Description
Mexican Key Lime—also known as West Indian or Bartender’s lime—is the traditional lime behind classic pies, marinades, and cocktails. Unlike larger Persian limes, Key limes are small, thin-skinned, and intensely aromatic, delivering sharp acidity and concentrated flavor.
This thornless selection preserves the authentic Key lime character while eliminating the sharp thorns common to standard trees, making it a far more pleasant choice for home growers, patios, and container culture. Fruit is typically harvested green for peak acidity and may turn yellow if allowed to fully mature.
Overview
- Classic Mexican/Key lime with bright, intense acidity.
- Small fruit with thin rind and highly aromatic juice.
- Thornless growth for easier maintenance and harvest.
- Often seeded (not a seedless lime).
- Self-fertile.
Growing Details
Latin Name: Citrus aurantiifolia
Site and Soil: Full sun; well-drained soil
Rootstock: 1-gallon trees on Flying Dragon; larger sizes on C-35
Hardiness: Very frost sensitive; best suited to USDA Zones 9–11
Bearing Age: Often fruits immediately; grafted trees may produce in their first season
Size at Maturity:
• Flying Dragon: Typically 6–8 ft tall and wide
• C-35: Typically 10–12 ft tall and wide
Note: Trees grown in containers remain smaller and are easily maintained with pruning.
Bloom Time: Spring, with additional blooms in warm, stable conditions
Ripening Time: Fall into winter; fruit may be held longer in mild climates
Pollination Requirements: Self-fertile
Seed Content: Often seeded
Pests & Diseases: Similar to other citrus; good airflow and drainage reduce issues
Additional Notes
- Grower’s Insight: Key lime trees often carry flowers, immature fruit, and harvest-ready limes at the same time, allowing selective picking over an extended period in warm conditions.
- Regional Insight: Performs best in true citrus climates (Zones 9–11); container culture allows successful growing outside these zones with winter protection.
