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:
Lilly Harvey –
Planted both Meyers lemon and Key Lime tree in pots and brought them in for the winter, but the Key Lime tree died. Lemon tree’s still alive.
Shelly Blum –
I bought the Lime tree last year. It’s been growing great and I’m super loving it. Looking forward to harvest. I planted in largest pot and bring inside during winter.
Eric Bonds –
My key lime is a year and a half. It’s becoming fairly large, and is very healthy. I take it in during the winter, and keep it out on the patio spring – fall. It seems to handle this transition well (I would definitely recommend, but can’t give it a full five stars until I get some fruit!).
Margaret Wilson –
I didn’t realize key limes had such long spikes. It has grown much taller and has new branches, but has produced no flowers as yet, in over a year.
Eric Saunders –
Slowest growing tiny slip of a tree I have ever seen. Just not happy with this nursery.
rodger homsey –
The plum tree is healthy and strong. It was delivered pruned and ready for planting. After 1 yr I’m very happy with the plum trees Disappointed in my Chicago Hardy Fig…it died during the 1st yr
Phyllis Diener –
It was fine and then all of a sudden died on me over the winter when it came inside. I have another citrus in a pot so am knowledgeable about growing them. Disappointed.
John Destasio –
Healthy little tree. Wintered well. It’s grown a decent amount, I just really wish there were better “grooming” instructions. Tips or similar for how to properly trim the plant after growths.
HUEY FORD –
My lime tree arrived in good shape and was planted into a large pot. It didn’t bloom its first year and hasn’t bloomed yet this year. It is a beautiful, little tree, however.
Lucious Dillon –
Shortly after I received this plant in April, 2017, I planted it in a five gallon fabric grow pot and placed it outdoors in direct sunlight. With my homemade potting plant mix, supplemented with a dose of ammonium sulfate and worm castings tea, it is thriving. Great job Stark Bros. The rest is up to me.