Key lime trees have a zero tolerance of frost and require a hot humid climate to grow outdoors. However, these trees can also be grown indoors in any climate and will produce fragrant blossoms and delicious key lime fruit.

Tip 1. When purchasing a key lime tree, first check with your local nursery. Purchase a grafted key lime tree, I wouldn’t try and grow one from seed. If you purchase a tree online, check if there is a guarantee and how the tree will be shipped. It is best to get a tree at least one year old.

Tip 2. A plastic pot with great drainage should be purchased. Be sure the pot is at least 16 inches across. Also, be sure to put some stones in the bottom of the pot before you put in the soil. This will help with draining the water.

Dwarf Lime Fruit Trees

Tip 3. Use soil that is light and well draining, and has at least 25% compost material. Plant the tree so that the root crown is just below the surface. Don’t cover the trunk.

Tip 4. Place the tree in a spot where it will get 8 or more hours of direct sunlight. Keep the room temperature around 70 degrees during the day. If the temperature goes below 55 degrees, your key lime tree will become dormant.

Tip 5. Protect the tree from cooling and heating vents as this will damage the leaves.

Tip 6. Water the tree sparingly. Don’t use sterile water, use rain water if possible. Water it well, and then let the soil dry out before you water again. If you use too much water, the tree will get root rot.

Tip 7. Mist the tree with water in a spray bottle as this will give it the humidity it needs.

Tip 8. I recommend using fertilizer specific for citrus trees. Using the wrong or too much fertilizer may kill you tree.

Tip 9. Because the key lime tree is indoors, the bees and bugs from outside can not pollinate your tree. The Tasteful Garden says, “To ensure the setting of fruit when plants are growing indoors, use a small brush to lift the pollen from the stamen (male part of the flower) of one blossom and gently dust it onto the pistil (female part of the flower) in the center of another. Within a few days the pistol should begin to develop a tiny new fruit.”

Tip 10. The key limes will appear in clusters of 6 after the blooms have died. Thin these clusters to around 2 or 3 so your key limes will flourish. If you don’t, you will still get key limes, they will just be smaller.