How fast do Key lime trees grow?
It takes 6 to 9 months for the fruit to grow and ripen from green to yellow. Interestingly, key lime pies that are green have been artificially colored because the flesh of the fruit is greenish yellow. Pies made with the fruit come out yellow instead of green.
How long does it take a Key lime tree to bear fruit?
After reaching its full height, a dwarf key lime trees will begin to bear fruit in about 1-3 years. The tree flowers in the spring, with fruit following in late spring to early summer (if the flowers fall off without bearing fruit, that means your tree is not yet mature enough to bear fruit).
How do you take care of a Key lime plant?
When you are growing key limes, water them deeply and slowly so the moisture reaches deep into the soil. If the weather is hot and dry, you may need to water more frequently. Fertilize the Mexican key lime tree with a slow-release fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. It should have an NPK ratio of 2-1-1.
How tall do dwarf key lime trees grow?
The Dwarf Key Lime tree will only grow 2′ tall, and in about 1-3 years, it will bear juicy, nearly seedless limes about the size of a golf ball.
How often should you water a key lime tree?
Watering is very important when it comes to key lime plants. The plant should be watered every three to four days. Depending on the pot or container you may have, you may have to water more often.
Do Key lime trees need full sun?
The preferred time to plant is early spring or summer, although potted trees may be planted any time in warm locations. In general, Key lime trees should be planted in full sun for best growth and fruit production.
How long do Key lime trees live?
50 years
The typical lifespan of lemon and lime tree, including a hybrid lemon lime tree, is over 50 years. However, with proper care, excellent growing conditions, and satisfactory disease prevention practices, lemon and lime trees can live for over a hundred years.
What is the best dwarf lime tree?
Among the favorite dwarf varieties are ‘Improved Meyer’, ‘Ponderosa’ and ‘Variegated Pink’, a sport of ‘Eureka’. Dwarf ‘Eureka’ lemons can reach up to 10 feet tall unless they are kept in check. The two most popular limes, ‘Bearss’ and ‘Mexican’, are generally available on dwarf rootstocks.
How long does it take for a dwarf lime tree to bear fruit?
Fruit Production Despite their small proportions, dwarf lemon and lime trees produce full-size fruit. Usually it will take up to three years for a tree to reach mature fruit production. Younger trees may flower and produce small fruits, but this often inhibits root and foliage development.
Should I prune my Key lime tree?
Although pruning lime trees is not compulsory, it is good for several reasons including improving airflow, reducing disease, strengthening limbs and it makes it easier to harvest fruit. However, generally citrus only require pruning if they are getting too large or misshapen, so don’t prune unnecessarily.
How often should you water a Key lime tree?
Are key limes Everbearing?
Like most citrus, it’s self-pollinating. The key lime is also an ever-bearing fruit, so there is no real seasonal harvest. The tree could technically bloom any month of the year. There are very few varieties, as trees mostly come from true seed or air layering.
Should I prune my key lime tree?
What is the smallest lime tree?
Dwarf lime tree height is just around 6 to 10 feet tall when planted in the ground but tend to be shorter when planted in a pot.
Can you plant a lemon tree next to a lime tree?
Tip. Planting citrus trees too close together can result in less fruit, stunted growth and soil nutrient depletion. The bigger the tree in the crop, the farther apart they should be.
How do you keep a lime tree small?
Prune lime trees every year or two, which will help keep them from becoming too large. Always use sharp pruning shears or loppers when pruning lime trees. If you have frost damage, wait until the trees have shown new growth. Prior to pruning lime trees, pick off any remaining fruit.
Is key lime an invasive species?
Invasive potential: According to the IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida’s Natural Areas (IFAS Invasive Plant Working Group 2007), Key lime ( Citrus aurantifolia) is not considered a problem species at this time and may be recommended by IFAS faculty for planting.
How big does a key lime tree get?
Mexican key lime ( Citrus aurantifolia ), also known as key lime, bartender’s lime, and West Indian lime, is a moderately sized, evergreen fruit tree. It grows vigorously once you plant it in the ground, reaching heights of 6 1/2 to 13 feet (2 to 4 m.) tall.
What is a key lime?
The Key lime is valued for its unique flavor compared with other limes. The name is derived from its association with the Florida Keys, where it is best known as the flavoring ingredient in Key lime pie.
How are key lime trees adapted to Florida Keys?
The Key lime is well adapted to a variety of soils. Seedling and air-layer-propagated trees are well suited to the rocky, calcareous soils of the Florida Keys and extreme southern Miami-Dade County. However, salt damage from salt water intrusion and or wind-blown sea-salt is a frequent problem for trees in the Keys.