Under Construction

Plant Care
The Citrus aurantifolia 'Mexican' Plant Care Instruction has been successfully copied to your clipboard. Go to plant list and paste it.
Plant Care
You have successfully used the Citrus aurantifolia 'Mexican' Plant Care Instruction.
Back
Steve Brigham
Plant Care Guide

Mexican lime (Citrus aurantifolia 'Mexican')

Key Lime

Click HERE to see the plant details, or save notes for this plant.

  • General Information
  • Buy
  • Plant
  • Sow Seeds
  • Fertilize
  • Water
  • Prune
  • Mulch
  • Protect
  • Pest/Disease Inspection
  • Treat for Pest/Disease
  • Transplant
  • Propagate
  • Harvest
  • Special requirements

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.

Sunset Zones

USDA Zones

Web Link

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!

Plant

When's a good time to plant this plant or bulb? Any special planting instructions?

Sow Seeds

When can you plant these seeds? When's the best time? Can you start them indoors and move them out? Do they have any special requirements?

Fertilize

When should you fertilize this plant? Which kind of fertilizer do you recommend? Should you use different fertilizers at different times of year?

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.

Prune

When's a good time to prune this plant? How about deadheading, pinching back, trimming or any other grooming? Any special requirements?

Mulch

Does this plant need to be mulched? Are there specific types of Mulch which are better for this plant? How much?

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.

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.

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.

Transplant

When's the best time to dig up and transplant this from one spot to another? (This is different than planting). Any special requirements?

Propagate

When's a good time to divide, take cuttings, layer or propagate this plant. Any special requirements?

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.

Special requirements

Any other requirement for this plant? Is there anything that doesn't fit into the other care categories?