Limes are undisputedly one of the best fruits in the world. These little round green beauties provide the staple flavor of so many dishes, cuisines, drinks, and more around the world. They find themselves in most parts of the world and have shaped so many delightful man-made things.
We know most of our customers are based in Europe where the sun is, shall we say, inconsistent. Lime trees tend to grow in warmer parts of the world and they do so with ease. However, it is possible and fulfilling to grow lime trees in colder parts of our Earth. You just need to be aware of a few things!
We will give you the best lime tree care for you to grow a lime tree that thrives! We recommend you start to grow your tree indoors in a pot. Once it grows to young adult size you can transfer it outside, or keep it inside, whatever you like! If you do transfer it outside it might be best to keep it in a greenhouse/insulated in some way.
We will give you some of our best lime tree care tips including a great lime tree watering schedule, and some key info about how to keep lime trees at home. Lime trees are pretty hardy in terms of producing fruit. They just need to try and stay above 5 Celsius most of the time to stay alive!
Light
Lime trees love light. Sunlight helps your trees to bear as much fruit as possible. Plant your tree in a sun trap in your garden if possible. This is especially important for potted plants to ensure their growth. Lime trees can withstand a lot of hot sun so don’t worry about scorching leaves and overexposure.
Soil
Soil is not as much of an important point as light is. Though, as ever, soil characteristics are important to note for ideal growth. Ensure that the soil is organic and rich in nutrients while being well-draining. Well-draining soil is essential for lime trees in pots. Use some loose soil with drainage holes and a water dish for best results. When you take it outside, it’s a bit easier to manage.
Water
Your lime tree will love a healthy amount of water. Sun-loving plants that love well-draining soil normally lead to thirsty tendencies, and the lime tree is no different. When in a pot - ensure the top two inches of soil become watered. When the soil is dry to the touch, water again. When kept outside, water regularly around 2 times per week.
Temperature and Humidity
This is the trickiest condition to master if you’re not in a warm climate is the temperature and humidity. These trees naturally thrive in tropical areas of the world, so you can imagine they love hot weather. When kept indoors, try and give them high humidity levels. Mist regularly and keep it in a draft-free zone. When kept outdoors, try and insulate the trunk during the colder months.
You can insulate your tree in a variety of ways. You can add wood chips to the base of the trunk, you can add a layer of organic matter to the bass, or you can add some sheets to wrap around the trunk to keep it warm.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing will be essential if you are growing lime trees outside of sunny climates. If you live in a warm country, you won’t need to fertilize. However, using a fertilizer will increase fruit production, so it’s a good thing to do. Use an NPK formulation three times per year at the start of winter, late spring, and mid-summer for fruitful results!
Pruning
Lime trees do not really need a lot of pruning. Lime trees grow quite slowly and this hasn’t been a big issue for lime tree owners. However, if you see any dead or damaged-looking leaves during the growing years then simply cut them off.
Also Read - Exploring Different Types of Lime Tree
We hope you’ve learned a little bit about how to care for a lime tree, whether it's an indoor plant or an outdoor plant.. Remember, these lime trees are real beauties and can help to bring some beautiful tropical times to your home. If kept properly, you’ll be able to live in a wonderful world of flavor year-round!