Sunlight
Best production in full sun, but tolerates semi-shade. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sun daily.
Sale
Lime Tree - West Indian
Citrus aurantiifolia 'West Indian'
R350.00
Classic Aromatic Key Lime!
- Small, round, highly fragrant limes — the true West Indian / Key lime flavour.
West Indian (Key) lime produces small, round, highly aromatic limes — the classic sharp lime for drinks, ceviche and cooking.
Self-fertile. Best in warm, frost-free or well-protected gardens.
This product cannot be delivered to Free State, Northern Cape.
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West Indian Lime Tree for Sale
The West Indian Lime (Citrus aurantiifolia), often called Key lime, is the small, round, intensely aromatic lime of Caribbean and Mexican cooking. Fruit is thinner-skinned and more fragrant than large Persian / Bearss-type limes, with a distinctive sharp perfume that transforms drinks, desserts and savoury dishes.
Trees are somewhat thorny and prefer genuine warmth — they are less cold-tolerant than Meyer lemon. In South Africa they do best in frost-free subtropical gardens or in large pots that can be moved under cover for cold snaps.
Self-fertile and productive once happy. Feed and water as for other citrus, with excellent drainage.
Appearance
Small, round green to yellow-green limes with thin skin, abundant juice and a strong, distinctive lime perfume. Trees are typically thorny.
Harvest Time
Main crops through the warmer months; fruit may be present over a long season in warm gardens.
Year to Bear
Grafted trees can produce fruit in the first year of planting!
Growth Rate
Moderate grower, often kept 2–3.5m with pruning. Thorny — site away from paths if planting in the ground.
Container Friendly?
Citrus grow exceptionally well in containers. Choose a large pot with excellent drainage, use a bark-based potting mix and position in the warmest, sunniest spot available.
Watering
Keep plants consistently moist but avoid overwatering. Water deeply once a week, allowing the top layer of soil to dry slightly between waterings. Container-grown trees may need more frequent watering.
Temperature
More frost-sensitive than Meyer lemon. Choose a warm microclimate or grow in a movable container in colder areas.
Chilling
No chilling requirement.
Pollination Info
Self-fertile. A single tree will produce fruit without needing a pollinating partner.
Planting & Care Guide
Plant in very well-drained, light, aerated soil — clay soils and waterlogging are fatal to citrus. If planting in a pot, use a good quality bark-based potting mix with added river sand and ensure excellent drainage.
Citrus are heavy feeders. Apply a 6:1:5 fertiliser at monthly intervals throughout the growing season. Supplement regularly with magnesium sulphate (Epsom salts) and iron chelates to prevent yellowing.
Keep plants consistently moist but be careful not to overwater. Monitor for aphids, scale, mealybug and citrus psylla — treat with any product containing imidacloprid.
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