Key lime is part of the Citrus genus and its scientific name is Citrus aurantifolia.
Much smaller than Persian limes available at stores, Key Lime are about the size of a ping-pong ball to smaller than a tennis ball, 1 to 2 inches in diameter. The peel is thin, smooth and greenish yellow when ripe. The flesh is also greenish-yellow and full of highly poly embryonic seeds (two or more plants from one seed). The interior is divided by 10 to 12 segments, quite juicy and has a higher acidity than Persian limes. Key limes have a very distinctive aroma which makes them valuable for culinary use. They make a good house plant.1
This variety typically produces fruit in the following colours: Forest green (web) and Apple green. The leaves of this particular variety normally show as Sap green colour. It is a flowering edible fruit that typically grows as an evergreen, which is defined as a plant that retains leaves throughout the year. Key lime is known for its tree habit and growing to a height of approximately 2.50 metres (8.12 feet). This plant is a great attractor for bees, so if you are looking to attract wildlife Key lime is a great choice.Key lime is great for inexperienced gardeners and those that like low maintainance gardens.
This plant info is provided by the myfolia gardener's wiki. All details about Key lime have been kindly provided by our members.
How to grow Key lime
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Full Sun
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Medium
Fertilize in Spring, Summer, and Fall
Try to plant in a location that enjoys full sun and remember to water moderately. Keep in mind when planting that Key lime is thought of as hardy, so this plant will survive close to or on freezing temperatures.Growing Key lime from seed
Make sure to keep the seeds moist before planting – they will not germinate if allowed to dry out.
Transplanting Key lime
Plant in soil with good drainage.
Companion plants for Key lime
These plants have been known to grow well alongside Key lime so consider planting:
Repellent plants for Key lime
These plants will not grow well with Key lime so avoid planting these within close proximity:
Common Key lime problems
These problems, diseases and pests are known to affect Key lime plants:
Thrips
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Thrips are tiny white coloured flies that feed by burrowing into plant tissue...
Other names for Key lime
Tahitian lime, Mexican Thornless, West Indian Lime, Bar Tender's Lime
Citrus x aurantium
Key lime care instructions
How long does Key lime take to grow?
Footnotes
fn1: KeyLimePieTree.com
Popular varieties of Key lime
View the complete variety list for Key lime »
Key lime Tags
Key lime Forums
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Oranges and lemons, but also pomelo, calamondin, grapefruit, mandarins and every other citrus that can be found.
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