About
Citrus limetta is an evergreen tree that can reach a height of up to 8 meters, though it typically grows shorter in cultivated settings. Its leaves are glossy and range from mid- to dark green. The tree can produce fragrant white flowers throughout the year under ideal conditions, with the primary bloom occurring in spring. These flowers give way to oval-shaped green fruits that resemble limes but mature to a yellow hue. The flesh of these fruits has a lower acidity, resulting in a sweeter and milder taste compared to traditional limes, which is reflected in one of its common names, the sweet lime.
About the genus
Citrus consists mainly of evergreen shrubs and trees, which are often armed with spines. They feature simple, leathery leaves that release a pleasing fragrance, typically borne on winged petioles. The plants produce aromatic flowers that are usually white or have a hint of pink, which are succeeded by sizable, juicy fruits.
Growing conditions
- Sunlight
- Full sun
- Soil type
- Loam, Sand, Clay
- Soil pH
- Acid, Neutral
- Soil moisture
- Moist but well-drained
- Aspect
- South-facing, West-facing
- Exposure
- Sheltered
- UK hardiness
- H2
Plant details
- Plant type
- Conservatory Greenhouse, Fruit Edible, Shrubs, Trees
- Habit
- Bushy
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Height
- 4-8 metres
- Spread
- 1.5-2.5 metres
- Time to full height
- 10-20 years
- Suggested uses
- City and courtyard gardens, Patio and container plants, Sub-tropical, Mediterranean climate plants
- Fragrance
- Flower
- Toxicity
- Fruit harmful to skin with sunlight/skin allergen (lemon and lime-bearing Citrus only). Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
Care notes
- Cultivation
- Grow as a conservatory or greenhouse plant, in a container of peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added grit, in full light, with shade from hot sun. In growth during spring and summer, water freely, and mist daily. Apply fertilisers formulated for citrus, throughout the year, following the manufacturer’s instructions; water sparingly in winter. See citrus cultivation for further information
- Pruning
- Pruning group 1
- Propagation
- Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
- Pest resistance
- May be susceptible to citrus red spider mite and glasshouse red spider mite, soft scale and fluted scale, aphids, caterpillars and mealybugs under glass
- Disease resistance
- Generally disease-free