Key Lime Tree

Fresh Key Limes, Grown Right at Home

The Key Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) is the gold standard for homegrown citrus — intensely aromatic, prolific, and rewarding to grow. Smaller and more flavorful than Persian limes, Key Limes are the essential ingredient in classic Key lime pie, fresh limeade, cocktails, and countless culinary applications. With glossy evergreen foliage and intoxicatingly fragrant white blossoms, this plant earns its place in any sunny spot year-round.

Why Gardeners Love Key Lime

• Superior flavor — more aromatic and tart than grocery store limes; the authentic ingredient for Key lime pie and fresh-squeezed limeade
• Fragrant blooms — white flowers perfume the air with a classic citrus scent; blooms multiple times per year in ideal conditions
• Evergreen foliage — glossy, deep green leaves provide year-round structure and color
• Compact and container-friendly — naturally shrubby habit; easy to keep at 4–8 ft with light pruning
• Prolific producer — with adequate sun and warmth, expect generous harvests of small, thin-skinned limes

Hardiness & Growing Zones

• USDA Hardiness Zones: 9–11 (in-ground); zones 4–8 with container growing and frost protection
• Zones 10–11: Ideal conditions; grows vigorously in-ground year-round with continuous fruit production
• Zone 9: Thrives in-ground in most locations; protect from hard freezes below 28°F with frost cloth or move containers indoors
• Zones 4–8: Grow in a container (10–15 gal); move indoors to a bright, sunny window or greenhouse before first frost; bring back out after last frost date
• Sunlight: Full sun (8+ hours preferred for best fruit production)
• Soil: Well-drained, slightly acidic (pH 6.0–7.0); avoid waterlogged conditions
• Mature size: 6–12 ft in-ground; 4–8 ft in containers with pruning
• Fruit production: Typically begins fruiting within 1–3 years; established plants can produce year-round in warm climates

Planting & Care Tips

Plant in the warmest, sunniest spot available with excellent drainage. Water deeply but allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings — citrus does not like wet feet. Fertilize every 6–8 weeks during the growing season with a citrus-specific fertilizer high in nitrogen. In containers, use a well-draining citrus potting mix and repot every 2–3 years. Prune lightly after harvest to shape and encourage new fruiting wood.

Available Sizes

• 1 Gallon — starter size; most economical; great for container growing
• 2 Gallon (by height) — 1–2 ft or 2–3 ft specimens; more established root system, faster to first fruit