Mexican Key Lime

Citrus x aurantiifolia

Nature Hills Nursery

Hardy in zones 9-11, thrives in warm climates and makes an excellent container plant for northern gardeners who can overwinter indoors
Produces an abundance of small, intensely flavored limes prized for Key lime pie, cocktails, and authentic Mexican cuisine
Fragrant white blossoms attract pollinators and fill the air with sweet citrus perfume nearly year-round in ideal conditions
Self-fertile tree begins producing fruit within 2-3 years and continues bearing for decades with proper care

$110⁰⁶

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Shrub Form

#1 Container #3 Container

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Planting & Care

Where to Plant

Sunlight: Provide at least 8-10 hours of direct sunlight daily for best fruit production. Trees grown with less light will survive but produce fewer limes and may become leggy.

Soil: Plant in well-drained, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0 and 7.0. Sandy loam works best. If you have heavy clay, grow in a raised bed or large container with quality citrus potting mix to ensure proper drainage.

Watering Requirements

Keep soil consistently moist but never waterlogged during the growing season. Water deeply when the top 2-3 inches of soil feels dry, typically every 5-7 days depending on heat and humidity. Key Limes are not drought tolerant and will drop flowers, fruit, and leaves if water-stressed. Reduce watering slightly in winter but never let the root ball dry out completely.

Pruning Tips

Prune in late winter or early spring before new growth begins. Remove dead, crossing, or inward-growing branches to maintain an open canopy that allows light and air circulation. Pinch back leggy growth to encourage bushier form. Key Limes have thorns, so wear protective gloves and long sleeves when pruning.

Fertilizer Needs

Feed with a citrus-specific fertilizer three times per year: early spring, early summer, and early fall. Look for formulas containing micronutrients like iron, zinc, and manganese that citrus trees need. Avoid high-nitrogen lawn fertilizers as they promote leafy growth at the expense of fruit production.

Delivery and Shipping

Shipping Rates

Ships in 7-10 business days • Tracking provided • Weather protected

Under $50	$9.99
$50 - $99.99	$14.99
$100 - $149.99	$16.99
$150 - $198.99	$24.99
$199+	FREE

✓ Zone-specific timing • ✓ Professional packaging • ✓ Health guarantee

Understanding Our Container Sizes

At Nature Hills, our plants are sold in industry-standard nursery containers. You will notice we use the word "container" rather than "gallon." Container numbers follow a nursery trade size standard, not liquid volume. The number tells you the plant's size category and general maturity level. A larger container means a more established plant with a stronger root system.

Container Sizes

Quart

Plant age: 6 months to 1 year
Best for: Ground covers, perennials, ornamental grasses
What to expect: Our smallest and most affordable size. Well-suited for planting in multiples across a large area. Allow 1 to 2 seasons for full establishment.

#1 Container

Plant age: 1 to 2 years
Best for: Shrubs, perennials, smaller trees
What to expect: About the size of a large coffee can. A well-developed root system in a manageable size. Good value choice when you have time to let the plant grow into the space over a season or two.

#2 Container

Plant age: 2 to 3 years
Best for: Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment
What to expect: A noticeable step up from a #1 in both plant size and root development. Good choice when you want visible presence without going to a larger size.

#3 Container

Plant age: 3 to 4 years
Best for: Most plants, most situations — flowering trees, shade trees, evergreen shrubs
What to expect: Our most popular size. Strong, developed root system. Plants in a #3 container make an immediate visual impact from day one. If you want a head start rather than waiting seasons for a plant to fill in, this is typically the right choice.

#5 Container and Larger

Plant age: 4 to 5+ years
Best for: Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact
What to expect: Large, mature plants ready to make an immediate statement in your landscape. We also carry #7 and larger sizes for select varieties.

Why "Container" and Not "Gallon"?

Nursery container sizes follow an industry trade standard established for the nursery and horticulture industry. The number is a size designation, not a measurement of liquid volume. Actual soil volume varies by plant type, root mass, and growing medium. Using "container" is the accurate industry term. When you see #1, #2, or #3, think of it as the plant's size tier, not a gallon measurement.

Root Pouch Containers

Some Nature Hills plants arrive in a Root Pouch, a breathable fabric container made from 100% recycled materials. Root Pouches encourage denser root development through air pruning, which discourages root circling and promotes a stronger, more fibrous root ball at the time of planting.

Plants growing in Root Pouch fabric containers, showing the breathable woven fabric construction

There are two types. Knowing which one you have changes how you plant:

Degradable (brown or tan fabric): Plant the entire pouch directly in the ground. The fabric breaks down naturally in the soil over time.
Non-degradable (black or gray fabric): Remove the pouch before planting. Cut the bottom open with scissors, then peel the sides away. The fibrous root ball will hold its shape.

Not sure which type you have? Check the tag on your plant or contact us and we will confirm.

Full Root Pouch planting guide

Choosing the Right Size

Size	Plant Age	Best For
Quart	6 mo to 1 yr	Ground covers, perennials, grasses. Budget-friendly for mass plantings.
#1 Container	1 to 2 yrs	Shrubs, perennials, small trees. Value choice for patient gardeners.
#2 Container	2 to 3 yrs	Shrubs and trees where you want faster establishment.
#3 Container	3 to 4 yrs	Most plants. Immediate visual impact. Our most popular size.
#5 and larger	4+ yrs	Specimen plants, privacy screens, maximum instant impact.

Still not sure which size is right for your project? Our plant specialists are happy to help. Contact us and we will point you in the right direction.

Plant specifications
Plant Characteristics	Flowering, Fragrant, Attracts pollinators, Edible
Hardiness Zone	9a, 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b
Sunlight	Full sun
Height	6-12 ft
Width	6-10 ft
Preferred Soil	Loamy, Sandy
Growth Rate	Moderate
Growth Habit	Bushy
Blooms In	Spring, Summer, Fall
Flower Color	White
Foliage Color	Green
Fragrant	Yes
Pet Safety	Toxic to pets
Suitable Space	Indoors, Outdoors, Container
Botanical Name	Citrus x aurantiifolia
Species	x aurantiifolia
Class	Magnoliopsida
Does Not Ship To	AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, FL, GA, HI, ID, LA, MT, PR, TX

Few homegrown fruits deliver the satisfaction of plucking a ripe Key Lime (Citrus x aurantiifolia) straight from your own tree. Also known as Mexican Lime, West Indian Lime, or Bartender's Lime, this is the authentic lime that gives Key lime pie its distinctive tangy-floral flavor and makes a proper margarita sing.

A Compact Citrus with Big Flavor

Key Lime grows as a dense, rounded tree or large shrub reaching 6-12 feet tall with an equal spread. The glossy, dark green foliage stays evergreen year-round, creating an attractive specimen even when not in fruit. Small thorns dot the branches, a reminder of this lime's closer ties to wild citrus ancestors than its larger, thornless Persian lime cousins.

The small fruits, typically 1-2 inches in diameter, pack an aromatic punch that larger grocery store limes simply cannot match. The thin, smooth skin turns from green to yellowish-green when fully ripe, and the pale greenish-yellow flesh is seedier but far more complex in flavor than Persian limes.

Year-Round Beauty and Production

In frost-free climates, Key Lime blooms sporadically throughout the year, with the heaviest flowering in spring. The small white flowers are intensely fragrant, filling the garden with a sweet citrus perfume that attracts bees and butterflies. Because the tree flowers multiple times annually, you can often find blooms, developing fruit, and ripe limes on the same plant simultaneously.

Expect your first harvest 2-3 years after planting. A mature tree can produce dozens of limes per year, more than enough for pies, drinks, marinades, and sharing with neighbors.

Perfect for Containers

Key Lime's compact size makes it one of the best citrus choices for container growing. Gardeners in zones 8 and colder can grow Key Lime in a large pot, moving it outdoors to a sunny patio in summer and into a bright, cool room (55-65°F) for winter. The tree will drop some leaves during the transition but recovers quickly once conditions stabilize.

Choose a container at least 18-24 inches in diameter with excellent drainage. Use a quality citrus potting mix and be prepared to water more frequently than in-ground trees, sometimes daily during hot weather.

Culinary Versatility

Once you taste a homegrown Key Lime, you will understand why professional chefs and bakers insist on them. The juice is more aromatic and nuanced than Persian lime, with floral notes that elevate everything from ceviche to Thai curries to a simple gin and tonic. The zest is equally prized, adding bright citrus punch to desserts and seafood dishes.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Does the Mexican Key Lime tree have thorns, or is there a thornless variety?

Yes, Mexican Key Lime trees have small thorns along their branches, reflecting their closer relationship to wild citrus ancestors compared to thornless Persian limes. The thorns are manageable and don't significantly impact harvesting or care. Wear gloves when pruning or picking fruit to avoid scratches.

How much sunlight does a Mexican Key Lime tree need daily?

Mexican Key Lime trees need full sun, requiring 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily for optimal flowering and fruit production. In containers, place on a sunny patio during summer months. Shop at Nature Hills for healthy specimens that thrive in bright locations.

What type of soil is best for planting a Mexican Key Lime, and does it need good drainage?

Key Limes thrive in well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH between 6.0-7.0. Like all citrus, they're extremely sensitive to waterlogged conditions and will develop root rot in heavy clay or poorly draining soils. Use a quality potting mix for containers, or amend garden beds with compost and sand to improve drainage.

What are the watering requirements for a Mexican Key Lime tree after planting?

Water deeply but infrequently, allowing the top inch of soil to dry between waterings. Container-grown Key Limes need more frequent watering than ground-planted trees. Check soil moisture regularly during the first year while roots establish.

What fertilizer should I use for a Mexican Key Lime, and how often?

Use a balanced citrus fertilizer (like 10-10-10) with micronutrients every 6-8 weeks during growing season. Container plants need more frequent feeding since nutrients wash out faster. Reduce feeding in winter when growth slows, especially for potted trees moved indoors.

How is the Mexican Key Lime tree shipped, and what should I check upon arrival?

Key Lime trees typically ship as young potted plants, ready for transplanting or continued container growing. Upon arrival, check for healthy green foliage and inspect the root system if possible. Place in bright, indirect light initially and water if the soil feels dry to help it acclimate.

Mexican Key Lime

Citrus x aurantiifolia