How to Care for Key Lime Tree Fertilizer

Key lime, known botanically as citrus aurantifolia and also commonly as Mexican lime or West Indian lime, is a flowering and fruiting shrub or small tree. Key limes are prized for their aromatic flowers and foliage as well as their tart fruit that ripens in the fall and winter. Key limes are small relative to other lime cultivars, reaching just 1-1/2 inches in diameter at maturity.

Things You'll Need

• Citrus tree fertilizer 10-13-13
• Water

Instructions

1. Feed your key lime trees lightly four to six times per year with a complete citrus tree fertilizer with a guaranteed analysis of 10-13-13. Use either a granular form or molded tree stake according to your preference. Apply the fertilizer in the dose recommended on the package label.

2. Sprinkle the granular fertilizer in a wide doughnut shape around the base of the tree starting at least 6 inches out from the trunk and extending at least 6 inches beyond the drip line of the tree.

3. Drive citrus tree fertilizer stakes into the soil surrounding your key lime tree, placing them at the recommended intervals and depth. Keep the stakes away from the trunk of the tree to prevent an excess buildup of fertilizer and the resulting root burn.

4. Water the citrus tree fertilizer in deeply after each application to disperse it and begin to percolate the nutrients into the soil and root zone where they can do their work.

References

• University of California Riverside: Mexican Lime
• University of Florida: Fertilizing Your Citrus Tree
• Washington State University: Fertilizers