tree

Persian Lime

Citrus latifolia 'Tahitian Lime'

The Story

Plant Bio

Citrus is a genus of warm-climate evergreen shrubs and trees valued for their aromatic foliage, fragrant white flowers, and acidic, vitamin-rich fruits. These plants thrive in sun-drenched, well-draining environments and are highly sensitive to waterlogged soils and freezing temperatures.

'Tahitian Lime' is a nearly thornless, wide-spreading cultivar that produces abundant, seedless green fruits with thin rinds and highly acidic juice. It forms a dense, rounded canopy of glossy, deep green leaves that release a rich citrus aroma when bruised.

Uses & Benefits:

Provides year-round structure with its dense, glossy evergreen canopy and fragrant white blossoms.

Produces abundant, seedless, highly acidic limes ideal for culinary use, beverages, and juice.

Fragrant flowers attract honeybees and native insect pollinators to the garden.

Essentials

At a Glance

Plant Type

Tree

Height

144"

Width

120"

Light

Full Sun

Zones

9, 10

Water

Medium

Humidity

High

Lifespan

Long

Native To

Southeast Asia

Toxicity

Skin Irritant

Bloom period

Spring – Year round

In flower about 10 months of the year

Planting

How to Grow

Select a planting site that receives at least six to eight hours of direct daily sunlight and has excellent soil drainage.
Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball but no deeper, ensuring the root flare sits slightly above the surrounding soil grade.
Backfill with native soil, avoiding heavy clay amendments, and water deeply to settle the roots without compacting the soil.
Apply a thick layer of organic mulch around the root zone, keeping it several inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

Pro Tip

Avoid planting this lime too deep; burying the root flare traps moisture against the bark and triggers Phytophthora collar rot.

Keep It Thriving

Care Guide

Do

Water deeply and regularly during dry spells to maintain consistent soil moisture and prevent fruit drop.
Apply a balanced, slow-release citrus fertilizer high in nitrogen and trace elements three times a year.
Prune away any suckers emerging from below the graft union as soon as they appear.

Don't

Do not allow water to pool around the base of the tree or plant in heavy, poorly draining clay.
Do not prune heavily into old, leafless wood, as citrus flushes poorly from aged timber.
Do not over-correct minor seasonal leaf yellowing with heavy soil amendments, as this is often a natural growth phase.

Seasonal Care Calendar

Task	Jan	Feb	Mar	Apr	May	Jun	Jul	Aug	Sep	Oct	Nov	Dec
Fertilize
Harvest
Pest Check
Prune

Watch Out For

Pests & Diseases

Common Pests

Common Diseases

In the Garden

Landscape Uses & Companions

Landscape Uses

Focal PointContainer PlantingEdible GardenEspalier

Companion Plants

Rosmarinus officinalis Lavandula angustifolia Origanum vulgare

Multiply

Propagation Methods

Good to Know

Common Questions

Persian Lime questions

What zones can Persian Lime grow in?

Persian 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.

When does Persian Lime bloom?

Persian Lime typically blooms in spring through year round. Exact timing shifts a week or two with your zone — Sow's bloom calendar maps it to your garden.

Does Persian Lime need full sun?

Persian Lime does best in full sun (6+ hours).

Is Persian Lime drought tolerant?

Yes — once established (usually after the first full season), Persian Lime handles dry spells with minimal watering. Water deeply its first year to build the root system that makes that possible.