Why It's A Great Gift
Glossy evergreen leaves, fragrant blossom and zesty homegrown limes
A lime tree brings glossy evergreen leaves, sweetly scented blossom and a harvest of juicy, zesty limes for drinks, dressings, desserts and cooking. We send either a Tahitian lime or a Key lime, depending on what is available at the time. Both are excellent limes: Tahitian limes produce larger, juicy, almost seedless fruit ready from early winter, while Key limes produce smaller, more aromatic fruit with an intense flavour that ripens a little earlier, around autumn.
It grows happily in a sunny garden spot or a large pot on a deck or patio. A fresh, useful gift for a keen cook, a new home or anyone who loves a margarita or mojito made with their own limes.
Care at a glance
Sun, shelter and a good feed
Full sun, shelter from frost and wind, free-draining soil and regular feeding help this lime tree thrive. Here is what it needs.
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Light
Full sun
Choose the sunniest spot you have, sheltered from cold winds. Plenty of sun means more flowers and fruit.
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Water
Keep evenly moist
Water deeply once or twice a week, more often in hot weather and in pots. Do not let it dry out for long, but avoid waterlogged soil.
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Climate
Frost tender
Limes are sensitive to frost. Choose a warm, sheltered spot, protect young trees with frost cloth, or grow in a pot that can be moved under cover in winter.
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Soil
Free-draining
Dig in compost before planting. In heavy clay, plant on a raised mound, as citrus roots dislike sitting wet. In pots, use a citrus and fruit mix.
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Size
Around 2.5 - 3m tall
Can be trimmed to keep it smaller. For pots, plant in a large container at least 80cm wide.
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Pets
Toxic to pets
Lime trees are toxic to cats and dogs. The leaves, peel and plant material contain essential oils that can cause vomiting, diarrhoea and skin irritation, so keep pets from chewing the tree or fallen fruit.
Tahitian lime (Citrus latifolia) or Key lime (Citrus aurantifolia), two classic limes for the kitchen garden, supplied based on availability.
Origins
Limes are citrus trees from warm, tropical regions. The Key lime, also called the Mexican lime, travelled to the Americas and the Florida Keys, home of the famous Key lime pie. The Tahitian lime, also known as the Persian lime, is the larger, almost seedless lime most often grown in New Zealand.
Limes are usually picked while still green, when the skin turns a lighter green and feels slightly soft. Left on the tree, they slowly turn yellow. Most lime trees are self-fertile, so one tree is all you need for fruit.
Questions
Something else? Get in touch, we're happy to help.
Is a Lime Tree easy to care for?
Lime trees are relatively easy to care for. With a good sunny position and regular watering, they will start producing tangy fruit very fast.
How much light does a Lime Tree need?
Lime Trees absolutely thrive in the sun, so the more the better. Ideally, they should be placed in a location that gets all day sun, rotating occasionally for even growth.
How often should I water a Lime Tree?
During growing season, Lime trees prefer consistently moist soil. When the top few centimetres of soil feels dry, water so that the moisture can reach the deepest roots.
Does a Lime Tree need warmth/humidity?
Normal outdoor New Zealand conditions are sufficient, especially with good airflow. When the plant is just getting established, some care may need to be taken to protect from frost.
Is a Lime Tree safe for pets?
Similar to all citrus fruits, you should not let pets eat the leaves or fruit skin.
What people say
5.0 from 2 reviews
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Used as a thank you gift. Nice and easy.
Rangi · -
Lime arrived looking perfect. Can't wait to get the cocktails going.
Hayley T ·
Delivery times
North Island
We aim to deliver orders received by 10am (Monday to Friday) to main North Island centres the next working day. Add 1-2 days for rural deliveries and outlying towns, as the courier may not deliver daily.
South Island
Deliveries to South Island main centres take 2-3 working days if received before 10am, plus 1-2 days for rural deliveries and outlying towns, as the courier may not deliver daily.
General
We are also unable to arrange delivery on weekends.
We will do our best to deliver on days specified, but unfortunately we cannot guarantee.
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