Facts About Lime Trees
Lime trees produce a small green fruit that is high in vitamin C, tastes sour and is acidic in nature. They prefer tropical and subtropical regions, but they can be grown indoors and in greenhouses in temperate regions.
Varieties
There are four common varieties of limes: Mexican lime (also known as key limes), Tahiti lime (also known as Persian lime), giant key lime and Rangpur lime (typically used as root stock for lime trees).
Growing
Lime trees need to be planted on the southern side of your home for wind protection. The location should be sunny with well-drained soil.
Care
Mature trees need to be watered every other week. Ammonium sulfate should be applied every four months as fertilizer. Mulch 1 foot around the base of the tree to keep grass from growing around the base.
- Lime trees produce a small green fruit that is high in vitamin C, tastes sour and is acidic in nature.
- Lime trees need to be planted on the southern side of your home for wind protection.
Harvesting
Trees begin to bear fruit three years after planting. Harvest the fruit once the rinds begin to yellow. Fallen limes can be harvested and juiced. Freeze the juice for future use.
Problems
Lime trees are susceptible to stylar end breakdown, where juice pools in the blossom end of the fruit and causes it to rot. Asian leaf miners are also a threat to lime trees.
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Writer Bio
Currently residing in Myrtle Beach, SC, Tammy Curry began writing agricultural and frugal living articles in 2004. Her articles have appeared in the Mid-Atlantic Farm Chronicle and Country Family Magazine. Ms. Curry has also written SEO articles for textbroker.com. She holds an associate's degree in science from Jefferson College of Health Sciences.
