Dwarf Persian (Bearss) Lime Tree

Lime trees benefit from a combination of deep, thorough watering and consistent and proper drainage. When the soil is dry from the surface to about three inches deep, water the lime tree deeply and fully. A good standard is to water the lime tree deeply once every two weeks, then adjust watering to more frequently if the soil is becoming dry to below 5 or 6 inches before each successive watering.

Mexican, or Key limes have small, persistent thorns on most branches. Persian limes have larger, but fewer thorns and some individual trees have very few thorns overall.

Hydrated lime is a soil additive used in many growing situations, but the inhaled dust can be toxic to humans and animals alike. Also, it is important to be cautious when applying dehydrated lime to the soil; be certain that no pets will walk through the dust, and come into contact with the potentially caustic powder.

Key lime trees (also called Mexican lime trees) reach a height of between 6 feet and 14 feet tall. Persian limes can grow as tall as 16 to 19 feet tall.

A potted lime tree can grow indoors if it is placed in a location that gets plenty of sunlight, or is supplemented with growing lights. One option is to move the container grown lime tree outside in warmer months, and overwinter it indoors. If the tree must remain inside, place it in a bright window, and turn the container monthly. The best citrus to grow indoors are smaller or dwarf varieties, such as Dwarf Meyer lemon, Dwarf kaffir lime, Trovita oranges, and Calamondin oranges.

Limes become ripe at multiple times throughout the year. Mexican, or Key limes are usually ready to pick by summer and early winter. Bearss, or Persian limes begin to ripen in August, but will often continue to ripen into March. The best way to know if a lime is ready to pick, is to do a taste sample.

Since lime trees grow an abundant crop, some falling of individual fruit is normal and expected. Excessive fruit falling from the tree can be caused from uneven or inconsistent watering, as well as a soil pH that is either too alkaline or acidic.

Lime trees can live for approximately 50 years. They will bloom and produce fruit from their third to sixth year, and continually after that as they age.

Mature Persian lime trees will grow to about 15 to 20 feet tall. They maintain a uniform shape and will spread to a width of 18 to 20 feet.

Spanish explorers first distributed lime seeds from parts of Europe and Asia as early as the late 1400s. From there limes have made their way to Florida, Texas, California, and all warm US climates. Today limes are grown wherever citrus is grown, and are widely distributed in both commercial farms and private gardens.

Although dwarf lime trees are smaller in stature, their fruit is the same size as standard lime trees, and they produce fruit at the same rate. Like standard-sized lime trees, dwarf lime trees will begin to produce fruit after about 3 years of growth, and increase in yield after that.

Lime trees can produce ripe fruit about two times per year. Limes are usually harvested in May–June and November–December. Healthy lime trees grow at a medium speed of about 13 to 26 inches per year. Trees grown from seed begin to bloom and produce fruit at about 3 to 6 years old, while grafted trees will produce fruit sooner. Fruit production will increase as trees age, until they reach maximum yields from eight to 10 years old and beyond.