Citrus aurantiifolia

Key Lime

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Common Name: 

Key Lime

Plant Type: 

Flower color: 

Foliage color: 

Green

Sun (From 0 to 5): 

Water (From 0 to 5): 

Maximum temperature: 

40°C

Minimum temperature: 

10°C

Maximum height: 

455 cm

Maximum width: 

305 cm

Key Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) - Description

The Key lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) is a citrus species with a globose fruit, 2. 5–5 cm in diameter (1–2 in), that is yellow when ripe but usually picked green commercially. It is smaller and seedier, with a higher acidity, a stronger aroma, and a thinner rind, than that of the Persian lime (Citrus x latifolia).

Key Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) - Blooming

Produces fragrant white flowers followed by ovoid, yellow, or orange fruit. Fruits may take around 1 year to mature. Bloom times vary among species.

Key Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) - Growth

Evergreen trees and shrubs. There are many different varieties of citrus, such as, grapefruits, lemons, limes, limequats, mandarin oranges (tangerines), oranges, etc.; however, they all need heat and need to be hardy plants in order to prosper. Citrus can be grown in places where the temperature does not fall below 20°F. Otherwise, grow Citrus in a cool greenhouse with a minimum temperature of 35°F (2°C). During the day, set temperatures between 41-50°F (5-10°C), and at night, keep the temperature at 36°F (2°C).

Key Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) - Planting

Sow seeds in spring. Can also propagate by rooting semi-ripe cuttings in summer. Semi-ripe cuttings are cuttings taken from semi-mature wood.

Key Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) - Pest

Citrus is susceptible to aphids, mites, scale insects, and mealybugs.

Key Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) - Interesting facts

Legend has it that ancient Grecians assumed certain foods had special qualities. One such legend suggests that oranges and other Citrus warmed the body, and therefore should be eaten in the morning to get the body moving. It is because of this belief that orange juice, grapefruits and other Citrus are such popular breakfast foods/drinks.

Key Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia) - Soil and irrigation

Citrus trees require moist soil, but the soil needs to have fast drainage. Newly planted trees should be watered twice a week while established trees should be watered every other week.Often times Citrus fruits will start dropping as a result of high heat and low humidity. This is sometimes unavoidable, but is exacerbated by very dry soil. If you have extensive fruit drop (especially in summer), be sure that the soil is moist.

Citrus aurantiifolia - Key Lime - Photos