By Julie Christensen
Lime trees are among the most stale - sensitive of all citrus Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , growing outdoors only in warm , soft climates . But , you do n’t have to live to the south of zone 9 to grow lime trees indoors . If you ’ve get a sunny window with southerly exposure , you may develop Citrus aurantifolia trees indoors no matter how much coke piles up outside .
Lime Tree , with their glossy farewell and fragrant bloom , are gorgeous in their own right , but if you may play a lime tree to reap , so much the in effect . Lime Tree typically need at least 3 to 4 age to bear fruit , calculate on the size of your tree diagram at purchase . They also need ideal growing conditions , including lot of sunlight , adequate moisture and well - draining soil . Trees motivate outside for the summer are most probable to hold yield . Once the limes appear , they ’ll take several months to ripen on the tree diagram . They do not mature off the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree , but can be picked when they are sweet enough .
Planting and Caring for Lime Trees
The first step in growing lime trees is in Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree selection . choose for a dwarf form for indoor ontogenesis . Dwarf tree have been grafted onto a dwarf root livestock so the trees stay under 10 understructure tall . Some turn less than 8 foot grandiloquent . Buy lime Tree through a reputable nursery – preferably one that offer a warranty on its Tree . Lime trees are susceptible to some root diseases that can be contracted in the glasshouse . Starting with fair , healthy neckcloth is perfectly critical .
implant the calcium hydrate tree diagram in a plastic , ceramic or clay pile that ’s more or less large than the root ball of the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree . check that the pot has plenty of drainage hole . If you want to move the tree outdoors in the summer , turn over choosing a pot with coasters so you may easily wheel around the tree diagram about .
Fill the pot partially with a light , loamy potting soil . The potting land should be somewhat sandy and well - draining . When possible , apply a potting soil made specifically for citrous fruit Tree . Gently place the rootball in the mess and continue filling it with grunge . pack the soil down light and water until the grime feels moist to the tactile sensation .
lime tree tree , like all citrus trees , need at least 6 to 8 hr of hopeful sunlight daily . Place your Citrus aurantifolia Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree in a sunny windowpane . During the winter , you may need to add on the natural sunlight with a grow light , especially if the leaves send packing or turn pale immature . Keep lime Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree at temperature between 55 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit . A temperature of 65 F is idealistic . Sudden change in temperature can harm the tree , so do n’t place it near smoke , radiator or exterior doors .
During the summer , you could move the lime tree tree diagram outdoors . Wait until the last expected Robert Frost and then gradually move the tree diagram outside , bringing it inside at dark until it acclimates . Keep the tree on a terrace or bench in a protect arena that get full Lord’s Day . Reverse this process in the fall – gradually bringing the tree diagram indoors . It may mislay a few leaf as it get the transition from indoors to alfresco , but if you acclimatize it slowly , it wo n’t experience too much shock .
Water the slaked lime tree just enough to keep the filth somewhat moist . miry soils promote fungous growth and antecedent rotting , so allow the soil to dry out slightly between tearing . Lime trees apprize humid environs so place the tree near a humidifier or mist its leaves with a spraying bottle . This is specially important during the wintertime when the aura is particularly juiceless .
fertilise lime trees every three weeks from bounce to summertime with a citrus fertilizer or one made for tomatoes or vegetables . Fertilize at a rate of 2 tablespoon per tree , or fit in to package direction . During the declension and wintertime , fertilize every six week . Lime trees are prostrate to micronutrient deficiency , such as smoothing iron and magnesium . practice a micronutrient fertiliser each spring .
Lime tree do n’t need the extensive pruning of orchard fruit , but you may crop them occasionally to remove dead wood or arm that rub against each other . you could also rationalise to manipulate the Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree ’s sizing .
Lime Potential Pests and Problems
Disease problem are usually relate to moisture levels and include root bunkum and fungous diseases . Provide well - enfeeble soil and do n’t overwater to thin these issues . Aphids , leafhoppers , tinge and scale all afflict lime trees . Before you bring a lime tree diagram indoors for the wintertime , spray it with warm , slenderly soapy water to dispatch any insect . If insect gadfly become a job , treat them with insecticidal oil or easy lay .
Lime Varieties Worth Trying
The most important consideration is to purchase a disease - resistant miscellanea that will stay belittled .
Want to learn more about growing lime trees?
Visit the following links :
Growing Citrus Indoors in Cool Climatesfrom Purdue University telephone extension
Citrus tree diagram : An Ideal Indoor Plant Selectionfrom Colorado State University Extension
Hawkins Corner covers some of the basics of lime tree care :
