The Cocktail citrus tree is an evergreen tree that upon producing fragrant blooms, will yield luscious, plump fruits in just a year. This 2-in-1 fruit tree combo is also ever-blooming. Once your first crop has occurred you will always have flowers and fruit on the tree all the time.
A lot of us would like to grow different citrus trees on our patios, in our backyards, or even inside our houses. But due to limited space, having more than one citrus tree at home is often impractical.
If you are thinking about getting lemon or lime trees, look for a Citrus Cocktail tree for sale the perfect combination of a Meyer Lemon tree and a Key Lime tree. The Citrus Cocktail Tree came about by planting both the Key Lime and Meyer lemon trees in the same pot that has superb root structure, is cold hardy, and is pest and disease resistant. By growing a citrus Cocktail Tree you will have the advantage of an increased chance of pollination, multiple harvests from two trees, and at the same time both limes or lemons for the recipe you are making.
The Cocktail citrus tree is an evergreen tree that upon producing fragrant blooms, will yield luscious, plump fruits in just a year. This 2-in-1 fruit tree combo is also ever-blooming. Once you have your first crop you will always have flowers and fruits on the tree all the time. Furthermore, since this dwarf lime tree is bushy and seldom reaches above 12 ft in height, you can prune it to your desired shape and height and plant it in a pot indoors or in the ground outdoors in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Bushy Varieties are rooted cuttings that will grow into a bush-like shape. Standard Varieties are grafted and, with pruning, are more inclined to grow into a more upright, dual-trunk, tree shape.
First cocktail tree had shipping delays in brutal cold temps and all the leaves fell off within a few days and died. It was a dry root plant. I contacted citrus.com and they made it right by sending me out a new one. The 2nd one was shipped in a pot which I think was a better way to recieve trees. Thanks
When planning on buying citrus trees for sale you need to consider a few things before making the actual purchase. Be sure to familiarize yourself with the following seasonal information, planting location, watering, fertilization, and pest control information to ensure you that your plant will get the care it needs to start bearing a heavy crop.
Seasonal Information: The Cocktail tree, which is a combination of the Mexican Key Lime Tree, and Meyer Lemon Tree, is somewhat cold hardy and can be grown outdoors in USDA plant hardiness zones 9 to 11. tree can tolerate some shade but will flourish in full sunlight. If winter in your area is consistently below 32º it is highly recommended that you plant your trees in containers so you can easily take them indoors when there is a possible danger of frost damage during cold months.
Planting Location: Choose a location where your Mexican key Lime trees and Meyer Lemon Trees can get full sunlight 6 to 8 hours a day. Plant your Cocktail Tree in well-draining soil since citrus trees do not like wet feet. They may also contract different diseases when planted in soil with standing water. You may also want to consider planting your growing citrus trees next to your house or under an eave for them to get additional frost protection.
Potted Planting Instructions: for regions where winter temperature drops below 32º it is recommended that you plant your lemon lime trees in a container with a lot of holes at the bottom to ensure proper water drainage, and with built-in casters for easy plant movement during cold and warm weathers.
Using a container that is one size bigger than the original pot the Mexican key lime tree arrived in, fill it halfway with well-draining, slightly acidic potting soil.
Gently place the tree in the soil and fill it with the remaining potting soil. Slightly pack down the soil to prevent air pockets from forming and to ensure that the grafted part of the tree is not covered. Leave an inch of space from the top of the soil to the rim of the pot for easy watering.
Deeply water the citrus tree until water runs from the holes at the bottom.
Place the tree near a south-facing window where it can get as much sunlight as possible. Provide humidity to your citrus tree by misting the foliage every day or by placing a tray filled with pebbles and water under the pot.
Pruning: Generally citrus trees do not need pruning, however, if you wish to keep your trees at a specific height or shape you can prune leggy branches or those that are too long. To keep your growing citrus trees in a healthy growth cycle, clip off damaged, diseased or dead branches to the base of the trunk to ensure that they do not compete for nutrients with the other healthy limbs of the tree.
Fertilization: Both standard-sized and dwarf lime trees are heavy feeders and should be given a balanced fertilizer for citrus trees (NPK ratio should be 2-1-1 or 3-1-1) to replenish the nutrients in the soil and at the same time ensure that your tree gets all the nutrients it needs to grow healthy. Make sure that the citrus fertilizer contains minerals like Iron, Manganese, and Zinc. One cup of citrus fertilizer portioned into four equal parts must be given to the citrus trees from February up to August. Follow the package instruction for optimal usage.
Fruit & Harvesting
Fruit
Since the Cocktail Tree is a 2-in-1 Patio tree collection you can expect to harvest Meyer Lemons and Key Limes.
Meyer Lemons are medium in size and have tightly adherent rind that is smooth and yellow-orange in color. The rind also contains aromatic oils that emit a spicy fragrance similar to that of herbs and spices. The sweet, slightly acidic, tender, and juicy flesh of the Meyer Lemon is segmented in 10 portions and contains a few seeds. This fruit can be used to make lemon juice, add as an ingredient to savory dishes, tossed in a salad, and used in all other recipes requiring lemon.
Mexican Key Limes on the other hand are green limes that are 1½ to 2 inches in diameter. These spherical fruits have a thin green peel that turns yellow as the fruit ripens. Key Limes contain 10 to 15 seeds per fruit and the flesh has a unique sweet, acidic flavor all its own and a stronger aroma than other lime cultivars. This fruit lends fresh flavor and aroma to different dishes like Grilled Salmon, Coconut Crusted Mahi, and other meat recipes. It can also be used to make Key Lime Pie, traditional cocktails, and even barbecue sauce.
Harvesting
Meyer Lemons take a few months to mature and ripen. You can tell that the fruits are ready for harvest by checking its outer appearance. Look for a lemon that is 2 to 3 inches in size and has a rind that has turned completely yellow and glossy. Pluck the fruit from the tree then do a taste test. If there is sufficient juice and the flavor is satisfactory, you can harvest the other fruits you need. If the fruit is somewhat dry, and the flavor has not reached its optimum taste, leave the fruits on the tree for a week or two then do another taste test.
As for Mexican Key Limes, harvesting may be a bit confusing since they should be harvested while their peel is still green. To make it easier, keep in mind that it generally takes 3-4 months from bud to harvest. Also, look for a lime with lighter green rind, somewhat smooth skin, and that gives a little when squeezed. Do a taste test and check if the fruit has enough juice and a satisfactory flavor. If the result of your taste test is unsatisfactory, leave the rest of the fruits on the tree and wait for a week before doing another taste test.
Growing Zones
Advice
Citrus trees like direct and full sunlight to grow healthy and start bearing fruits, so plant or place them in areas where they can get sufficient sunlight.
Cocktail Trees do not like wet feet and should be planted in an area or pot with well-draining soil.
Keep your trees fertilized, as they need food to grow and bear fruits.
Prune away decayed or dead branches or limbs so they do not steal nutrients from other healthier parts of the tree.
Pests and Diseases
Citrus trees are hardy and usually pest resistant trees, however, even under the best of circumstances you may still run into citrus tree problems like pests and diseases.
Leaf Miner – minute insects that feed on new growth of the tree causing distortion to the leaf and stunted growth. They also leave unsightly trails on leaves and fruits.
To get rid of these pests you can make use of beneficial insects like wasps that naturally kill leaf miners. You can also use neem oil or other horticultural oil on the tree to reduce the number of larva that becomes adults. The last resort is using pesticides to kill leaf miners.
Citrus Canker is an infection caused by a bacterium called Xanthomonas axonopodis. This disease causes brown or yellow spots on leaves and fruits. It also causes defoliation, reduced tree vitality, and premature fruit drop.
The best way to prevent this disease from affecting your tree is to follow proper gardening hygiene. Remove any leaf or fallen limb debris from under the canopy of your tree, properly space trees to promote air circulation, adequately water the tree, and use soaker hoses or drip irrigation instead of overhead sprinklers. You can use copper-based fungicide in spring to prevent the disease from attacking your trees.
FAQs
Does the Cocktail Tree need a pollinator?
No. The Cocktail Tree is self-fertile and will grow fruit without an additional pollinator tree.
Is the fruit this tree produces the same size as normal lemons or limes?
Yes. While Key Limes are naturally smaller than some other lime varieties, the Meyer Lemons and Key Limes that this tree will grow are the same sizes as the fruit produced by a standard tree of either variety.
Why can’t this Cocktail Tree be shipped to Texas?
While we would like to ship all trees to all areas, some locations have strict regulations concerning the shipment of living plants. We must always observe and respect these regulations for the ultimate health of the environment.
Can a Cocktail Tree be grown in a container?
Yes. In fact, the Cocktail Tree is an ideal specimen to grow in a pot on a patio or deck. Provide the potted Cocktail Tree with adequate drainage and sunlight for best results.
Does the Cocktail Tree grow both lemons and limes, or a hybrid of both?
Cocktail Trees have both the Meyer Lemon and Key Lime trees in a single pot. Therefore, each pot will grow both lemons and Key Limes (not a single fruit that is a blend of both).
Anonymous (verified owner) –
Tree arrived healthy and green. Waited two weeks to transplant into a pot. Went into shock, most leaves dropped, praying that it makes a comeback
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
Service was great! My first shipment arrived frozen and was replaced for me at no charge. The second shipment was perfect and thriving.
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Kristen Khan (verified owner) –
I don’t think care and expectations were very well communicated!
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
I hope it will grow. Arrived with MANY leaves damaged or dead.
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Tracy (verified owner) –
Quick delivery planted and one of the trees is loosing leaves. Other is doing great
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Mabel Aguilar (verified owner) –
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Inna B. (verified owner) –
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Dustin (verified owner) –
First cocktail tree had shipping delays in brutal cold temps and all the leaves fell off within a few days and died. It was a dry root plant. I contacted citrus.com and they made it right by sending me out a new one. The 2nd one was shipped in a pot which I think was a better way to recieve trees. Thanks
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Sharon (verified owner) –
Arrived safe, very well packed, fertilizer pack came after making me go two times, 55 minute trips to clients house to deliver so a bit frustrating.
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Anonymous (verified owner) –
So excited about this tree and can’t wait to watch it grow! I was expecting it to be a little bigger/taller, but it came packaged well.
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Citrus Customer Care (store manager) –
Thank you for your positive review. We know that you will enjoy your tree, and we appreciate your business.
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Jovan Williams (verified owner) –
I thought the tree was going to be a little more mature but overall I am happy
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Citrus Customer Care (store manager) –
Thank you for the review, and we know that you will enjoy your tree. We appreciate your business.
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