Citrus × latifolia (Persian Lime)

The most widely cultivated lime, Citrus × latifolia (Persian Lime) is a medium-sized, nearly thornless evergreen shrub or small tree, prized for its oval fruit, 2-3 in. across (4-6 cm), with juicy light greenish-yellow pulp. Vivid green and glossy when immature, the fruit turns pale yellow when ripe. It is aromatic, juicy, and acidic but without the distinctive bouquet of the Key lime. It is bigger and seedless, with a lower acidity and a thicker rind than that of the Key lime (Citrus x aurantiifolia). The slightly fragrant flowers are beautiful with their 5 long white petals, with a light purple tinge on the margins, and their bundled white stamens adorned with yellow anthers. They shine against the evergreen foliage of glossy green, broadly lanceolate leaves. Flowers and fruit appear throughout the year but are most abundant in winter in the Northern Hemisphere. Moderately vigorous, Persian Lime boasts nearly thornless, widespread, drooping branches. It is a cross between key lime (Citrus x aurantiifolia) and lemon (Citrus limon).

The advantages of the Persian lime in commercial agriculture compared to the key lime are the larger size, absence of seeds, hardiness, absence of thorns on the bushes, and longer fruit shelf life.

• Grows up to 15-20 ft. tall and wide (450-600 cm). Persian Lime should be planted 15-20 ft. away from homes and other buildings, as well as other trees.
• A full sun lover, this plant is easily grown in fertile, well-drained soils. Needs water regularly but cannot stand flooding or saturated soils. Fertilize four times annually with an all-purpose formula or a specialty fertilizer made for citrus. Mulch plantings in beds or pots with 1 in. (2.5 cm) of organic material such as ground bark.
• Shrubby by nature, Persian limes can be trained into a small tree with selective pruning. Can be grown in containers.
• Generally disease-free. Keep an eye out for the giant swallowtail butterfly caterpillar.
• Propagate by air layering, seeds, and rooting tip cuttings.
• Toxic to dogs, toxic to cats, toxic to horses.
• Native to Western Asia