moved
outside for the summer aremost likely to bear fruit. Once the limes
appear, theyll take several months to mature on the tree. Theydo
not ripen off the tree, but can be picked when they are sweet
enough.
Planting and Caring for Lime TreesThe first step in growing lime
trees is in tree selection. Opt for a dwarf variety for indoor
growing. Dwarftrees have been grafted onto a dwarf root stock so
the trees stay under 10 feet tall. Some grow lessthan 8 feet tall.
Buy lime trees through a reputable nursery preferably one that
offers a guarantee onits trees. Lime trees are susceptible to some
root diseases that can be contracted in the nursery.Starting with
clean, healthy stock is absolutely critical.
Plant the lime tree in a plastic, ceramic or clay pot thats
slightly larger than the root ball of the tree.Make sure the pot
has plenty of drainage holes. If you want to move the tree outdoors
in the summer,consider choosing a pot with coasters so you can
easily wheel the tree about.
Fill the pot partly with a light, loamy potting soil. The
potting soil should be somewhat sandy and well-draining. When
possible, use a potting soil made specifically for citrus trees.
Gently place the rootballin the pot and continue filling it with
soil. Tamp the soil down lightly and water until the soil feels
moist to
the touch.
Lime trees, like all citrus trees, need at least 6 to 8 hours of
bright sunlight daily. Place your lime tree ina sunny window.
During the winter, you may need to supplement the natural sunlight
with a grow light,especially if the leaves drop or turn pale green.
Keep lime trees at temperatures between 55 and 85degrees
Fahrenheit. A temperature of 65 F is ideal. Sudden changes in
temperature can harm the tree,so dont place it near heaters,
radiators or exterior doors.
During the summer, you can move the lime tree outdoors. Wait
until the last expected frost and thengradually move the tree
outdoors, bringing it inside at night until it acclimates. Keep the
tree on a patioor terrace in a protected area that gets full sun.
Reverse this process in the fall gradually bringing thetree
indoors. It may lose a few leaves as it makes the transition from
indoors to outdoors, but if youacclimate it slowly, it wont
experience too much shock.
Water the lime tree just enough to keep the soil slightly moist.
Soggy soils promote fungal growth androot rot, so allow the soil to
dry out slightly between watering. Lime trees appreciate
humidsurroundings so place the tree near a humidifier or mist its
leaves with a spray bottle. This is especiallyimportant during the
winter when the air is particularly dry.
Fertilize lime trees every three weeks from spring to summer
with a citrus fertilizer or one made fortomatoes or vegetables.
Fertilize at a rate of 2 tablespoons per tree, or according to
packagedirections. During the fall and winter, fertilize every six
weeks. Lime trees are prone to micronutrientdeficiencies, such as
iron and magnesium. Apply a micronutrient fertilizer each
spring.
Lime trees dont need the extensive pruning of orchard fruits,
but you can prune them occasionally toremove dead wood or branches
that rub against each other. You can also prune to control the
treessize.
Potential Pests and ProblemsDisease problems are usually related
to moisture levels and include root rot and fungal diseases.Provide
well-drained soil and dont overwater to reduce these issues.
Aphids, leafhoppers, mites andscale all afflict lime trees. Before
you bring a lime tree indoors for the winter, spray it with warm,
slightlysoapy water to dispatch any insects. If insect pests become
a problem, treat them with insecticidal oilor soap.
Varieties Worth TryingThe most important consideration is to
purchase a disease-resistant variety that will stay small.
Persian limes (also called Bearss) are a favorite choice. They
are a disease-resistant,naturally dwarf cultivar.Eustis limequats
are a cross between a lime and a kumquat. They have the flavor of
limes andare more cold-tolerant.
For more information on growing limes indoors, visit the
following links:
Growing Citrus Indoors in Cool Climates from Purdue University
Extension
Citrus Trees: An Ideal Indoor Plant Selection from Colorado
State University Extension
Hawkins Corner covers some of the basics of lime tree care on
YouTube.
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