Key Lime Tree
Description
Characteristics of Key Lime Trees
The Key Lime, also called Mexican Key Lime, is well-known for its use in making Key lime pie. Because it adapts well to growing in containers indoors or outdoors, the Key lime tree is a favorite for growing citrus at home. In temperate climates it may be planted in the ground.
This is the perfect plant to accent your patio—with the bonus of fresh limes! Enjoy attractive green leaves, beautiful pinkish white blossoms, and fragrant flowers, followed by fresh, floral citrus. These limes are prized for baking delicious Key Lime pies, first made popular in the Florida Keys. They are also used in tropical cocktails, savory marinades, and refreshing limeades.
Homesteaders will enjoy preserving an abundance of fruit. These lovely citrus trees may bloom again while the fruit is still growing, allowing for continuous harvesting!
About the Fruit
Mexican Key limes are small, and the peels are thin. The ripe fruit is yellow or yellowish green, and it is highly acidic with the distinctive smell of lime. Each lime takes six to nine months to ripen. Limes are high in vitamin C and the antioxidant phytonutrients known as flavanones.
Growing Key Lime Trees
Grown in the ground, the trees can reach up to twelve feet tall. In a garden pot, the tree’s height will be reduced by the size of the pot. Pruning is not typically needed, except for shaping the tree. Key limes are self-pollinating fruit trees, so outdoor trees will produce fruit by natural means. Indoor trees can be pollinated by hand using a small paintbrush.
These citrus trees require moist, but not wet, soil, and should be watered deeply, but not frequently. The soil pH should be neutral. With regular fertilizing, you can have your first harvest within a couple of years!
Key lime trees require full sun. The trees are heat tolerant, but not cold-hardy, so if you live outside of the recommended growing zones, be sure to treat them as houseplants before freezing temperatures arrive by bringing the patio plants indoors.
Key limes are not often found in grocery stores in the United States; they are more widely available in Mexico and the Caribbean. To enjoy your favorite recipes using Key limes, you will love growing your own! Buy a Mexican Key lime tree and enjoy this beautiful plant and its delicious fruit!
Survival Guaranteed!


Since 1816, Stark Bro’s has promised to provide customers with the very best fruit trees and plants. It’s just that simple. If your trees or plants do not survive, please let us know within one year of delivery. We will send you a free one-time replacement, with a nominal shipping fee of $9.99. If the item in question is not available, we can issue a one-time credit to your account equaling the original product purchase price or issue you a refund. Read more about our warranty policy.
Characteristics
Bloom Color | Pink, White |
Fruit Color | Green |
Fruit Size | Small |
Hardiness Zone Range | 2 - 11, Outdoor Planting: 8 - 11 |
Pollination | Self-Pollinating |
Shade/Sun | Full Sun |
Soil Composition | Loamy |
Soil Moisture | Well Drained - Average Moistness |
Soil pH Level | 6.0 - 7.0 |
Taste | Tart |
Texture | Firm, Juicy |
Years to Bear | 1 - 2 |
Size & Spacing
Mature Size
Recommended Spacing
Zone Compatibility
Pollination
This variety is self pollinating.
Tools & Supplies
Planting & Care
Learn all about how to grow citrus trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.
Shipping Information
Arrives when it's time to plant
Questions & Answers
Hi, Michael. Sure you can. We've even seen people bonsai them. They respond well to pruning and are easy to maintain.
Citrus is self pollinating and does not require a partner.
One species cannot pollinate another; for example, a plum cannot pollinate an apple, and a pear cannot pollinate a peach or lemon with lime . A fruit tree that requires a pollinator needs a different variety of the same species that has a similar bloom time.
Slow release citrus tree fertilizer. Use it a couple times a year on your tree. Even if kept outside they need fertilizer a couple times a year. Once a month in spring, summer, and early fall. Do not fertilize until you see signs of growth. Only fertilize 3 to 4 times a year if your tree is older than 3 years old.q Their fertilizer MUST be high in nitrogen with a NPK ratio of 2-1-1. Considering your tree is 2 years old, feed it slow release citrus tree fertilizer once a month in spring, summer, and early fall, when it shows growth. And give it a drink when it is dry. Do not overwater it. And if the temperature is going to be below 35 degrees Fahrenheit cover it for the night with a sheet or take it inside your house.
No they come looking quite pitiful and barren but don't you worry with good soil, sun and water it will be lovely in no time.
We are very sorry your plants arrived in this condition. We will pass this information along to our shipping department if you find that your nursery stock does not survive please reach back out to us and we will make it right.
Yes, has seeds. But it is a Philippine lemon, not key lime.
Hi Mike, This is a great question. Citrus trees do not go dormant like many other plants, so they need sufficient light and some humidity during the winter. They do best by a window that gets sunlight and that is not drafty. You'll want supplemental light for fruit production if the plants do not receive at least 6 hours of direct light daily. I hope this helps!
We would say they are virtually seedless, meaning you may come across a seed here or there.
Authentic Key Lime trees have thorns ... it's the price you pay for that great flavor. Thornless citrus varieties are sorely lacking in flavor and citrus "zing".
It really depends on where you live. I live in the Pacific NW and bring mine in for the winter because citrus isn't compatible with the winter weather here.
I just want the ability to have Limes anytime I want them. Having 3 or more Lime plants lets this come to fruition for me with their growing cycle.
I need one.
I have one successful lime tree in A pot so I want to grow another one
Stark stands behind their products,,,,guaranteed for 1 year…..