Where do lime trees grow best?

Lime trees grow best outside in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11. Lime trees enjoy growing in good-draining, rich soil in the full sun. They do not tolerate salty soil or heavy clay soil.

What conditions do limes need to grow?

Lime trees typically need at least 3 to 4 years to bear fruit, depending on the size of your tree at purchase. They also need ideal growing conditions, including plenty of sunlight, adequate moisture and well-draining soil. Trees moved outside for the summer are most likely to bear fruit.

How long does it take for lime tree to bear fruit?

Lime trees grow at a moderate rate of 13 to 24 inches each year from the seedling stage onward. Seedling trees begin to blossom and fruit in 3 to 6 years and reach full production in 8 to 10 years.

Can a lime tree get too much sun?

Lemons, limes, and other sour citrus fruits can grow well in partial shade (4-6 hours of direct sunlight), although the tree may still bear more fruit if it gets full sun. Variegated varieties of citrus trees also do better in partial sunlight.

How much sun do lime trees need?

Container grown lime trees, like all the citrus trees, love lots of sun and moist, well-draining soil. Choose a location with at least eight hours of direct sun. Situating against a south facing wall, building or fence is ideal and will also protect the tree from cold northern winds.

How do you encourage a lime tree to fruit?

TOP TIPS

1. Five hours of sunshine a day is needed for maximum fruiting.
2. In cold climates, plant the tree in spring, when the soil has warmed up. In warm areas, trees can also be planted in autumn.
3. Citrus likes water but only if it drains quickly.
4. Citrus trees don’t need pruning to fruit well.

Do bees like lime trees?

Whilst some lime trees are toxic for bees, others provide a very useful nectar source. Some lime trees (also known as Linden trees) are favoured by beekeepers, and Linden honey is especially popular in Romania, for example, but Linden does not produce propolis.

What temperature do lime trees like?

Lime trees like warm temperatures and can only grow year-round in temperate climates. The minimum temperature it can tolerate is around 50º F, so if temperatures are likely to dip below this, you will need to bring your lime tree inside in order for it to survive.

Can a lime tree grow in the shade?

Citrus trees with fruit that is best on the sour side of the spectrum can do really well in the shade. This means lemons and limes are going to do well with less sun. Below is a list of citrus fruits that are known to do fairly well in partial shade: Limes.