Citrus Kieffer Lime Tree is a semi-dwarf cultivar that is valued not only for fruit production but also for ornamental purposes and can fit beautifully into an edible landscape. The tree blooms in clusters of small, fragrant, waxy, pinkish white blossoms with yellow anthers and produces an abundant crop of 2-inch, rounded, bumpy-skinned green fruit, throughout the year in warm climates. A chef's lime, the leaves, zest, and juice are used in Thai, Cambodian, and Indonesian cuisine. When fully ripened, the limes take on a yellow hue and fall from the tree.
Citrus Kieffer Lime Tree, also known as makrut lime, Thai Kieffer lime, and Thai bergamot, can grow up to between 10 to 15 feet tall at full maturity (about 4 years) but can easily be pruned to maintain any desired size and shape. And in cooler climates, it can be grown in a container and moved indoors during winter, if ample sunlight is provided. Although a container grown tree will not reach its full growth potential, it will still flower and set full-sized fruits.
Citrus Kieffer Lime Tree is an evergreen with handsome, shiny, citronella-scented foliage and a moderate growth rate. It makes an excellent accent or specimen and can be trained as an espalier. But it is also a great houseplant.
Easy to grow and care for, especially in warm tropical to sub-tropical climates, Citrus Kieffer Lime Tree requires at least 6 or more hours of full sun a day and grows best in deep, fertile, well-drained, sandy soil. Plants should be protected from strong winds and temperatures below 32°F. If container grown, the plant should be brought inside at the first sign of frost and placed in a location with plenty of bright sunshine. It should not be kept too warm, however, because cooler winter temperatures encourage flowering. The tree is self-pollinating and will bear fruit without any pollen from other varieties.
Citrus trees will ship at the appropriate planting time based on your growing zone. Citrus trees do not ship in December or January. Plant height is 18-36" when shipped.
