How to Get a Key Lime Tree to Bear Fruit
Key lime trees can be some of the most beautiful plants to grow in your house or garden. They are native to Southeast Asia, and were brought into the western world through trade, and with returning Crusaders. Producing fruit smaller than tennis balls and producing beautiful white flowers when grown inside, these trees are often used as house plants, with the added bonus that they provide plentiful fruit. Proper planting and care will have your lime tree bearing tasty and juicy fruits every season. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Key lime tree
- Shovel
- Water
- Hose or watering can
- Pruning shears
- Fertilizer
Instructions
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Purchase a key lime tree from a reputable nursery or garden center. Check the tree to make sure that it does not exhibit signs of disease or infestation. You only want to plant healthy trees in your garden or in your home. Also pay attention to the age of the tree you choose. Key lime trees may not produce fruit until they are 6 or 7 years old.
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Choose an area of your garden to plant the tree that receives direct sunlight and is protected from any cold winds. The soil must have good drainage, as key lime trees are damaged by too much water in the soil. Consider mixing in peat, loam or other organics to aid drainage.
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Dig a hole that is at least a foot wider than the base of the tree. The tree should be planted two to three inches higher in the soil than it was in its container.
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Fill in the hole with soil. Tamp the dirt down after every three to four scoops to eliminate air pockets.
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Water the tree three times a week for the first three weeks to make sure the roots are taking hold properly. The soil around the tree should never become completely dry. Do not water after a heavy rainfall or you will risk over watered the roots. During dry periods and hot periods during the summer, the tree should get about five gallons of water per week.
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Prune any damaged branches from the tree as soon as you notice them. If you choose you can also prune the branches to control shape or size of the tree by eliminating certain areas.
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Supply fertilizer when you see the first blooms of fruit. Mix ½ pound of fertilizer into the soil with a shovel or hoe every six weeks. Consult with an expert at a garden center or nursery if you are unsure about what type of fertilizer is best.
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Tips & Warnings
Key lime trees grow best in Hardiness Zones 9 through 11, according to the Arbor Day Foundation. These zones have an average annual minimum temperature above 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
