Lime tree is a plant that can be a part of your herb garden. Lime tree is a plant that is grown mostly in the tropical and subtropical regions, where the temperatures are usually in the range of 60-75 degrees Celsius. The lime tree can grow properly, only if the temperatures do not fall below 50 degrees Celsius.
Lime Tree Information
One of the more popular lime trees, that most of us already know about, is the 'Citrus aurantifolia', commonly known as the semi dwarf lime tree or Mexican lime tree. In some parts of the US, it is also known as the Indian lime or West Indian lime. It is of the size of a small walnut and is yellow when ripe. It is one of the most juicy, citrus fruits. If you wish to experience the fragrance of this lime tree, just rub a leaf on your palms. The tree is generally bushy, thorny and cannot resist cold temperatures. Citrus latifolia or Bearss ('Tahiti' in Persian) is another lime plant, whose fruits completely resemble a lemon and are dark green in color. These are large trees and are usually less thorny. The commercial lime flavored drinks are mostly manufactured from this lime. This lime tree plant is also known as bartenders lime, as it has found application in many drinks.
How To Grow A Lime Tree
Growing a lime tree is just like bringing up a child, with care and constant monitoring! Some of the ways and precautionary measures, that are important to grow a lime tree, are mentioned below.
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The first step you need to take is to plan the lime tree at a specific, suitable location in your house. Remember, the lime tree is a plant that requires ample amounts of sunlight. It has a great affinity for sunlight and it extracts essential plant nutrients from the sun's rays. Make sure that the area/place where you are going to plant your lime tree, receives plenty of sunshine. Mostly, if the lime tree faces the southern sun, it is good for its growth. However, suitable amount of sunlight is different from excessive exposure to sun's rays. Carefully, draw a line between the both!
Don't let the H2O Stagnate
Don't take any precautions and forget all the methods of growing a lime tree, and you can still succeed in growing a lime tree, if you just take care of this factor. The drainage system for the lime tree should be competent and constant. A lime tree needs a good amount of water, so you have got to be disciplined in supplying it with enough water. Make sure the soil area around the lime tree is a bit higher than the ground area outside it. This prevents any extra water from pooling in the roots of the lime tree. Also, there should not be any stagnant water in the pots, containers or lane, where you have planted the lime tree.
Fix it Firmly
When you are refilling the hole/container or the place where you planted it, make sure that it is properly rooted to the ground. If by mistake or negligence, a small space, gap or air packet is created, it will hinder the proper growth of the lime tree.
Lime Tree Care
Give your lime tree the following lime tree care.
Heavy Feeders
These plants are very heavy feeders of fertilizers. It is necessary to give them a lot of nitrogenous fertilizers, for the proper nourishment of these plants. Magnesium and phosphorus are the two important requirements for this plant. Using Epsom salts with water can be a good supplement for them. The pH of the soil usually used for citrus fruits, is 6 to 6.9, so a lime tree must have a pH in this range.
Water Consistently
Water your lime tree regularly and take care that if you are planting the lime tree indoors, provide it with sufficient sunlight. There should be a balance between the amount of the sunlight and water given.
Prune it Carefully
In the quest to give a nice trimmed look to your lime tree plant, don't prune it to the extent that the small fruits that were to blossom within few days, are accidentally cut and leave you complaining that the lime tree did not bear fruits. Pruning is necessary, but only when the plant has bushes and outgrown branches that seriously makes it difficult to inspect the fruits and leaves.
Be Alert towards Lime Tree Diseases
Lime tree diseases are the number one killers of these plants. Make sure that as soon as you see any leaf, fruit or branches infested by seasonal insects, take the necessary steps and eliminate them. Make use of pest control methods to avoid insects and pests.
A lime tree plant can add to the beauty of your garden and refresh you every time you pass it!
