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Key Lime Trees

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Your Plants are Guaranteed to Grow

Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If your tree arrives damaged or dies within 30 days, we'll replace it for free. If it dies after 30 days, but before 1 year, we will replace it for just 50% of the current price.

Free Shipping on All Orders

Relax... we've got you covered with free shipping on every order! We ship out so many huge plants, we've negotiated a low rate with our carriers... and we pass those savings on to you! Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!

Is Now a Good Time to Plant?

Yes! Fall is one of the best times to plant!

Landscaping experts often recommend planting in fall instead of waiting until spring. Here’s why:

  • Cooler weather puts less stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
  • Fall soil is still warm, which helps roots grow and get established.
  • Cooler temperatures mean less water is lost through the leaves, making it easier for plants to stay hydrated.
  • Even after top growth slows for winter, roots continue developing below ground.
  • Fall weather often brings more rain and less heat, making new plants easier to care for.
  • By spring, your plants already have a head start. Their established roots can support strong new leaves, branches, and flowers.
  • Trees planted in spring must establish their roots while also dealing with rising temperatures and summer heat.

Plant this fall, and your trees can spend the cooler months getting settled instead of waiting until spring to get started!

Planting your Key Lime Trees

Planting Instructions for Key Lime Tree (Citrus aurantiifolia)

  1. Site Selection and Soil Preparation:
    Key Lime Trees thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Choose a spot with good air circulation but sheltered from strong winds. They prefer well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soils (pH 6.0–7.5). If your soil is heavy or clay-based, amend it with organic matter like compost or sand to improve drainage.

  2. Planting:
  • Digging the Hole: Dig a hole twice as wide and just slightly deeper than the root ball. This allows the roots to spread outward rather than downward.
  • Mound Technique: Build a small mound in the center of the hole to elevate the tree slightly above ground level. This ensures good drainage and prevents the tree from sitting in water, which can lead to root rot.
  • Backfilling: Place the tree in the hole and fill it in with soil, gently tamping it down to eliminate air pockets. Water the tree thoroughly after planting.
  • Mulching: Apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base of the tree, keeping it a few inches away from the trunk. Mulch helps retain moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds.

Care Instructions

  1. Watering:
    Water deeply 1–2 times per week during the first year to help the tree establish strong roots. Once established, Key Lime Trees are fairly drought-tolerant, but they do best with regular watering, especially during hot or dry periods. Avoid overwatering, as standing water can cause root rot.
  2. Fertilization:
    Key Lime Trees are heavy feeders. Use a citrus-specific fertilizer high in nitrogen, following the manufacturer's instructions, or a balanced fertilizer (such as 8-8-8) during the growing season (spring through early fall). Apply the fertilizer every 6–8 weeks. Stop fertilizing in winter when the tree’s growth slows.
  3. Monitoring for Issues:
    Keep an eye out for common citrus pests such as aphids, scale, and spider mites. Additionally, watch for signs of nutrient deficiencies, such as yellowing leaves. If pests are present, treat them with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care

  1. Pruning:
    Prune your Key Lime Tree in late winter or early spring to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Light pruning can also help improve air circulation, reducing the risk of fungal diseases.
  2. Pest and Disease Control:
    Key Lime Trees are susceptible to citrus-specific pests and diseases such as citrus canker or greasy spot. Regularly inspect the tree for signs of infection and remove any affected leaves or branches. For severe cases, consider using a copper-based fungicide. Maintain proper spacing and air circulation around the tree to minimize the risk of diseases.
  3. Winter Care:
    Key Lime Trees are hardy in USDA zones 9–11, but they need protection in colder climates. If temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C), bring potted trees indoors or protect outdoor trees with frost cloths or burlap. A thick layer of mulch around the base can help insulate the roots from cold temperatures.

Container and Indoor Planting for Key Lime Trees

  1. Choosing a Container:
    Select a container that is at least 18–24 inches wide and deep for a mature tree. Make sure it has good drainage holes to prevent water from pooling at the bottom. Terracotta or ceramic pots are ideal because they provide stability, but plastic pots work well if you need something lighter and easier to move indoors.
    Potting Soil:
    Use a well-draining, lightweight potting mix. A mix designed for citrus trees or one with a blend of peat moss, perlite, and compost works well. Avoid heavy garden soil, as it can become compacted and hinder drainage.

  2. Planting in the Container:
  • Planting Depth: Place the Key Lime Tree in the container, ensuring the root ball is slightly above the soil level (about 1 inch). This prevents water from sitting around the base of the tree, which can cause root rot.
  • Backfilling: Fill the pot with soil around the root ball, gently pressing it down to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting.
  • Mulching: Apply a thin layer of mulch (1–2 inches) on top of the soil, but keep it a few inches away from the trunk. This helps retain moisture and protect the soil, while allowing air circulation around the base.

  1. Indoor Placement:
    Place the potted Key Lime Tree in the brightest spot available, ideally near a south-facing window where it can get 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day. If natural light is insufficient, consider using a grow light to supplement, especially during winter.

Indoor Care and Hybrid Indoor/Outdoor Growing

  1. Watering:
    Water deeply when the top 2 inches of soil feel dry. Ensure that excess water drains freely from the container to prevent root rot. Keep in mind that containers dry out faster than the ground, so monitor the moisture levels regularly. During winter, reduce watering slightly when the tree is less active.

  2. Fertilization:
    Potted Key Lime Trees need regular feeding since nutrients are washed out of the soil more quickly. Use a liquid citrus fertilizer every 6–8 weeks from spring through fall. You can reduce feeding in the winter months when the tree’s growth slows.

  3. Humidity:
    Key Lime Trees prefer moderate humidity levels. Indoor air, especially in winter, can be quite dry, so mist the leaves regularly or place a humidity tray (a shallow tray filled with water and pebbles) near the tree to maintain humidity. You can also use a room humidifier to keep the air moist.

  4. Transitioning Between Indoors and Outdoors:
    In warmer climates, or when temperatures stay above 50°F (10°C), move the tree outdoors during the spring and summer months:

  • Spring Move Outdoors: Gradually acclimate the tree by placing it in partial shade for a few hours each day, gradually increasing its time in full sun. This reduces transplant shock.
  • Fall Move Indoors: Before temperatures drop below 50°F, bring the tree back inside. Check for pests and prune any damaged leaves or branches before moving it indoors.

Harvesting and Using Key Limes

When to Harvest Key Limes

Key Lime Trees typically begin producing fruit after 1-2 years if grown in favorable conditions. The fruit ripens in late summer to early fall but can be harvested throughout the year in some climates. You’ll know the limes are ready to harvest when:

  • They reach about 1-2 inches in diameter.
  • The fruit feels slightly soft when gently squeezed.
  • The skin turns from bright green to a light yellow. Though traditionally harvested when green, yellow Key Limes are fully ripe and sweeter.

Harvest the limes when they feel firm but have a bit of give when gently squeezed.

How to Harvest Key Limes

  • Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors to cut the fruit from the tree, leaving a short piece of stem attached to the lime.
  • Be gentle when handling the fruit, as the thin skin of Key Limes can bruise easily.
  • Regularly check the tree for ripe fruit, as Key Limes often ripen in waves.

Using Key Limes

Juicing:

  • For Drinks: Key limes are well-known for their tart and aromatic juice, perfect for making limeade, margaritas, or adding a zesty kick to cocktails and mocktails. Simply slice the limes in half and use a hand juicer or citrus press to extract the juice.
  • For Cooking: The juice adds a fresh, tangy flavor to marinades, salad dressings, and sauces. It's especially great for seafood, chicken, and Mexican dishes like tacos or guacamole.

Zesting:

  • Zest the outer peel of Key Limes to use in baked goods like Key Lime pie, cookies, or cakes. The zest has concentrated oils that provide a burst of citrus flavor. Be sure to avoid the bitter white pith when zesting.

Baking and Desserts:

  • Key Limes are famous for their use in Key Lime pie, a sweet and tart dessert made with lime juice, condensed milk, and a graham cracker crust.
  • You can also use Key Lime juice in cakes, cookies, and custards to add a citrusy brightness.

Preserving Key Limes:

  • Freezing: If you harvest a lot of fruit at once, you can freeze Key Lime juice in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to an airtight container and store them for up to 6 months. You can also freeze whole limes to use later for zesting.
  • Preserved Limes: You can preserve Key Limes by fermenting them in salt, which is common in some Mediterranean and North African cuisines. This method is great for adding a bold, salty-citrus flavor to dishes like stews, roasted meats, or salads.

  1. Culinary Uses:

  • Salads and Dressings: Add freshly squeezed Key Lime juice to salad dressings for a bright, tangy flavor.
  • Grilled or Roasted: Drizzle Key Lime juice over grilled fish, chicken, or vegetables for a fresh finish.
  • Key Lime Sorbet: Combine Key Lime juice with sugar and water to make a refreshing summer sorbet.
What Customers say about the Key Lime Trees:

The Key Lime Trees thrives in Zones 4-11 patio / 8-11 outdoors

Growing Zones for the Key Lime Trees

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Key Lime Trees.

Your Growing Zone
Recommended Zones 4-11 patio / 8-11 outdoors
Mature Height 6-8 ft. in container
Mature Width 4-8 ft.
Cannot Ship To AL, AZ, CA, FL, GA, LA, OR, TX
Sunlight Full to Partial Sun
Botanical Name Citrus aurantiifolia

Plants that Make a Difference

For 20+ years, our team has shipped healthy, established plants to gardeners like you- all across the country. Every plant is selected and cared for by our plant experts before it ships to your door.

  • 20+ Years Experience

  • Superior Quality

  • Free Shipping on All Orders

  • Guaranteed to Grow

Key Lime Tree - NationwidePlants.com

Beware- not all Key Lime Trees are the same.

Be sure to get superior citrus trees, grown by experts.

Better Roots Make Stronger Plants: Some nurseries send you "bare root" citrus trees to save on shipping. Even worse, others have started digging them right out of the ground before shipping. This causes major transplant shock and long-term damage. We send you Key Lime Trees in soil-filled containers- ensuring a well-developed root system that is ready to grow and produce!

Healthy Plants: We've seen other nurseries grow tall citrus trees in tiny pots to save on shipping. This leads to a "root bound" tree, where the roots have outgrown their pot- they cannot absorb water and nutrients. They quickly dry out during shipment, leading to an unhealthy tree.

Key Lime Fruit, displayed in a bowl

The Key Lime Tree brings small, fragrant limes with a sharp, zesty flavor- perfect for pies, cocktails and marinades.

  • Tangy Key limes famous for their sharp, zesty flavor
  • Self-fertile- one tree can produce fruit on its own
  • Container-sized: about 6-8 ft. tall in a pot
  • Grow it anywhere: outdoors in zones 8-11, or in a pot you bring indoors for winter

Not all plants are created equal

The Difference Is in the Roots

Every plant we ship has grown in a nursery container with its roots protected, so it arrives healthy, established and ready to thrive in your yard.

A full, branched Nationwide Plants tree in a nursery pot next to a thin bare-root tree with exposed roots Ours: container grown Theirs: bare root
Nationwide Plants Other Nurseries
How it's grown Grown in a nursery container, roots protected the whole time Pulled or dug from the field, tearing fragile roots
How it arrives Arrives in its pot with soil intact Arrives bare root, exposed and drying out
Before shipping Growing naturally until it ships Held dormant in a cooler, then shocked by a hot shipping box
Root health Strong, well-developed roots with room to grow Crammed into a small pot until it's root bound
Height Measured from the top of the soil Often includes the pot and roots
After planting Settles in quickly with less transplant shock Arrives stressed and can take years to recover, if it does

The height you see is the height you plant.

We measure every plant from the top of the soil, not the bottom of the pot. Many nurseries include the pot and roots, so a "5–6 ft." tree from them might stand only 4 ft. tall once it's planted.

Comparisons reflect common practices across the online plant industry, not any single company.

Key Lime Tree with extremely ripe fruit

Honest Measurements: Some nurseries measure trees including the pot and roots, so their "3-4 ft." tree may only be about half that size when planted. We measure all of our plants from the soil line, so the height you see is what you can expect after planting.

From our nursery to your door

How We Ship Your Plants

Every order is hand-selected, watered and carefully packed so it arrives healthy and ready to plant. Here's what happens after you place your order.

  1. Hand-Picked for You

    Our team selects the best plant available for your order. For privacy trees, that's the tallest and fullest. For fruit trees, it's the best branched.

    Why it matters: Many online nurseries ship whatever is next in the row.

  2. A Deep Drink Before the Trip

    Every plant gets a thorough watering right before it's packed, so it starts the journey fully hydrated.

  3. Roots Sealed In

    We wrap the pot and roots in plastic to lock in moisture, so your plant has water to drink all the way to your door.

    Why it matters: Bare-root plants are often shipped with their roots exposed and drying out.

  4. Braced for the Ride

    Cardboard inserts are secured inside every box to hold your plant in place, so it won't slide, tip or get damaged in transit.

  5. Shipped Only by FedEx

    We ship your trees exclusively with FedEx. We've found they deliver the fastest and handle live plants the most gently.

And if anything goes wrong, every plant is backed by our 1 Year Warranty.

Healthy Roots Make a Huge Difference

  • Never buy bare-root plants. These trees are starved of nutrients, and have a low survival rate.
  • Beware of nurseries cut corners by growing in small pots. These "rootbound" plants are weak, struggle to absorb nutrients, and die quickly after planting.
  • Some nurseries try to sell oversized plants, but chop off vital roots so they can cram the rootball into a narrow box to save on shipping!
Key Lime Tree foliage with small, dark green key limes growing on a stem.

You Want Key Lime Trees Grown by Experts

Some nurseries ship thin, weak citrus trees grown in tiny pots to save money. These "root bound" trees struggle after planting and take longer to flower and fruit.

Nationwide Plants only sends you strong Key Lime Trees, selected and cared for by our plant experts, with healthy, developed root systems. That means your tree settles in quickly and can start flowering and producing fresh limes sooner.

Read more about the Key Lime Trees

Key Lime Tree – Zesty, Homegrown Limes for Your Kitchen

Grow your own delicious, tangy limes with the Key Lime Tree, a must-have for any citrus lover! Known for its small, fragrant fruit, the Key Lime Tree produces limes with a uniquely tart flavor perfect for pies, cocktails, marinades, and more. This compact tree thrives in warm climates and can also be grown in containers for those in cooler regions, allowing you to enjoy the taste of fresh, homegrown Key limes no matter where you live. With its attractive evergreen foliage, fragrant white blossoms, and abundant fruit, the Key Lime Tree adds beauty and productivity to any landscape or patio.

Key Benefits of Key Lime Tree

  • Flavorful, Tangy Limes: The small, bright green limes produced by the Key Lime Tree are famous for their sharp, zesty flavor, making them ideal for a wide range of culinary uses, from key lime pies to refreshing cocktails and dressings.
  • Compact and Productive: Reaching a manageable height of 6-10 feet, the Key Lime Tree is perfect for smaller gardens, patios, or indoor spaces. Despite its compact size, it produces an abundance of fruit, ensuring you’ll always have fresh limes on hand.
  • Fragrant White Blossoms: In addition to its tasty fruit, the Key Lime Tree offers year-round beauty with its glossy green leaves and fragrant white flowers, which bloom throughout the year in warm climates.
  • Container-Friendly: Grow your Key Lime Tree in a container to enjoy fresh limes even in cooler regions. Simply bring the tree indoors when temperatures drop, and it will continue to thrive in a sunny window or sunroom.
  • Evergreen and Ornamental: This citrus tree’s lush, evergreen foliage makes it an attractive ornamental plant, providing year-round greenery and adding tropical flair to your outdoor space or home.

Ideal Placement and Uses

The Key Lime Tree is versatile and can enhance your home or garden in a variety of ways:

  • Patio and Container Gardening: Grow your Key Lime Tree in a container on your patio or deck to enjoy fresh limes at your fingertips. Its compact size makes it ideal for container gardening, especially in cooler climates where you can bring it indoors for winter.
  • Indoor Citrus Tree: In colder regions, the Key Lime Tree thrives indoors as a potted plant, bringing a touch of the tropics to your home. Place it in a sunny spot, and enjoy fragrant blossoms and fruit year-round.
  • Outdoor Landscaping: In USDA Zones 9-11, plant your Key Lime Tree outdoors as part of your landscape or orchard. Its evergreen foliage and fragrant flowers add ornamental beauty to any garden, while the fruit provides a tasty harvest.
  • Culinary Gardens: If you love cooking with fresh, homegrown ingredients, the Key Lime Tree is a must for your edible garden. Use the limes for pies, marinades, beverages, and more!

Growing Tips for Key Lime Tree

The Key Lime Tree is easy to grow and care for, making it a great choice for gardeners of all experience levels. Follow these growing tips for a healthy, productive tree:

  • Sunlight: Plant or place your Key Lime Tree in full sun, where it can receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown indoors, position it near a sunny window for the best results.
  • Soil: Key Lime Trees prefer well-draining soil. If planting in a container, use a high-quality citrus potting mix to ensure good drainage. In the ground, amend heavy or clay soil with organic matter.
  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, especially during hot weather or dry spells. Containers may require more frequent watering.
  • Temperature: While the Key Lime Tree thrives outdoors in USDA Zones 9-11, it can also be grown in containers in cooler climates. Bring the tree indoors when temperatures drop below 50°F, and keep it in a warm, sunny spot.
  • Fertilizing: Feed your Key Lime Tree with a citrus-specific fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring through fall) to encourage strong growth and fruit production.
  • Pruning: Prune your tree lightly in early spring to maintain its shape and remove dead or damaged branches. This will help promote healthy growth and a more productive tree.
  • Pest Control: Watch for common pests like aphids or scale. Treat as needed with organic insecticidal soap or neem oil to keep your tree healthy and thriving.

Enjoy Fresh, Zesty Limes with the Key Lime Tree

The Key Lime Tree is a fantastic addition to any garden, patio, or home, providing both delicious fruit and ornamental beauty. Whether you’re growing it in a container or planting it outdoors, this easy-care tree will reward you with fragrant blossoms, lush evergreen leaves, and plenty of fresh, tangy limes. Perfect for home chefs and gardeners alike, the Key Lime Tree brings a taste of the tropics right to your door.

Order your Key Lime Tree today from Nationwide Plants and start growing your own fresh limes! With our high-quality plants and fast shipping, you’ll be enjoying homegrown limes for pies, cocktails, and more in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Key Lime Trees

Can a Key Lime Tree grow indoors?

Yes, a Key Lime Tree thrives indoors as a potted plant in colder regions. Place it in a sunny window or sunroom where it gets 6 to 8 hours of light daily. Many growers keep it on the patio in warm weather and bring it inside when nighttime temperatures start to drop in fall.

What zones can you grow a Key Lime Tree in?

A Key Lime Tree can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 8 through 11, and in zones 4 through 11 as a patio tree in a container. It needs warmth, so in cooler areas move the container indoors for winter or into a bright, protected space like a sunroom.

How cold can a Key Lime Tree tolerate?

Key Lime Trees are sensitive to cold. When temperatures drop below about 40 degrees F, bring potted trees indoors, or protect outdoor trees with frost cloth or burlap and a thick layer of mulch around the base. Hard freezes can seriously damage the tree, so act before cold snaps arrive.

How big does a Key Lime Tree get in a container?

In a container, a Key Lime Tree typically grows 6 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide. Its compact size makes it easy to grow on patios and indoors. Prune in late winter or early spring to maintain a manageable shape and improve air circulation through the branches.

Is the Key Lime Tree self-pollinating?

Yes, Key Lime Trees are self-fertile, so a single tree can produce fruit without a second tree. Outdoors, bees help pollinate the fragrant white blossoms. For indoor trees, gently transferring pollen between open flowers with a small brush can help improve fruit set.

What is the Key Lime and Meyer Lemon tree combo?

The Key Lime and Meyer Lemon Tree Combo is a 3-4 ft. option that pairs a Key Lime Tree with a Meyer Lemon Tree, so you can grow both of these popular citrus fruits at home. Both thrive in containers and enjoy the same sunny, warm conditions and citrus fertilizer routine.

How often should I water a Key Lime Tree?

Water a Key Lime Tree deeply 1 to 2 times per week during its first year to help it establish strong roots. Once established it is fairly drought tolerant but does best with regular watering, especially in hot or dry weather. Avoid overwatering and standing water, which can cause root rot.

What fertilizer should I use for a Key Lime Tree?

Key Lime Trees are heavy feeders. Use a high-nitrogen citrus fertilizer or a balanced fertilizer such as 8-8-8 every 6 to 8 weeks from spring through early fall, following the package directions. Stop fertilizing in winter when growth slows. Yellowing leaves can signal a nutrient deficiency.

What diseases affect Key Lime Trees?

Key Lime Trees can be affected by citrus diseases such as citrus canker and greasy spot, plus pests like aphids, scale, and spider mites. Inspect the tree regularly, remove affected leaves or branches, and use a copper-based fungicide for severe disease. Treat pests with neem oil or insecticidal soap.

Can Nationwide Plants ship Key Lime Trees to my state?

Because of citrus shipping restrictions, Key Lime Trees cannot be shipped to Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Oregon, or Texas. Customers in other states can choose from 1 gallon, 1-2 ft., and 3-4 ft. sizes, plus the Key Lime and Meyer Lemon combo option.
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