Plan the perfect garden with our interactive tool →

Indian Sweet Lime Tree Care

...
lime 4 image by NeptuneTech from Fotolia.com

Indian sweet lime, also known as Palestine sweet lime, features juicy limes virtually devoid of acidity. Some people find the lack of acid makes the lime less desirable for eating and more useful as root stock. Either way, the tree makes a beautiful addition to warm-climate gardens

Description

Sweet lime trees grow up to 7 feet in height, sporting lots of thorns and pale green foliage. While the tree produces fruit year-round, most trees feature fragrant white blossoms in late summer or fall followed by fruits that appear in August through May. Mature fruits turn a orangish-yellow color when ripe, featuring pale yellow flesh with minimal seeds.

Planting

Since lime trees cannot survive freezing temperatures, they need to be grown in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 10. The trees grow best when planted on the south side of buildings, where they receive more protection from cold spells. The trees prefer well-drained soils. Newly planted trees require water every few days. From then on, regular watering the tree every seven to 10 days helps establish and maintain the tree.

  • Indian sweet lime, also known as Palestine sweet lime, features juicy limes virtually devoid of acidity.
  • Either way, the tree makes a beautiful addition to warm-climate gardens Sweet lime trees grow up to 7 feet in height, sporting lots of thorns and pale green foliage.

Pollination

Sweet limes trees do not require cross-pollination with another lime tree to produce fruit. But for greater fruit retention and larger fruits, commercial orchards plant the sweet lime trees near sweet orange or grapefruit trees to improve pollination.

Containers

Sweet lime trees also grow well in containers as long as temperatures reach 50 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. When temperatures fall, containers make it easy to protect the trees from frost; simply bring the container inside. Trees in containers need daily watering; on hot, dry days, the plants may require multiple daily waterings.

Uses

People in the Middle East and India pierce the lime and suck the mild-flavored juice out of the fruit. The fruit also gets cooked and preserved for use in a variety of dishes. In India, sweet limes get used for their cooling effect on fevers or jaundice.

  • Sweet limes trees do not require cross-pollination with another lime tree to produce fruit.
  • But for greater fruit retention and larger fruits, commercial orchards plant the sweet lime trees near sweet orange or grapefruit trees to improve pollination.

Pests

A major pest, the Asian citrus leafminer, causes problems for lime trees. This insect arrived in Florida in 1993. The moths form silvery trails in new leaves of the sweet lime tree, causing the leaves to curl up and turn gray before they crumble. While the leaves look ugly, leafminer causes little damage on mature sweet lime trees. On trees less than 4 years old, foliar sprays help reduce the chance of stunted growth.

Related Articles

How to Grow Lime Trees Indoors
How to Grow Lime Trees Indoors
Lime Trees With Thorns
Lime Trees With Thorns
How Big Do Lime Trees Grow?
How Big Do Lime Trees Grow?
Fruit Tree Leaves Are Turning Yellow
Fruit Tree Leaves Are Turning Yellow
How to Care for a Persian Lime Tree
How to Care for a Persian Lime Tree
What Are the Differences Between Noni & Corossol Fruit?
What Are the Differences Between Noni & Corossol Fruit?
Difference Between Orange & Lime Trees
Difference Between Orange & Lime Trees
The Best Lime Trees
The Best Lime Trees
Size of a Lime Tree
Size of a Lime Tree
Growing Meyer Lemons in Florida
Growing Meyer Lemons in Florida
How to Save My Lime Tree
How to Save My Lime Tree
Lime Tree Types
Lime Tree Types
Santa Rosa Plum Tree Care
Santa Rosa Plum Tree Care
Savannah's Jackalberry Tree Facts
Savannah's Jackalberry Tree Facts
Wild Cherry Trees in Ontario
Wild Cherry Trees in Ontario
Gardening: How to Grow Lime Trees from Seed
Gardening: How to Grow Lime Trees from Seed
Deer-Resistant Weeping Trees
Deer-Resistant Weeping Trees
Homemade Organic Pesticide for Fruit Trees
Homemade Organic Pesticide for Fruit Trees
Garden Guides
×