You can have these monthly Plant Care Reminders sent directly to you each month!
Members can create lists of plants to manage your garden, get plant care information sent to you, and connect to other gardeners. It's free and easy, SIGN IN or JOIN NOW and get started right away!
Go to your My Plant Care page to see what you should be doing in your garden this month!
General Information
Much different than the Bearss or Tahitian Lime, the Mexican Lime (also known as Key Lime) is prized by chefs and bartenders alike for its unique tart flavor and aroma, and is certainly one of the signature flavors of Mexican cuisine. Tropical in nature, the Mexican Lime plant likes warm temperatures and is sensitive to cold, but you can grow your own fresh Mexican Limes in Southern California as long as you give your plant a warm, sunny spot and protection from cold winds and frost. In many cases, a large, movable container will give you the best opportunity to keep your plant happy throughout the year.
No
On the Web : No Information Provided
Plant Care Instruction
- Instructions By Month
- Instructions By Task
- Find Your Gardening Climate Zone
-
Scroll down or click on any month for plant care instructions
- January
- February
- March
- April
- May
- June
- July
- August
- September
- October
- November
- December
January1. WaterWater regularly as needed, but do not over-water.2. ProtectProtect from cold temperatures and cold winds.3. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.4. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.5. HarvestHarvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.February1. WaterWater regularly as needed, but do not over-water.2. ProtectProtect from cold temperatures and cold winds.3. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.4. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.5. HarvestHarvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.March1. BuyBuy established plants (of good size, if possible) from a reputable nursery.2. PlantPlant in full sun in well-drained soil in a warm spot protected from cold winds. Or grow in large containers, which can be moved to your warm, protected spot in the winter.3. FertilizeFeed lightly with a citrus fertilizer, making sure that it is watered in well.4. WaterWater regularly and thoroughly. Be careful not to let container-grown plants get too dry.5. MulchMulch to keep roots cool and moist.6. ProtectProtect from cold temperatures and cold winds.7. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.8. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.9. PropagateAlthough it takes a while to grow a plant this way, Mexican Limes will come true from seed, which you can save from your own fruit. Plant in pots of potting soil in spring in a warm spot such as a greenhouse.10. HarvestHarvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.April1. BuyBuy established plants (of good size, if possible) from a reputable nursery.2. PlantPlant in full sun in well-drained soil in a warm spot protected from cold winds. Or grow in large containers, which can be moved to your warm, protected spot in the winter.3. WaterWater regularly and thoroughly. Be careful not to let container-grown plants get too dry.4. PrunePrune to shape plants only. Do not over-prune.5. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.6. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.7. PropagateAlthough it takes a while to grow a plant this way, Mexican Limes will come true from seed, which you can save from your own fruit. Plant in pots of potting soil in spring in a warm spot such as a greenhouse.8. HarvestHarvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.May1. BuyBuy established plants (of good size, if possible) from a reputable nursery.2. PlantPlant in full sun in well-drained soil in a warm spot protected from cold winds. Or grow in large containers, which can be moved to your warm, protected spot in the winter.3. FertilizeFeed lightly with a citrus fertilizer, making sure that it is watered in well.4. WaterWater regularly and thoroughly. Be careful not to let container-grown plants get too dry.5. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.6. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.7. PropagateAlthough it takes a while to grow a plant this way, Mexican Limes will come true from seed, which you can save from your own fruit. Plant in pots of potting soil in spring in a warm spot such as a greenhouse.8. HarvestHarvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.June1. BuyBuy established plants (of good size, if possible) from a reputable nursery.2. PlantPlant in full sun in well-drained soil in a warm spot protected from cold winds. Or grow in large containers, which can be moved to your warm, protected spot in the winter.3. WaterWater regularly and thoroughly. Be careful not to let container-grown plants get too dry.4. MulchMulch to keep roots cool and moist.5. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.6. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.7. PropagateAlthough it takes a while to grow a plant this way, Mexican Limes will come true from seed, which you can save from your own fruit. Plant in pots of potting soil in spring in a warm spot such as a greenhouse.8. HarvestHarvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.July1. BuyBuy established plants (of good size, if possible) from a reputable nursery.2. PlantPlant in full sun in well-drained soil in a warm spot protected from cold winds. Or grow in large containers, which can be moved to your warm, protected spot in the winter.3. FertilizeFeed lightly with a citrus fertilizer, making sure that it is watered in well.4. WaterWater regularly and thoroughly. Be careful not to let container-grown plants get too dry.5. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.6. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.7. HarvestHarvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.August1. BuyBuy established plants (of good size, if possible) from a reputable nursery.2. PlantPlant in full sun in well-drained soil in a warm spot protected from cold winds. Or grow in large containers, which can be moved to your warm, protected spot in the winter.3. WaterWater regularly and thoroughly. Be careful not to let container-grown plants get too dry.4. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.5. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.6. HarvestHarvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.September1. BuyBuy established plants (of good size, if possible) from a reputable nursery.2. PlantPlant in full sun in well-drained soil in a warm spot protected from cold winds. Or grow in large containers, which can be moved to your warm, protected spot in the winter.3. FertilizeFeed lightly with a citrus fertilizer, making sure that it is watered in well.4. WaterWater regularly and thoroughly. Be careful not to let container-grown plants get too dry.5. MulchMulch to keep roots cool and moist.6. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.7. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.8. HarvestHarvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.October1. WaterWater regularly and thoroughly. Be careful not to let container-grown plants get too dry.2. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.3. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.4. HarvestHarvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.November1. WaterWater regularly and thoroughly. Be careful not to let container-grown plants get too dry.2. ProtectProtect from cold temperatures and cold winds.3. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.4. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.5. HarvestHarvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.December1. WaterWater regularly as needed, but do not over-water.2. ProtectProtect from cold temperatures and cold winds.3. Pest/Disease InspectionCheck periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.4. Treat for Pest/DiseaseControl snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.5. HarvestHarvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy. -
Buy
When's the best time to buy this plant? When can you buy these from seed (if you can)? When is it usually available? What are things to look for when you're buying it? Or anything other tidbit of information you can share!
March
Buy established plants (of good size, if possible) from a reputable nursery.
April
Buy established plants (of good size, if possible) from a reputable nursery.
May
Buy established plants (of good size, if possible) from a reputable nursery.
June
Buy established plants (of good size, if possible) from a reputable nursery.
July
Buy established plants (of good size, if possible) from a reputable nursery.
August
Buy established plants (of good size, if possible) from a reputable nursery.
September
Buy established plants (of good size, if possible) from a reputable nursery.
Plant
When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?
March
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil in a warm spot protected from cold winds. Or grow in large containers, which can be moved to your warm, protected spot in the winter.
April
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil in a warm spot protected from cold winds. Or grow in large containers, which can be moved to your warm, protected spot in the winter.
May
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil in a warm spot protected from cold winds. Or grow in large containers, which can be moved to your warm, protected spot in the winter.
June
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil in a warm spot protected from cold winds. Or grow in large containers, which can be moved to your warm, protected spot in the winter.
July
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil in a warm spot protected from cold winds. Or grow in large containers, which can be moved to your warm, protected spot in the winter.
August
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil in a warm spot protected from cold winds. Or grow in large containers, which can be moved to your warm, protected spot in the winter.
September
Plant in full sun in well-drained soil in a warm spot protected from cold winds. Or grow in large containers, which can be moved to your warm, protected spot in the winter.
Fertilize
When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?
March
Feed lightly with a citrus fertilizer, making sure that it is watered in well.
May
Feed lightly with a citrus fertilizer, making sure that it is watered in well.
July
Feed lightly with a citrus fertilizer, making sure that it is watered in well.
September
Feed lightly with a citrus fertilizer, making sure that it is watered in well.
Water
Is there a time to reduce or increase watering? Any special requirements? Things to avoid during certain times of the year?
January
Water regularly as needed, but do not over-water.
February
Water regularly as needed, but do not over-water.
March
Water regularly and thoroughly. Be careful not to let container-grown plants get too dry.
April
Water regularly and thoroughly. Be careful not to let container-grown plants get too dry.
May
Water regularly and thoroughly. Be careful not to let container-grown plants get too dry.
June
Water regularly and thoroughly. Be careful not to let container-grown plants get too dry.
July
Water regularly and thoroughly. Be careful not to let container-grown plants get too dry.
August
Water regularly and thoroughly. Be careful not to let container-grown plants get too dry.
September
Water regularly and thoroughly. Be careful not to let container-grown plants get too dry.
October
Water regularly and thoroughly. Be careful not to let container-grown plants get too dry.
November
Water regularly and thoroughly. Be careful not to let container-grown plants get too dry.
December
Water regularly as needed, but do not over-water.
Prune
When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?
April
Prune to shape plants only. Do not over-prune.
Mulch
Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much?
March
Mulch to keep roots cool and moist.
June
Mulch to keep roots cool and moist.
September
Mulch to keep roots cool and moist.
Protect
When and how should you protect this plant from birds, deer, rabbits? Does this plant need be covered, or wrapped or painted or moved?
January
Protect from cold temperatures and cold winds.
February
Protect from cold temperatures and cold winds.
March
Protect from cold temperatures and cold winds.
November
Protect from cold temperatures and cold winds.
December
Protect from cold temperatures and cold winds.
Pest/Disease Inspection
What are the common problems this plant will face and when should you look for them to appear?
January
Check periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.
February
Check periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.
March
Check periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.
April
Check periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.
May
Check periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.
June
Check periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.
July
Check periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.
August
Check periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.
September
Check periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.
October
Check periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.
November
Check periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.
December
Check periodically for snails, slugs, aphids, and (especially container-grown plants) ants.
Treat for Pest/Disease
How do you treat the common problems for this plant? What products or concoctions or natural means do you use? Any special requirements?
January
Control snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.
February
Control snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.
March
Control snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.
April
Control snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.
May
Control snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.
June
Control snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.
July
Control snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.
August
Control snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.
September
Control snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.
October
Control snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.
November
Control snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.
December
Control snails, slugs, and ants. Most other pests can be deterred by periodically spraying foliage with a jet of water.
Propagate
When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements?
March
Although it takes a while to grow a plant this way, Mexican Limes will come true from seed, which you can save from your own fruit. Plant in pots of potting soil in spring in a warm spot such as a greenhouse.
April
Although it takes a while to grow a plant this way, Mexican Limes will come true from seed, which you can save from your own fruit. Plant in pots of potting soil in spring in a warm spot such as a greenhouse.
May
Although it takes a while to grow a plant this way, Mexican Limes will come true from seed, which you can save from your own fruit. Plant in pots of potting soil in spring in a warm spot such as a greenhouse.
June
Although it takes a while to grow a plant this way, Mexican Limes will come true from seed, which you can save from your own fruit. Plant in pots of potting soil in spring in a warm spot such as a greenhouse.
Harvest
When's a good time to harvest this plant? What's the best way to harvest? Are there special requirements or features?
January
Harvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.
February
Harvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.
March
Harvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.
April
Harvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.
May
Harvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.
June
Harvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.
July
Harvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.
August
Harvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.
September
Harvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.
October
Harvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.
November
Harvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.
December
Harvest fruit when it is light green (not yellow-green) and still juicy.
Make your own gardening to-do list today!