Key Lime

Plant Overview

Key Lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia) is listed in the Rutaceae family and categorized as a fruit with a perennial tree life cycle. This profile summarizes growing information for hardiness, light, soil, water, seed starting, maturity, and other available cultivation details. Difficulty is listed as Moderate.

Plant ID

PLT-0105

Family

Rutaceae

Plant type

Fruit

Life cycle

Perennial tree

Growth habit

Small evergreen citrus tree or large shrub with a dense, branching canopy

Mature height

Commonly about 6-13 feet, depending on rootstock, climate, and pruning

Mature spread

Commonly about 6-10 feet, depending on training and growing conditions

Difficulty

Moderate

Growing Conditions

Key Lime is listed for full sun conditions. Water needs are listed as moderate; keep soil evenly moist during establishment and fruit development while avoiding prolonged waterlogging. The database soil reference is Fertile, well-drained sandy loam or loam with good aeration. The listed soil pH range is 5.5-6.5, and the listed hardiness range is 9-11.

Hardiness zones

9-11

Sunlight

Full sun

Soil

Fertile, well-drained sandy loam or loam with good aeration

Soil pH

5.5-6.5

Water needs

Moderate; keep soil evenly moist during establishment and fruit development while avoiding prolonged waterlogging

Plant spacing

Allow roughly 8-12 feet between full-size trees, with closer spacing possible for dwarf or container-grown plants

Seed & Germination

For propagation, the database note is fresh key lime seeds can germinate under warm, consistently moist conditions, though nursery trees may also be propagated vegetatively. Planting-depth guidance: Sow cleaned Key lime seed shallowly in a moist, well-drained medium, generally about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep. Maturity guidance: Young Key lime trees can begin fruiting within a few years, with production increasing as the tree becomes established. Use these values as general reference points and adjust for local climate, seed source, and growing conditions.

Germination

Fresh Key lime seeds can germinate under warm, consistently moist conditions, though nursery trees may also be propagated vegetatively

Germination temperature

Key lime seed germination is favored by warm conditions, generally around 70-85°F, with steady moisture and good aeration

Seed depth

Sow cleaned Key lime seed shallowly in a moist, well-drained medium, generally about 1/4 to 1/2 inch deep

Sowing method

Seeds may be sown in containers for seedling production, while nursery trees may also be established from budded, grafted, or rooted propagation material

Start indoors

Seeds can be started indoors in a warm, bright location; young trees can also be container-grown where outdoor winters are too cold

Transplanting

Plant container-grown or nursery Key lime trees at approximately the same depth they were growing previously, keeping the root crown above waterlogged soil and protecting roots from drying

Harvest & Propagation

Days to maturity

Young Key lime trees can begin fruiting within a few years, with production increasing as the tree becomes established

Harvest

Harvest when fruit has reached full size and is green to yellow-green with strong aroma, good juice content, and slight softening

Propagation

Named Key lime plants are commonly propagated by seed, budding, grafting, or cuttings, depending on production method

Seed saving

Collect fully developed seeds from ripe fruit, clean away pulp, and sow relatively fresh because citrus seed can lose viability during prolonged drying

Pollination

Key lime flowers are generally self-fertile, with insect activity such as bee visitation helping improve fruit set

Garden Information

Common pests

Citrus leafminer, aphids, scale insects, mealybugs, mites, whiteflies, and citrus psyllids

Common diseases

Citrus canker, Phytophthora root and foot rots, greasy spot, melanose, and other citrus fungal or bacterial diseases

Uses

Fresh juice, beverages, cooking, desserts, marinades, preserves, zest, and ornamental container growing