Position – Full sun in a spot sheltered from the wind is best. Limes do not tolerate very cold temperatures well and will not thrive in places that dip to 10-degrees Celsius or below. If your garden is exposed to very cold conditions, plant your lime tree in a pot that can be moved indoors. Plant your tree with a space of at least 5 metres all around it.
Size – A full-grown lime tree can be 5 metres tall and 5 metres wide. A seedling will take between 3 and 6 years to begin to bear fruit and reach full production at 8 to 10 years old.
Soil Type – Lime trees thrive in warm, moist soil well-enriched with nutrients, whether in a pot or the garden. However, the soil needs to have excellent drainage, as any residual moisture will threaten the survival of your tree. Pack the soil firmly around the roots when planting. The air around the roots will be detrimental to your plant.
Mulch – Citrus trees generally do well with an organic mulch that keeps the soil pH optimal and retains moisture. Use materials like pine needles, leaves, straw or bark. It’s best to replace the mulch each time rather than turning it into the soil (as this may disturb or damage the roots).
Watering – Water your lime tree frequently, but conservatively. They do better with regular sprinklings than with a heavy soaking.
Fertilising – The lime trees feed quite heavily on the soil around them, quickly depleting their natural nutrient content. Fertilise them regularly with compost or a high-nitrogen fertiliser (especially in spring and summer). Using our berry fertiliser, use 1tspn in April and again in September.
Pruning – Lime trees are particularly easy to care for because they don’t require much in the way of pruning. However, for optimal condition, it’s wise to prune them at least once every year or two. This helps to prevent disease, strengthen the limbs and produce better, healthier fruits.
Harvesting – Your lime tree will likely produce fruit during summer, but some produce all year round. Pick the delicious limes when they are a vibrant green and are juicy inside. By the time they have turned yellow and wrinkled, they are over-ripe and will be bitter.
