Lime Trees

Native to the Indonesian achipelago, limes where initially cultivated in the American colonies (Florida and coastal South Carolina) in the mid 1500s. Limes typically take three to four months to reach peak flavor, and are usually harvested during summer. However, they can be grown year round in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness zones 9-10. With good care, the tree grows to be approximately 15-20 feet tall. Lime trees need full sun (at least 6 hour daily) and good-draining rich soil. Although sandy loam soil is ideal, they can tolerate most soils, except for salty soil and heavy clay soil.

Water

Lime trees should be deeply watered once or twice a week, rather than more frequent shallow watering. The tree should be watered when the soil is dry to about 6 inches. If the lime tree starts to dry out, its leaves will begin to wilt and drop.

Fertilizer

Lime trees. Like all citrus trees, need fertilizing every couple of months. It is best to use citurs plant food or slow release fertilizer with extra nitrogen (about double phosphorous and potassium content). Only a third of the recommended amount of fertilizer needs to be used each time. Scratch into the top couple of inches of soil and water the granulated fertilizer in to the ground.

Mineral Deficiencies

Manganese, Iron or zinc deficiencies can be a problem when growing citrus trees, depending on soil type and weather. Symptoms of zinc and iron deficiency include yellow leaves with green veins while manganese deficiency leads to a much more subtle change in the interveinal tissue of leaves while the veins remain green. Chelated zinc or iron sprays applied directly to the foliage provide the missing minerals.

Pruning

Citrus trees need pruning only to remove dead branches and limbs that cross or touch the ground. Removing interior branches allows light to penetrate the tree and promotes better air circulation. Suckers or "water sprouts" grow below the graft union on lime trees. As these are rootstock shoots, they need to be removed with pruners. Snipping the thorns off the branches makes handling the tree easier. 

Harvesting Fruit

Limes turn yellow when completely ripe. However, as Limes are marketed as a green fruit, they are picked while the skin is still green. Limes are most flavorful while still green and just developing a yellowish tint to the skin.

Cold Protection

Lime trees prefer temperatures over 50 degrees Fahrenheit. During periods of sustained freezing weather, trees can be protected by covering them with a tarp or blankets. The addition of a few strings of holiday lights to the trees canopy adds warmth under nonflammable tarps or plastic coverings. The covers should be peeled back or removed immediately once the weather warms.