How to Grow Limequat - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2025

Limequat is a citrus fruit that is a cross between a lime and a kumquat. It is oval in shape and has a greenish-yellow color. The skin is edible and is often used in recipes that call for lime or kumquat. The flesh of the fruit is tart and acidic.

How to Grow Limequat - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Miraculous fruit
  • Citrus hybrid
  • Calamondin
  • Ornamental citrus
  • Kumquat

Good to Know

  • Limequats are a hybrid citrus fruit, developed by crossing limes and kumquats.
  • The fruits are small and oval-shaped, with a lime-green skin and juicy, acid-tart flesh.
  • Limequats are a good source of vitamins A and C, as well as dietary fiber.
  • The fruits can be eaten fresh, or used in jams, jellies, or other preserves.
  • Limequats are also popular as an ornamental plant, due to their compact size and bright fruits.
  • Limequats are generally hardy and easy to grow, but can be susceptible to pests and diseases.
  • The plants are native to Asia, and were first introduced to Europe and North America in the early 1800s.
  • Today, limequats are grown commercially in California, Florida, and Hawaii.
  • In addition to their culinary uses, limequats are also used in the manufacture of perfumes and cosmetics.
  • Limequats are sometimes referred to as "calamondin oranges" or "calamansi limes."

Growing Steps

  1. For limequat, first step is to choose the correct pot. The pot should be at least 12 inches wide and 12 inches deep.
  2. The second step is to fill the pot with a well-draining potting mix.
  3. The third step is to water the potting mix thoroughly before planting the limequat.
  4. The fourth step is to plant the limequat in the pot, making sure that the roots are not too crowded.
  5. The fifth step is to water the limequat regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy.
  6. The sixth step is to fertilize the limequat every month during the growing season.
  7. The seventh step is to prune the limequat regularly to encourage new growth.
  8. The eighth step is to protect the limequat from frost during the winter months.
  9. The ninth step is to harvest the limequats when they are ripe, usually after about six to eight months.
  10. The tenth and final step is to enjoy the limequats!

Soil Condition

About soil condition, limequats prefer well-drained, sandy loam soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH. They are drought tolerant but will not tolerate wet, poorly drained soils. In their native habitat, they grow in sandy, well-drained soils near the coast.

About light

Similar to other citrus fruits, limequats need a lot of sunlight to grow well. If you live in a climate with long, hot summers, your limequat tree will be very happy. If you live in a cooler climate, you can grow your limequat tree in a pot so that you can bring it indoors during the winter.

Good Temperature

The temperature condition of the limequat is very important. If it is too hot, the fruit will not develop properly. If it is too cold, the fruit will not ripen properly. The ideal temperature condition for the limequat is between 68 and 72 degrees Fahrenheit.

Humidity Requirement

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is around 50%, and it can survive in lower humidity but not for long, as the leaves will start to droop. This plant does not tolerate high humidity, as the leaves will start to yellow and fall off.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this kind of plant prefers low nitrogen and high potassium. As for the pH, they like it on the acidic side – around 5.5 is ideal. Lastly, make sure the root system gets plenty of air circulation to prevent root rot. Limequats are a citrus fruit that is hybrid between a key lime and a kumquat. The limequat tree is small and compact, making it ideal for home gardens. It is also easy to take care of and is resistant to pests and diseases. The tree produces fragrant flowers that turn into tart and juicy fruits. Limequats are a great source of vitamins and minerals. They are high in vitamin C, potassium, and fiber. They also contain antioxidants that can help boost your immune system. To get the most out of your limequat tree, it is important to fertilize it regularly. This citrus fruit prefers low nitrogen and high potassium fertilizer. The ideal pH for limequats is 5.5, which is slightly acidic. Make sure to also give the roots plenty of air circulation to prevent root rot.

Plant Pruning

Pruning is an important part of plant care. It helps encourage new growth, remove dead or diseased leaves and branches, and improve the overall shape and appearance of the plant. When pruning limequats, be sure to remove any dead or yellow leaves, as well as any branches that are crossing or rubbing against each other. Also, cut back any long, gangly branches to encourage a more compact growth habit.

Plant Propagation

Propagation of limequats is done either by seed or by cuttings. To propagate by seed, plant the seeds in a well-drained soil mix and water regularly. Seeds will germinate in two to three weeks. Cuttings can be taken from semi-ripe wood and will root in four to six weeks. Plant the cuttings in a well-drained soil mix and water regularly.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate studies have found that the plants grow relatively slowly. However, one study found that limequats grown in rich soil had a growth rate of 2.4 meters per year, which is much faster than the average for other quat species. The limequat is a hardy plant, and it can tolerate a wide range of growing conditions. It is typically found in tropical and subtropical regions, and it does best in humid climates.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant plants are pests and diseases. Pests such as spider mites and whiteflies can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually drop off. Diseases such as fungal leaf spot and powdery mildew can also cause the leaves to turn yellow and fall off. To prevent these problems, it is important to keep the plants well-watered and to remove any dead leaves or debris from around the plants.

List to Know

  • Do not forget to water your limequat plant regularly. The soil should be kept moist, but not soggy.
  • Place your limequat plant in an area where it will receive plenty of sunlight.
  • Use a well-draining potting mix when planting your limequat plant.
  • Fertilize your limequat plant regularly using a balanced fertilizer.
  • Prune your limequat plant as needed to keep it healthy and promote new growth.
  • Keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Treat them immediately if you notice any problems.
  • Harvest your limequats when they are ripe. The skin should be yellow with a slightly green tinge.
  • Store your limequats in a cool, dry place.
  • Use your limequats in a variety of recipes or enjoy them fresh.
  • Enjoy your limequat plant!

Related Plants

  • Tonkinensis
  • Hydrangeifolia
  • Pumila
  • Pungens
  • Pinnatifida
  • Pinnatum
  • PCV
  • Morifolia
  • Illicioides
  • microphylla

Source:
CaliforniaColleges.edu
FIU | Login
myJH - Hopkins Medicine

Richelle Author Photo
Reviewed & Published by Richelle
Submitted by our contributor
Trees Category