Plant family: Rutaceae
Plant origin: India.
Fruit description: West Indian Limes are up to 6cm in diameter, round, bright or pale green turning yellow when fully ripe. They are very fragrant. Fruit is produced most of the year, less in late Spring. West Indian Limes are a small lime and have seeds. They have a very strong flavour, because they are the true lime that has not been crossed with other Citrus Varieties.
Flowers: The flowers are produced all year. They are waxy, white and fragrant.
Growing conditions: The West Indian Lime is a small evergreen trees, up to 2 metres in height. They have thorns, which provides a protected nesting site for small birds like wrens. You can prune the tree to the size and shape you want. It does very well and looks great in a pot. They prefer a warm, subtropical or tropical climate. Limes, like all other citrus, like well-drained, well-prepared soil and plenty of sunshine. Fertilise the established plant at least twice a year, or more often with less fertiliser. Do not allow mulch to touch the stem or it can cause rot. Limes can tolerate light frost.
Uses: Limes can be used in juice, salad, pickles, marmalade, marinades, dips, complimenting fruits, vegetables, meat, and seafood. In cooking, use the flesh, the juice or the zest - even the leaves are good in a curry. Dried lime peel is used in Persian and Iraqi cuisine. The juice of limes is acidic and tangy, it makes a refreshing and delicious addition to drinks. It is rich in vitamin C. West Indian Limes are used in West Indian cuisine but also in any recipe where limes are used.
Medicinal uses: The juice can relieve the symptoms of a cold, especially when mixed with hot water and honey.
Pollination requirements: Self-Pollinating.
Harvest time Limes can be picked all year. Pick them when they are green, giving slightly when squeezed, with a bit of stem left on. They keep quite well at room temperature, better under refrigeration or in a cool, ventilated place.
Plant relatives Related to other citrus species including Lemon, Lime, Mandarin, Orange, Tangelo, Tangerine, Kumquat, Finger Lime, Kaffir Lime, Grapefruit, Buddha’s Hand Citron, Calamondin, Variegated Calamondin, Pummelo
Special features:
Grown by method: Grafted Pot size: 6 litre
Plant growing Height and Width for pots or in the ground planting: Grows to 1.5 metres high by 1 metres wide if Planted in a Pot. Grows 2 metres high by 2 metres wide if Planted in the Ground.
Shipping plant pot or planter bag size: 6 litre
