Citrus × aurantiifolia 'Lime Verde' (Mexican lime)

Introducing the Citrus × aurantiifolia 'Lime Verde', commonly referred to as the Mexican lime or key lime, this delightful fruit-bearing tree is a jewel from the troves of Tropical Asia. Adorned with fragrant white blossoms, the 'Lime Verde' cultivar is esteemed not only for its aromatic flowers but also for its succulent limes, which are prized for their unique flavor — a staple in culinary arts across the globe. This species, with its lush foliage and compact growth, is an excellent choice for those seeking a touch of the tropics in their conservatory or sunny patio, as it is well-suited for container cultivation.

Winter hardiness
Frost-free

Position
Sun

Fruiting
Yes

Water needs
Moderate

Flowering time
April, May

Flower colour
White

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Buy citrus × aurantiifolia 'Lime Verde' (Mexican lime)

The Citrus × aurantiifolia 'Lime Verde', commonly known as the Mexican lime or key lime, is a tropical treasure that offers both aesthetic appeal and culinary delight. This mini stem Citrus tree is prized for its evergreen foliage and its capacity to produce the distinctively tangy limes that are essential in many recipes around the world. Adaptable and manageable, this plant is perfect as a solitary specimen, adding a touch of exotic charm to your garden or patio.

Key Features

As a member of the Citrus family, 'Lime Verde' boasts lush, green foliage year-round, with aromatic white flowers that blossom in spring and summer, filling the air with their sweet fragrance.
This variety thrives in well-drained soil and in locations that provide full sun, ensuring the best growth and fruit production.
The fruits of 'Lime Verde' mature in autumn and winter, retaining their vibrant green hue, which is both visually striking and culinarily versatile.
This plant is winter hardy in USDA zone 10a, withstanding temperatures just above freezing, making it suitable for warmer climates or for overwintering indoors in cooler regions.
With moderate water requirements and minimal pruning needed, 'Lime Verde' is relatively low-maintenance, making it an excellent choice for both novice and experienced gardeners.

Tips

To ensure the health and productivity of your Citrus × aurantiifolia 'Lime Verde', it is crucial to water the plant regularly, allowing the soil to dry out slightly between watering.
When planting in a pot, select a container with adequate drainage holes and use a high-quality potting mix to promote healthy root development.
If you live in a cooler climate, consider growing 'Lime Verde' in a pot that can be moved indoors during the colder months to protect it from frost.
Fertilize your lime tree during the growing season with a Citrus-specific fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients for continued growth and fruiting.
Regularly inspect your plant for signs of stress or dehydration, especially during hot, dry periods, and adjust your care regimen accordingly to maintain its vibrant appearance and bountiful lime harvest.

Ideal placement of a Key lime tree

The ideal location for Citrus × aurantiifolia 'Lime Verde' is an area that receives full sun to encourage the best yield of its aromatic fruit. This > key lime tree demands well-drained soil, thriving in a variety of soil types as long as excess water can freely escape to prevent root rot. To accommodate its sensitivity to cold temperatures, ensure a placement that provides protection from frost, respecting its USDA zone 10a hardiness. In cooler climates, it may be necessary to grow the species in a container that can be moved indoors during colder months.

Planting a Key lime tree

For optimal growth of Citrus × aurantiifolia 'Lime Verde', plant it in a location that receives full sunlight. The plant thrives in well-drained soils and can adapt to various soil types. Planting should be done with care, ensuring the mini stem is not buried too deeply to prevent stem rot. The rootball, nestled in its pot, should be placed at the same depth it was growing in the container. After planting, water the soil moderately to settle it around the roots. Due to its limited winter hardiness, in regions experiencing temperatures below 1.7°C, it is advisable to provide protection or plant it in containers that can be moved indoors during colder months.

Pruning a Key lime tree

Citrus × aurantiifolia 'Lime Verde' typically requires minimal pruning. To maintain its shape and promote healthy growth, merely trim any wayward or crossing branches. Focus on removing any dead or damaged wood to preserve the plant's vitality. Pruning should be done with care, ideally after the fruiting season, to avoid cutting off new buds that will produce the next cycle of fruit. Regularly inspect the mini stem and perform any necessary light pruning to encourage an open structure that allows sunlight to penetrate and air to circulate freely.

Watering a Key lime tree

The Citrus × aurantiifolia 'Lime Verde' thrives with moderate watering, ensuring the soil remains moist but not waterlogged. During active growth in the warmer months, maintain consistent moisture levels to support fruit development and overall health. In winter, reduce watering frequency, but do not allow the soil to completely dry out, especially given the plant's sensitivity to cold and its inability to withstand drought. Providing a balance of care will yield the best growth and fruit production for this tropical species.

Fertilising a Key lime tree

For optimal growth and fruit production, > Citrus aurantifolia requires regular fertilization, especially during the active growing seasons of spring and summer. Use a high-quality Citrus-specific fertilizer to provide the necessary nutrients, which typically includes a balanced blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and essential trace minerals. Apply the fertilizer according to the package instructions every four to six weeks beginning in early spring and continuing through summer. It is important to water the plant deeply after fertilizing to help distribute the nutrients through the soil. Cease fertilization in late summer to allow the plant to prepare for the cooler months, ensuring it remains robust enough to withstand temperatures down to 1.7°C, as it's hardy to USDA zone 10a.

The characteristics of a Key lime tree

Citrus × aurantiifolia 'Lime Verde' thrives with periodic light pruning, which encourages a robust structure and abundant fruiting. Its fragrant blossoms add a delightful aroma to any space, making it as much an olfactory treasure as a visual one. When grown in a pot, the plant's mobility allows for easy adjustment to seasonal sunlight variations, ensuring optimal growth conditions. Moreover, the leaves of this species can be used to impart a subtle Citrus flavor in culinary dishes, adding a gourmet touch to home cooking.

The ideal variety for you Buy citrus × aurantiifolia 'Lime Verde' (Mexican lime)

Introduce an air of Mediterranean charm with Citrus × aurantiifolia 'Lime Verde', a vibrant plant perfect for adding a touch of zest to any setting. Esteemed for its aromatic flowers and tangy, edible fruits, this lime tree is a delightful addition to any plant enthusiast's collection.

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