Persian Lime Tree

Persian Lime (Citrus latifolia), also sold as Tahitian lime, is the lime for people who want the fruit without the fuss: seedless, essentially thornless and generous. Grafted trees grow to about 3.5m tall and 3m wide in the ground, comfortably less in a pot, and of all the limes it is the most reliable performer in cooler coastal gardens. Scented white blossom is followed by smooth green fruit through the warmer months.

Why you'll love it

• Seedless fruit, barely a thorn. The fruit is juicy and seed free, and mature wood carries few if any thorns, just the odd small one on vigorous young shoots.
• Grafted for early cropping. You are not waiting on a seedling. Grafted trees settle quickly and usually offer their first useful fruit within two to three seasons.
• Happy in a pot. In a container 500mm or wider it stays a compact balcony or courtyard tree you can move to follow the sun.
• The lime for milder coasts. Where other limes sulk in cooler coastal gardens, this one keeps cropping, and it takes heat and humidity in its stride as well.

Where it works best

Pots and containers. This is the citrus for a sunny balcony or courtyard. Give it a pot at least 500mm wide, premium mix and the sunniest spot you have, and remember potted trees need more water and feed than the same tree in the ground.

Small gardens and feature planting. At about 3.5m by 3m it fits a suburban backyard without dominating it. Plant it within reach of the kitchen.

Growing Persian Lime in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun, the more the better. It suits tropical, subtropical, warm temperate and Mediterranean gardens. Established trees tolerate light frost only, so protect young plants through their first winters, and in frost prone districts keep it potted and move it under cover when hard frosts threaten.

Soil. Drainage first. Work compost through the bed, sit the tree slightly proud of the surrounding level on clay, and mulch generously while keeping mulch clear of the trunk.

Water and feed. Limes fruit best with steady moisture. Deep soak twice a week through the first summer, then weekly in dry spells. Feed with a complete citrus fertiliser in late winter and again in late summer.

Pruning. Light work. Shape after the main harvest, remove dead or crossing wood, and rub off any shoots from below the graft as soon as you see them.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Persian Lime in six sizes: 200mm pots in a pack of six, 250mm pots in a pack of three, single trees in 300mm, 400mm and 500mm pots, and advanced 100L stock. The packs suit planting in numbers; the larger sizes are old enough to carry flower or fruit in season.

Trees travel potted and are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Advanced and large stock is freighted at cost. Expect a quiet fortnight while roots settle, then fresh growth in warm weather, covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Follow our lemon tree care guide for feeding and care advice that applies to all backyard citrus.
• Compare varieties in the lime tree collection.
• Browse the full citrus tree range for lemons, oranges and companions.
• Plan the backyard orchard with fruit trees for every season.

Common questions

How long until it fruits?

Because these are grafted trees, most gardeners pick their first useful crop within two to three seasons of planting. Remove some fruit in the first year so the tree puts its energy into roots and frame.

Can I grow it in a pot long term?

Yes, it is one of the best citrus for containers. Use a pot at least 500mm wide with free draining mix, water and feed more often than in the ground, and expect a tree around 2m rather than 3.5m.

How much frost will it take?

Light frost once established, and young trees should be protected everywhere. In districts with regular hard frosts, grow it in a pot and shelter it through winter.