Key Lime, Mexican Thornless
Scientific Name: Citrus aurantifolia
History/general species info: This thornless variety was introduced in 1882 from Mexico by George Yung. The Mexican lime is known by many names, including Key lime, bartender's lime, and West Indian lime.
Characteristics: Upright, thornless evergreen tree, fruit is thin-skinned and has very few seeds. Key Lime trees make a great container grown or patio plant. Cold hardy to 32 degrees. Attracts hummingbirds with year-round interest.
Flower: yes, white, fragrant with long bloom season
Planting / Care: Needs regular watering - weekly, or more often in extreme heat. Full sun. Plant where the tree is accessible from all sides so that fruit can be easily harvested as it matures. Follow a regular watering schedule during the first growing season to establish a deep, extensive root system. Feed with a general-purpose fertilizer before new growth begins in spring. Prune semi-annually to maintain shape and size. For more information click here.
Size and Spacing: Mature height: 12-15 feet. Width: 6-8 feet
Pollinator needed to bear fruit: self-pollinating
Links:
Limes are challenging to grow but worth the effort - Victoria Advocate
https://www.victoriaadvocate.com/news/features/home_and_garden/limes-are-challenging-to-grow-but-worth-the-effort/article_64834f81-0617-5356-b93f-45b021471bf9.html
Citrus and Fruit/Nut Resources problems
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/fruit-nut/fact-sheets/citrus/
Diagnosis of common citrus problems
https://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/homefruit/citrus/table2.html
Growing Healthy Citrus in the Backyard
https://mastergardenerssandiego.org/newclass/wp-content/uploads/2020/04/Growing-Citrus-San-Diego-2016.pdf
