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citrus: lime, sweet

Member profile details

PLANT PROFILE SHEET PDF

http://leafnetworkaz.org:80/resources/PLANT%20PROFILES/Citrus_Lime_sweet_profile.pdf

IDENTIFICATION

Common Name

citrus: lime, sweet

Photo #1

Scientific Name

Citrus limettioides Tanaka

Family

Rutaceae

Spanish Name

lima dulce chichona

Species Description

Sweet lime trees are medium sized and moderately vigorous, with nearly thornless, widespread, drooping branches. The leaves are broad-lanceolate and serrated, with nearly wingless petioles. The flowers are borne singly on the leaf axils or in terminal clusters of two to ten; the fruits may be solitary or in small bunches. The fruit is obovate, somewhat flattened, with the apex rounded into a prominent nipple. The peel is bright green and at maturity will begin to turn yellow. The flesh is acidless, dry, and pungent.

NATURAL / CULTURAL HISTORY

AZ Native or Introduced

Introduced to Arizona

Cultural-Historic Notes

Little is known about the origin of sweet lime, though it may be a hybrid of a Mexican lime and a sweet lemon or citron. The primary areas of cultivation include central and northern India, northern Vietnam, countries of the Mediterranean coast, and the tropical Americas.

GROWTH FORM & RATE

Growth Form

Tree

Tree or Understory

Tree

Other Growth Characteristics

Evergreen
Thorns / Spines

Growth Rate

Moderate

Canopy Diameter

15 feet

Tree Height

15-20 feet

Lifespan

50+ years

Years to Bearing, if nursery tree is 1-2 years old; grafted

1-2 years

Chill Hours

None required

Freeze Tolerance

Citrus are hardy to 23-26 degrees F, though this may depend on cultivar.

Site, Micro-Climate, and Growing Considerations

A warm location in full sun with air circulation and drainage provides best growing conditions for citrus trees. Citrus trees are very spiny so care should be taken in their placement, especially in public spaces.

Appropriate Arizona Elevation Categories

MID DESERT: Tucson, Ajo, Safford, Casa Grande - USDA Zones 9a-9b (20-30ºF)
LOW DESERT: Phoenix, Lake Havasu City, Yuma - USDA Zones 9b-10a (25-35ºF)

USDA Interactive Plant Zone Map for Arizona

USDA Interactive Plant Zone Map for Arizona

WATER

Relative Plant Water Use

High: 35-60 inches / year

Post-Establishment Irrigation Needs

2 X Month in Growing Season

Notes on Species-Specific Water Needs

Citrus need about 4-6 inches of water per month in the summer

CARE

Pollination

Flowers are self-fertile and also may be cross-pollinated. Honey bees effective at pollinating flowers.

Soils

Citrus can grow on a wide range of soil types from sand to loam to heavy clay as long as they are well drained. Ideal pH of 6-6.5. Different rootstocks prefer different soil types.

Pest & Disease Control

Citrus are prone to many diseases and pests. We recommend consulting the Cooperative Extension citrus specialist.

Pruning Notes

Citrus trees should be trained to a suitable shape with open center. Three objectives: increase total leaf area, improve airflow through canopy, and increase light to branches. Proper training keeps tree the correct size for ease of care and harvest. Remove long, vigorous upright shoots to control tree size. Dead and crossing branches should be removed. Watersprouts should be removed from the base of the tree, as should branches that touch the ground. Prune citrus in January and February. When pruning, cut all limbs flat to the branch at the point of attachment.

HARVEST & PROCESSING

Edible Parts

Citrus should be harvested when it has full color or flavor and when it can be eaten immediately. The tree is the best place to store citrus. Sweet limes may be eaten when they are still green, though they will become more yellow as they mature. Sweet limes are a delightful, pungent, low-acid citrus to eat fresh, and they may also be made into marmalade and preserves.

Harvest Months

January
February
March
April
May
June
July
August
September
October
November
December

Harvest and Processing Guide

Harvest and Processing Guide

LEAF is under the fiduciary stewardship of the Arizona Community Tree Council, a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.

PO Box 65122, Phoenix, Arizona 85082-5122

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY

This website and other LEAF Network products shown here was prepared under the Diverse Urban Forest grant, WCG 14-501, administered by the Arizona Community Tree Council. Funds for this project were provided by the Urban and Community Forestry Financial Assistance Program administered through Arizona Department of Forestry and Fire Management – Urban and Community Forestry Program and the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) Forest Service. In accordance with Federal law and USDA policy, this institution is prohibited from discriminating on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, or disability (Not all prohibited basis applies to all programs). To file a complaint of discrimination, write USDA, director, Office of Civil Rights, Room 326-W, Whitten Building, 1400 Independence Avenue, SW, Washington, DC 20250-9410 or call (202) 720-5964 (voice and TDD). USDA is an equal opportunity provider and employer.