How to Take Care of a Lime Tree

Use your limes in drinks, food or as a garnish.

A lime tree is a citrus plant you can grow in your yard or house. Limes grow well in warm climates, preferring temperatures of 50 degrees or higher. It is best to plant the tree in a container and bring it indoors during the winter in climates that go below 50 degrees. There are several cultivars to choose from such as the Mexican lime tree and the Giant key lime. Select cultivars that will grow well in your area.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Organic matter
• Ammonium sulfate

Instructions

1. Select an area to grow the lime tree where it will receive full sun, preferably on the south side of the yard. Make sure the area has well-drained soil. Amend the soil with organic matter if it has drainage issues or is a heavy-clay soil. Till the soil 8 inches high with the shovel, breaking up any clumps. Mix a 2 inch layer of organic matter, such as compost, thoroughly into the native soil.

2. Dig a hole twice the size of the root ball. Place the lime tree in the center of the hole, making sure the bud union is set a little higher than ground level.

3. Backfill with soil halfway. Water to settle the soil around the roots. Complete backfilling firmly around the roots to eliminate air pockets once the soil drains. Water again deeply.

4. Water newly-planted lime trees every few days for the first two weeks. Water once a week afterward especially during hot summers or if rainfall is less than 1 inch a week.

5. Fertilize a newly planted lime tree with 1 cup of ammonium sulfate split into three applications. Fertilize once in February, again in May and finally in September. Add another cup of fertilizer each additional year. For example, a 5 year old lime tree will receive 5 cups of ammonium sulfate for the year, split into three applications. Sprinkle the fertilizer around the tree beginning a few inches from the trunk, extending out under the tree's canopy. Water deeply.

Tips & Warnings

• Move container-grown lime trees inside during the winter if the temperature drops below 50 degrees.

References

• "Texas A & M University Extension"; Home Fruit Productions-Limes; Julian W. Sauls, Ph.D.; December 1998
• Gardening Know How: Lime Tree Tips: Care of Lime Trees
• "North Carolina Extension"; Amending Clay Soils; October 2007