Palestine Lime Tree

We love Key Limes, Tahiti Limes, Rangpur Limes and Mexican Limes for their tart flavor that gives us such mouth-puckering treats like pies and limeades and great sour flavored condiments. (What's a fish taco without the lime?) But sometimes that lime taste is just a little overwhelming and lemon just won't work. That's when you need a delicious Palestine Lime (Citrus limettioides)!

Palestine Limes aren't ripe until they turn a soft yellow (not green like other limes). When they ripen they have a mild lime flavor, perfect for Middle Eastern and Asian cooking. These limes are wonderful squeezed in juice or tea, or grated for zest in baked goods or curries.

The trees start off the season with very aromatic white flowers, which will make your garden smell heavenly! Palestine Limes are strong growers in pots indoors by a sunny window, too.

Planting and Application:

This tree is a great landscape tree that is one of the hardiest Citrus trees in cultivation. It is so hardy that growers often use it as rootstock for less hardy varieties, harnessing the robustness of the Palestine Sweet Lime tree roots and trunk to grow more fragile fruit in cooler places.

The broadleaf evergreen leaves are wonderful hedges and property division, creating lush shade, and Citrus trees, in general, are lovely edible ornamentals in their own right! From the glistening and fragrant white blooms to the yar-round foliage, you'll enjoy a specimen tree and wonderful shade tree for both front or back-yard enjoyment! These are also fantastic pruned smaller and used in containers, indoors or out.

• Subtle Lime flavor - not overpowering
• Hardiest Citrus Tree available
• Great in containers
• Rounded fruit - Bright yellow rind & flesh
• Specimen & Ornamental Tree

#ProPlantTips for Care:

The Palestine Lime tree is a very hardy, adaptable, and tolerant Citrus with a tough root system. Plant in a full sun location that is very well-drained and fertile, preferring its environment slightly on the acidic side. Citrus trees dislike soggy soil and prefer to dry out some between waterings.

Protecting Citrus From Cold

If the temperatures in your area ever dip below that 40°F range or are prone to overnight frosts, then you need to be ready to protect your tree.

Although Citrus can grow year-round in warmer regions (zones 9 and 10), they can also thrive in colder areas (zones 4 to 7) as long as the tree is brought indoors prior to the first frost of winter.

In zone 8, you can cover your tree in the event of a cold snap or unexpected overnight freeze. Citrus will need to be planted in a sheltered spot to avoid the worst of the chill, and not planted in a low area that collects cold air. If a spot like that is unavailable, or you are in a chill-prone climate, then you are safer planting Citrus Trees in a large, deep container with wheels to easily move them to a protected location or indoors when needed.

In cold growing zones, begin slowly acclimating your tree indoors in the fall, or into a protected location, eventually moving your tree inside. Indoor plants need a bright indirect sun window, greenhouse, sunroom, or enclosed patio for the winter. In spring, reverse this process and begin acclimating your tree to again be back out in the full sun all summer. This reduces stress and leaf drop.

• Full sun, low moisture needs
• Provide regular fertilizer
• Learn about Pruning Fruit Trees and Caring for Citrus Trees in our Garden Blog
• Slightly acidic soil that's enriched & well-drained
• Prune after fruiting if needed

Nature Hills ships only strongly rooted and well-branched young trees. They'll come to you in top-notch condition and are ready to be planted in your yard or favorite large pot. So order one of the sweetest Limes available at NatureHills.com to begin growing your own Palestine Lime Tree today!