Mexican Lime Tree

Have you heard of key lime and bartender's lime? Those limes come from the Mexican lime trees.

With its distinctive tart taste and smell, you may be aware of its many culinary uses, but the tree is also highly ornamental!

With shiny, deep green leaves and fragrant flowers, gardeners often showcase this tree on patios and other visible areas near the home.

Botanical name: Citrus aurantifolia

Other names: Key lime tree

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Beautiful evergreen tree with shiny, deep green leaves. Rounded canopy.

Will grow to 10-20 feet in height. Many people keep it pruned so that it stays to around 10 feet. The spread is about 5 feet wide.

White flowers with a pleasant fragrance, followed by green limes that turn yellow when ripe.

Limes have thin, smooth skin, high water content, and a tart flavor. Contains many tiny seeds inside the fruit.

Mexican lime trees do very well in containers. This would also allow for you to restrict the size of the tree and bring it indoors during extreme heat or cold weather.

Prune weak or diseased branches throughout the year. The heaviest pruning should be done in late winter to keep the lime tree at a manageable size.

Provide fertilizer and more water when flowering and fruiting.

Strong, sweet fragrance when in bloom. Place lime trees in a patio or other areas where visitors can smell the fragrance.

Mexican lime tree is from tropical and subtropical areas in Mexico and Central America

Soil: Fertile, well-draining soil that is slightly acidic to acidic

Temperature: Can withstand temperatures down to 20 degrees for a short period of time.

Water: Moderate water needs. Regular deep watering, especially when blooming and fruiting and during heat waves. Do not allow soil the completely dry out for an extended period of time. More drought-tolerant once mature.

Sun: Full sun

Pests: Mexican lime trees may attract pests such as aphids and scale.

For aphids, blast them off with water if the infestation is light. Otherwise, use horticultural oil or soapy water.

To remove scales, pick them off or use horticultural oil or insecticidal soap. Horticultural oil will kill both crawlers and adults with direct contact. Insecticidal soap is better used to target only the crawlers.

Whenever using any pesticide, be aware that it can damage the plant if the temperatures are in the 80s or above.

Signs of overwatering: Drooping, squishy texture

Signs of too little water: Wilting leaves, leaf drop

Signs of too much sun: Burnt leaves

Signs of too little sun: Etiolation, pale leaves

The easiest way to propagate a Mexican lime tree is through cuttings. Obtain 1-foot-long semi-hardwood cuttings with a sharp tool and plant them in the soil. Keep soil moist until it's well established.

HOW MUCH DOES a Mexican lime tree COST?

At our nursery, Mexican lime trees cost $120 for a 15-gallon container and $200-250 for a 24” box.

Prices are subject to change. Please contact us for the most up-to-date pricing information. We may have larger sizes available. We provide installation services locally at a separate cost.

How big does a Mexican lime tree get?

Mexican lime trees can grow to 10-20 feet tall, but they are usually pruned for easier harvesting and maintenance.

Can I grow a Mexican lime tree indoors?

Yes, it can be grown indoors as long as it receives bright light for at least 8 hours a day.