Lime tree is a plant that grows in tropical climates. It is used to make lime juice and limeade. Lime tree is an evergreen tree that can grow to be 20 to 30 feet tall. The leaves are oval shaped and the flowers are white.
Related plant:
Hydrangea Paniculata Little Lime
Related plant:
Limelight Hydrangea
About soil condition, a lime tree needs well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. It can't tolerate wet, mucky soil. If your soil is heavy clay, incorporate organic matter such as compost, rotted leaves or manure to improve drainage. If your soil is too alkaline, work sulfur into the top 6 inches to lower the pH.
Similar to other citrus trees, lime trees require full sun to produce the most fruit. They will tolerate some shade, but not as much as other citrus trees. If you live in an area with cool winters, choose a location that gets full sun all day long. If you live in an area with hot summers, choose a location that gets some afternoon shade.
The temperature condition that is best for a lime tree is warm weather. The tree will not do well in cold weather and will not produce fruit. The ideal temperature for a lime tree is between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%. However, it can tolerate lower or higher humidity level as long as the air is not too dry or too wet. When the air is too dry, the leaves will start to turn brown and drop off. On the other hand, if the air is too wet, the leaves will become yellow and start to rot.
Mentioning fertilizer, this plant needs a lot of it. The roots go down deep, so you need to be sure to get a good fertilizer that will reach the roots. Otherwise, the plant will not be as healthy as it could be.
Pruning a lime tree is important to maintain its shape and encourage fruit production. When pruning, always use sharp, clean tools to avoid damaging the tree. Remove any dead or diseased branches first. Then, cut back any overgrown or crossing branches. Finally, thin out the interior of the tree to increase air circulation and improve fruit production.
Propagation is relatively easy whether by seed, cuttings, or rooting lime tree suckers. It is best to sow lime tree seed in containers in a cold frame as soon as it is ripe as the seed does not have a long shelf life. If sown immediately, germination can take place within a month. Seedlings should be potted on as soon as they are large enough to handle and planted out the following spring or summer. Cuttings of half-ripe wood, 5-8 cm long, taken in late summer or early autumn, root readily. Suckers can be removed with a spade and replanted immediately.
Usually, the plant growth rate are rather slow, however there are a few things you can do to help your tree grow a little faster. Fertilize your lime tree 2-3 times a year with a good quality fertilizer and make sure it is getting enough water. Also, prune your lime tree regularly to encourage new growth.
Common problems for this kind of plant are that the leaves may turn yellow and the tree may not produce fruit. The leaves may turn yellow due to a lack of water or too much direct sunlight. If the tree does not produce fruit, it may be because the tree is not getting enough pollinators.
Source:
Tilia americana (American Basswood, American Linden, Basswood, Bee Tree ...
Bearss lime | Givaudan Citrus Variety Collection at UCR
Growing finger limes in Florida: Lessons learned so far
