Uses

Fruits are commonly used in beverages and as an ingredient in desserts (Key Lime Pie for example). The fruits can be used just like any other limes.

Plant Cultivation

A small tree, generally to 10-20ft. The Key Lime is more cold sensitive than most of its relatives, and tends to be injured or killed with temperatures below 32F. It isn't too picky about soils and adapts fairly well to sandy soils. Keep trees well drained, extensive periods of flooding can kill the tree. Grow in full sun, trees need quite a bit of heat to set quality fruit. Fruits ripen about 5-6 months following flowering. In California, flowers are produced during spring-summer. Propagation: By seeds which are polyembrionic and can produce multiple seedlings. Also by grafting, which trees tend to produce fruit a bit faster (3-4 years, vs. 4-7 for seedlings).

Origin and Distribution

Native to southeast Asia. Was cultivated for centuries throughout Asia and the Middle East.

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