Key Lime, Lime, Adam's Apple, Mexican Lime, West Indian Lime, Bartender’s Lime, Omani Lime
The Key lime tree (Citrus × aurantiifolia) is a compact, evergreen citrus beloved for its highly aromatic fruits that pack a flavorful punch in dishes like key lime pie, key lime cheesecake, and key lime martinis. Native to tropical Southeast Asia, this thorny citrus hybrid gained fame in the Florida Keys, where it became the signature ingredient in the region’s iconic dessert. With its distinctive flavor, lush green foliage, and compact size, the Key lime tree is a rewarding addition to edible gardens and patios.
The Key lime is a hybrid citrus fruit (Citrus micrantha × Citrus medica), also known as Mexican lime or West Indian lime. It produces small, round fruits 1–2 inches (2-5 cm) in diameter with thin, green-to-yellow rinds and juicy, highly aromatic flesh. The flavor is more tart and complex than the Persian lime, with intense acidity that mellows beautifully in desserts and drinks.
The Key lime belongs to the citrus family Rutaceae, which includes other popular citrus fruits such as grapefruit, orange, lemon, pomelo, clementine, mandarin, tangerine, kumquat, calamansi, finger lime, and Kaffir lime.
Key limes are native to tropical Southeast Asia. They spread via the Middle East and North Africa into Europe, eventually arriving in the Americas with Spanish explorers. Henry Perrine is credited with introducing them to Florida, where they became a beloved regional crop before commercial cultivation declined after the 1926 hurricane.
Key lime trees are small, irregularly shaped, and often multi-trunked with spiny branches and dense, glossy evergreen foliage. Their drooping branches produce fragrant white to lavender-tinted flowers throughout the year, especially from May to September.
Typically 6 to 13 feet tall (1.8–4 m) and 5 to 15 feet wide (1.5–4.5 m), Key lime trees are ideal for small gardens and container cultivation. Dwarf varieties are available for indoor or patio growth.
Flowers are star-shaped, white with purple edges, and highly fragrant. They appear singly or in small racemes throughout much of the year, most heavily in spring and summer.
Key lime trees can bloom year-round in warm climates, with peak flowering from late spring to early fall.
The fruit starts green and ripens to yellow, typically harvested while still green. Key limes are small, seedy (with 10–15 seeds per fruit), and have thin skin and intensely aromatic, acidic juice.
Key lime leaves are small, pale green, and blunt-pointed with narrowly winged petioles. The leaves are aromatic when crushed and evergreen. The petiole is narrowly winged, which distinguishes it from Persian lime.
USDA zones 9–11. Key limes are frost-sensitive and thrive in hot, sunny, humid conditions. In cooler regions, grow them in containers and bring indoors over winter.
All parts of the plant contain essential oils and psoralens that may cause mild poisoning or dermatitis in pets and humans. Skin contact may lead to phytophotodermatitis—sunlight sensitivity caused by citrus oils. Key lime is toxic to cats, dogs, and horses.
These limes may be small, but they pack a powerful nutritional punch. Low in calories yet rich in essential nutrients, they’re a smart, flavorful choice for a healthy diet. In addition to vitamin C and fiber, they contain small but important amounts of minerals like calcium, potassium, and iron. Here’s a breakdown of what 100 grams of fresh Key lime offers:
Nutrient | Amount (per 100g) | % Daily Value |
---|---|---|
Calories | 30 kcal | 1.5% |
Vitamin C | 29.1 mg | 48% |
Carbohydrates | 11 g | 4% |
Fiber | 2.8 g | 11% |
Calcium | 33 mg | 3% |
Potassium | 102 mg | 3% |
Iron | 0.6 mg | 3% |
Protein | 0.7 g | – |
Fat | 0.2 g | – |
DV = Daily Value based on a 2,000-calorie diet. Actual needs may vary depending on age, gender, and activity level.
Don’t let their size fool you—These limes are loaded with health benefits. From boosting your immune system to promoting weight control, these zesty citrus fruits are as nourishing as they are flavorful. Their high vitamin C content, antioxidant properties, and citric acid levels contribute to multiple aspects of wellness. Here’s how they support overall health:
Benefit | How It Helps |
---|---|
Immune Support | High in vitamin C, Key limes strengthen immunity and help fight infections. |
Digestive Health | Dietary fiber improves gut health and promotes regularity. |
Antioxidant Defense | Antioxidants protect cells from oxidative stress and support skin health. |
Weight Control | Low-calorie and hydrating, they support satiety and healthy metabolism. |
Oral Health | Lime juice has antibacterial properties that may promote oral hygiene. |
Kidney Stone Prevention | Citric acid in limes may help prevent the formation of kidney stones. |
Heart Health | Vitamin C and antioxidants support cardiovascular health by reducing inflammation and oxidative stress. |
Iron Absorption | Vitamin C enhances non-heme iron absorption, which can help prevent iron-deficiency anemia. |
Skin Health | Vitamin C aids collagen production, supporting skin elasticity and wound healing. |
Key limes are intensely flavorful and incredibly versatile! Whether juiced, zested, or sliced, they add bright citrus flavor to both sweet and savory dishes.
Quick Tip: Roll your limes under your palm before juicing to release more juice, and zest before cutting for the best flavor and fragrance!
Key lime trees thrive in warm, sunny environments and reward careful growers with fragrant flowers and flavorful fruit.
The lime trees require full sun, at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose the sunniest spot in your garden or patio for best results.
They grow best in well-drained, sandy or loamy soils with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (5.5–7.0). Avoid clay-heavy or compacted soil that retains water.
Water deeply once or twice a week, especially during flowering and fruiting. Reduce watering in winter or during rainy spells. Avoid overwatering as it can lead to root rot.
Feed with a citrus-specific fertilizer rich in nitrogen, magnesium, and trace elements. Apply every 6–8 weeks during the growing season (spring through summer). For mature trees, 3–4 times per year is standard.
Minimal pruning is needed. Remove dead, crossing, or damaged branches and trim to maintain shape and airflow. Wear gloves to avoid the thorns. Prune after harvest or in early spring for best results.
Apply 2–3 inches (5–7.5 cm) of mulch around the base, keeping it 12 inches (30 cm) from the trunk to prevent trunk rot and pests.
Key limes are typically ready for harvest 8–9 months after flowering, with the main season running from late spring through early fall—usually May to September in warm climates like Florida. Look for color changes as your cue: fully ripe limes are yellow, but most are harvested when they reach a pale yellow-green hue. The fruit should feel slightly soft when gently squeezed. Avoid picking completely green and firm limes, as they haven’t fully developed their juiciness and flavor. Note that Key limes do not ripen further after being picked.
Tip: Grafted trees are the most reliable method for propagating key lime trees for consistent fruit quality, size, and cold tolerance.
Key lime trees are beloved for their tart, aromatic fruits—but like all citrus, they’re vulnerable to a variety of pests and diseases. Knowing what to watch for and how to respond is key to growing a healthy, productive tree. Below are the most common culprits that threaten key lime health and yield.
By staying vigilant and using these cultural and organic control methods, you can keep your key lime tree healthy and productive throughout the growing season.
Key lime pie is a classic, zesty dessert made with key lime juice, egg yolks, and sweetened condensed milk. Here’s a simple overview of the process:
Yes! Key lime pie freezes beautifully:
Key limes are smaller, more aromatic, and have a thinner, more yellowish rind than standard Persian limes. They are more acidic and offer a complex, floral flavor, making them the preferred choice for desserts like key lime pie, key lime cake, and key lime cookies. Persian limes are larger, less tart, seedless, and have a thicker green skin, making them better suited for general culinary use and garnishes.
Key limes are typically in season from June to September in the Northern Hemisphere, although imported varieties from Mexico and Central America may be available year-round. The fruits are usually harvested when still green but develop a yellow hue as they ripen. For the best flavor and juice content, choose key limes that feel heavy for their size and have smooth, slightly glossy skin.
Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Fruits, Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Rutaceae |
Genus | Citrus |
Common names | Lime, Key Lime |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 6' - 13' (180cm - 4m) |
Spread | 5' - 15' (150cm - 4.6m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Clay Soil |
Attracts | Bees |
Garden Uses | Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage |
Hardiness |
9 - 11 |
---|---|
Climate Zones | 7, 8, 9, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, H1, H2 |
Plant Type | Fruits, Shrubs, Trees |
Plant Family | Rutaceae |
Genus | Citrus |
Common names | Lime, Key Lime |
Exposure | Full Sun |
Season of Interest | Spring (Early, Mid, Late), Summer (Early, Mid, Late), Fall, Winter |
Height | 6' - 13' (180cm - 4m) |
Spread | 5' - 15' (150cm - 4.6m) |
Maintenance | Low |
Water Needs | Average |
Soil Type | Loam |
Soil pH | Acid, Neutral |
Soil Drainage | Moist but Well-Drained, Well-Drained |
Characteristics | Fragrant, Showy, Evergreen, Fruit & Berries |
Tolerance | Clay Soil |
Attracts | Bees |
Garden Uses | Patio And Containers |
Garden Styles | Mediterranean Garden, Informal and Cottage |
How many Citrus × aurantiifolia (Key Lime) do I need for my garden?
Plant | Quantity | |
---|---|---|
Citrus × aurantiifolia (Key Lime) | N/A | Buy Plants |
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Create a membership account to save your garden designs and to view them on any device.
Becoming a contributing member of Gardenia is easy and can be done in just a few minutes. If you provide us with your name, email address and the payment of a modest $25 annual membership fee, you will become a full member, enabling you to design and save up to 25 of your garden design ideas.
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