The Story
Plant Bio
Citrus aurantiifolia, commonly known as the Key lime, is a small, bushy tree known for its edible fruit and aromatic foliage.
This species produces small, round, green to yellow fruit and is highly valued for its lime juice, often used in culinary dishes.
Uses & Benefits:
Essentials
At a Glance
Plant Type
Fruit Vegetable
Height
156 inches
Width
120 inches
Light
Full Sun
Zones
9, 10
Water
Moderate
Humidity
Moderate to high
Lifespan
20+ years
Native To
Southeastern Asia
Toxicity
Fruit is edible, but leaves and peels can be toxic to pets.
Bloom period
Late spring – Early summer
In flower about 2 months of the year
Marketplace
Where to Buy
Shipping costs Year-round shipping Free shipping
Planting
How to Grow
- Select a sunny, sheltered spot with well-draining soil.
- Tuck seeds or cuttings into moist soil, ¼ inch deep, in early spring.
- Mist cuttings daily to maintain humidity for 6 weeks.
- Water regularly, keeping soil moist but not waterlogged.
- Fertilize monthly with citrus-specific fertilizer during the growing season.
- Transplant young plants after 1 year when they are hardy enough.
Pro Tip
Use organic compost to enhance soil fertility and promote healthy growth.
Keep It Thriving
Care Guide
Do
- Water consistently to keep soil moist 🌱
- Prune to shape and remove dead branches ✂️
- Apply balanced fertilizer monthly during spring and summer
- Monitor for pests regularly
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture
Don't
- Avoid overwatering, which can cause root rot ❌
- Don’t expose young plants to frost
- Refrain from using heavy chemical pesticides without organic options
- Don’t neglect pruning, which encourages healthy growth
Seasonal Care Calendar
| Task | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fertilize | ||||||||||||
| Harvest | ||||||||||||
| Pest Check | ||||||||||||
| Plant | ||||||||||||
| Prune | ||||||||||||
| Winter Prep |
Watch Out For
Pests & Diseases
Common Pests
Common Diseases
In the Garden
Landscape Uses & Companions
Landscape Uses
Companion Plants
Multiply
Propagation Methods
Good to Know
Common Questions
Key Lime questions
What zones can Key Lime grow in?
Key Lime is hardy in USDA Zones 9–10. Inside that range it survives winter in the ground; outside it, grow it as an annual or a container plant you protect.
Is Key Lime deer resistant?
Not reliably. Deer may browse Key Lime, especially tender spring growth — plan on repellents or fencing where pressure is high.
When does Key Lime bloom?
Key Lime typically blooms in late spring through early summer. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.
Does Key Lime need full sun?
Key Lime does best in full sun (6+ hours).
Is Key Lime drought tolerant?
Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Key Lime handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.
More Citrus to compare
Meyer Lemon
Citrus limon 'Meyer'
Moro Blood Orange
Citrus sinensis 'Moro'
Sanguinello Orange
Citrus reticulata 'Sanguinea'
Calamondin
Citrus mitis
Blondie Mandarin
Citrus reticulata 'Blondie'
Northern Exposure Lime
Citrus aurantifolia 'Northern Exposure'
Keep exploring
Explore the genus
Hardy in your zone?
Grow Key Lime with confidence
See it in a design of your actual yard, get zone-matched care reminders, and track it season by season in your garden journal.