Lime

Lime — a warmth-loving plant that in countries with cold climates can be grown in pots or containers in a winter garden. The most common cultivar for commercial production is 'Mexican'.

In natural conditions lime is a small tree or shrub 1.5–5 m tall with a dense crown. Branches are covered with short thorns. Axillary inflorescences contain from 1 to 7 flowers. Fruits are ovoid, 3.5–6 cm in size, with very acidic, greenish flesh. The rind is very thin, green, yellowish-green or yellow. There are few seeds; seedless fruits exist.

Flowers and fruits form throughout the year. Peak flowering occurs in May–June. Mass fruit ripening falls in August–October.

Limes grow in warm subtropical or tropical climates. The homeland of the lime is the Malay Peninsula. The main producers of limes are India, Egypt, Mexico and the Caribbean islands. The largest lime plantation in Colima (Mexico) has more than two million trees.

Care. Care consists of regular watering, fertilizing and spraying with soft water. Lime is a tropical plant and therefore requires warmth and humid air. It is advisable to place a humidifier nearby.

Temperature. Lime is one of the least cold-hardy among citrus species; it does not tolerate temperatures below zero. It is well adapted to the conditions of a humid tropical climate.

Spraying: regular, at least once a day.

Soil: lime is considered undemanding regarding soil conditions; it can grow on poor sandy and rocky soils. However, lime is more sensitive than most citrus crops to adverse soil-climatic conditions. The best soils are light loams with a deep arable horizon and good drainage. When grown in a container, fertile, well-drained soil with neutral pH is required.

Watering: as the root ball dries out; avoid letting it dry out completely or waterlogging.

Fertilizers: it is recommended to fertilize lime during periods of active growth, flowering and fruit set. In summer fertilize once every two weeks with a special citrus fertilizer. You can alternate mineral fertilizers with a feed of cow manure solution. In winter reduce the frequency of fertilization by half. If the lime overwinters at a reduced temperature, fertilizers are not needed in winter.

Pruning and shaping. By pruning and pinching young shoots you can give the tree the desired shape.

Propagation. Propagation is by seeds and semi-hardwood cuttings. Seeds must remain moist before sowing, as their germination is lost when they dry out. To increase disease resistance, lime is grafted onto grapefruit, Cleopatra mandarin or Tahiti lime rootstocks.

Overwintering. Lime overwinters at 10–15 °C. Supplemental lighting is necessary: on cloudy days – all day; on clear days – in the evenings so that the total photoperiod is 12 hours.

Pests and diseases: Gummosis (gum exudation), sooty mold, mealybugs, scale insects, spider mites, aphids

Uses. Limes are mainly used for juice production, which is used in cooking or mixed with other drinks in the making of tropical punches and cocktails. Fresh fruits are rarely eaten raw.

The peel and pomace remaining from juice production are an important source of lime oil. Oil is obtained from the fruit pulp by steam distillation and serves as a source of citrus aroma in a large number of blenders, soft drinks, essences and flavorings sold on the international market.