Lime Trees

Choosing the right lime for your cooking

Start with what you actually squeeze, slice or shred. The Tahitian Lime (Citrus latifolia 'Tahitian') is the everyday juicing lime: seedless, thornless and generous, reaching about 3.5m tall by 2.5m wide. The Persian Lime is a grafted selection of the same species, near identical in the glass but a touch broader at 3m across, and the most reliable of the three in cooler coastal gardens. The Kaffir Lime (Citrus hystrix) is different: you grow it for the fragrant double leaves and knobbly zest that anchor Thai cooking, not for juice. It stays about 3m by 2m.

Where lime trees grow well

All three are heat and humidity tolerant, so they perform from tropical and subtropical gardens down through warm temperate areas like Sydney and Perth. The Tahitian and Persian limes also suit Mediterranean climates around Adelaide and coastal Western Australia, and will shrug off a light frost once established. The Kaffir lime is frost tender, full stop. Where winter frost is regular, grow your lime in a pot against a warm north facing wall, or shift it under cover for the coldest weeks. Six hours of full sun is the minimum for good fruit anywhere in the country.

Planting, pots and spacing

In the ground, give each tree free draining soil and about 3m of space so the canopies stay open and fruit colours evenly. On heavy clay, plant into a mound or raised bed rather than a hole that holds water. In pots, start with a container at least 50cm to 60cm wide, use a premium potting mix and lift the pot on feet so water runs clear. A potted lime fruits well for years but dries out faster, so summer watering becomes a near daily job.

Feeding, watering and pruning

Citrus are hungry trees. Feed with a citrus fertiliser in late winter and again in midsummer, water deeply once or twice a week in dry weather, and keep the moisture consistent while fruit is developing, because drought stress is the usual cause of fruit drop. Mulch out to the drip line and keep it clear of the trunk. Prune lightly after harvest to keep the centre open, and remove any shoots from below the graft. Our guide to growing citrus in an Australian backyard covers the seasonal routine in detail.

Common questions

How long until a lime tree fruits?

These are grafted trees, so expect a light crop within two to three years and full production by year five. Advanced stock often arrives already carrying fruit.

Can I grow a lime tree in a pot permanently?

Yes. All three suit containers, and in most of southern Australia the Kaffir lime is arguably better in a pot. Repot into fresh mix every two to three years.

Why are my lime tree leaves turning yellow?

Usually hunger or wet feet. Feed with a complete citrus food, check the pot or soil drains freely, and expect some yellowing in winter in cooler areas, which corrects itself in spring.

What is the difference between Tahitian and Persian limes?

They are selections of the same species, Citrus latifolia, and the fruit is interchangeable in the kitchen. Choose on the tree: the Persian form spreads slightly wider and has the better record in cool coastal gardens.

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