Key Lime Tree
$19.99 – $34.99
Begins shipping mid-April.
Zones 2-11
Self-Pollinating
Also called Mexican Lime
Characteristics of Key Lime Trees
Key Lime trees are highly adaptable to growing in containers (either indoors or out), which explains their popularity among home citrus gardeners. If you live in a warm enough climate, Key Lime trees can be planted in the ground. They are naturally dwarf, reaching a height of 12′. The size can be controlled by planting the tree in a container and pruning it.
The tree itself is stunning: glossy green leaves are decorated with fragrant baby-pink blossoms—a real conversation piece for your patio, not to mention the bonus of fresh-picked Key limes! You may be surprised to see these lovely citrus trees bloom again as the limes grow, meaning a long harvest of exquisite fruit. Each lime takes 6-9 months to ripen.
About the Fruit
Key limes are not often found in grocery stores in the United States; they are more widely available in Mexico and the Caribbean. Not to be confused with Persian limes, Key limes are most famous as the main ingredient in Key Lime pie (first made popular in the Florida Keys, as the name suggests).
A Key lime is roughly half the size of a store lime, and the peel is quite thin in comparison. The ripe fruit is yellow or yellow-green and highly acidic, emitting the wonderful tropical aroma of fresh lime. Limes contain lots of vitamin C as well as the antioxidant known as flavanone.
The fruit is essential for making Key Lime pie—substituting grocery-store limes is considered a culinary sin by pie purists. You can also use the fruit and juice for cocktails and limeade, marinades, salsa and marmalade.
Growing Key Lime Trees
This item can be grown in colder climates if it’s planted in a container and brought indoors during the winter months. These citrus trees require moist—but not wet—soil and should be watered deeply, but not often. The ideal soil pH is neutral. With a consistent fertilization program, you’ll be enjoying your first Key Limes in just a couple of years. Full sun is a necessity to grow this fruit. It is a tropical plant, so it tolerates heat well but is not cold-hardy. If you live in a growing zone other than one that’s recommended for a Key Lime, treat the tree as you would a houseplant and bring it indoors well before any frost or freezing temperatures arrive.
Pruning is not usually required except to shape the tree.
Key limes are self-pollinating. If grown/planted outdoors, it will be pollinated by natural means. If your tree lives indoors, you can pollinate it manually by using a small paint brush or makeup brush.
There is no substitute for a Key Lime—to enjoy their unique flavor (and especially if you want authentic Key Lime pie)—you’ll need to grow your own. It’s fun and easy … try one!
Characteristics
| Bloom Color | Pink, White |
| Fruit Color | Green |
| Fruit Size | Small |
| Soil Composition | Loamy |
| Taste | Tart |
| Soil pH Level | 6-7 |
| Soil Moisture | Well Drained-Average Moistness |
| Shade Level | Full Sun |
| Texture | Firm, juicy |
| Zone Range | 2-11 |
| Years to Bear | 1-2 |
Size & Spacing
Pollination
This variety is self pollinating.
How do I find my Hardiness Zone?
Canada’s Plant Hardiness Zones will tell you which plants will do well in your particular climate. Each zone is determined by the lowest average winter temperature recorded in a given area. Hardiness Zone information is included on all tree and plant product pages, so you know instantly whether a certain plant is likely to succeed where you live. Natural Resources Canada provides helpful options to find your zone:
David Galvin –
Ordered in Spring of 2020. Immediately transplanted upon arrival and under a grow light, it immediately started growing new leaves. It’s 2021 and while I have not received any fruit as of yet, the plant is lush and growing well. Ordered a Meyers lemon plant in same order, it died, but the lime keeps going strong.
STEVEN WHITSON –
Tree arrived fast and well packed. I planted in a 20 gallon container and tree has done extremely well with extensive new growth all over. Tree hasn’t bloomed this season, but this is the first year and tree was only planted in April. The Lemon tree which was purchased at the same time has three lemons that will mature later in the year. I highly recommend Stark and this Lime tree.
Connor Graydon –
I ordered a Meyer lemon and the Key Lime tree. The lemon is doing great. Unfortunately the lime tree died within about a week after receiving. Out $26 and disappointed.
Joshua Ehrlich –
This is a strong and healthy looking little tree, but it is not big and bushy like the picture, and its in a 3 inch (not a 4 inch) pot.
SabaGuy SabaGuy –
I was pleasantly surprised by the size of the tree, about 15 inches tall, well-filled with leaves, and seemingly very healthy.
Jen Filbert –
I have had this tree since 2013, and for the first time, it is actually getting limes! They are a little smaller than the grocery store size at this point, but the tree is actively fruiting. I keep the tree on the patio in the summer, and move it indoors during the winter.
Joseph Doliana –
I got one of these two years ago. It flowered very well last winter all the way till July. No fruit stayed on tree. This winter it bloomed again in January and I tried to pollinate by hand. No luck. Spring came and it still was blooming. Moved it outside (after the scare of frost was gone) Still no luck with fruit setting. End of May came with no fruit sticking. Half way through June I decided to get some Jobes citrus spikes. It’s like magic! Bam! I’m loaded with key limes and they’re getting bigger by the day. It is hush now getting two more flowers too. Crazy what the correct nutrients can do for these great little trees. They do love lots of sun. Southern exposure seems to work best in Pa.
Joan Allender –
The bush was delivered on time and in good shape, and it put on plenty of blooms but never amounted to anything. I have it sitting next to my Myer Lemon tree which produces a lot of fruit. Plenty of bees to pollinate as my neighbor has 2 hives.
Les Groenewold –
No lines yet, but the plant is prolific. I hope to be making key lime pies with them very soon. Yadda yadda yadda.
Les Groenewold –
No lines yet, but the plant is prolific. I hope to be making key lime pies with them very soon. Yadda yadda yadda.