Tahitian Lime - Grafted

Summary:
The Tahitian (Persian) Lime is a heavy-bearing citrus prized for its medium, seedless, very juicy fruit with a clean tang. Harvested green, it’s ideal for cooking, cocktails and refreshing drinks. A reliable, mostly thornless tree for warm, sunny gardens and large containers.

Quick Overview:

• Common Name: Tahitian Lime (Persian Lime)
• Botanical Name: Citrus × latifolia
• Origin: Hybrid lime of the Persian/Tahitian group, widely grown in warm climates
• Height & Width: ~4 m high × 3 m wide (smaller in pots with pruning)
• Foliage: Glossy evergreen leaves forming a dense, rounded canopy
• Flowers: Fragrant white blossoms mainly spring–summer; may flush again in warm regions
• Fruit: Medium-sized, thin-rinded, seedless limes; very juicy; best picked while still green
• Wildlife Attraction: Flowers attract bees and other pollinators
• Position: Full sun in a warm, sheltered spot
• Soil: Fertile, free-draining soil or premium citrus potting mix
• Tolerance: Suits most mild climates; protect from hard frost and cold winds
• Maintenance: Low–moderate; regular watering and seasonal feeding keep crops high
• Etymology: Citrus is the classical Latin name for the citron tree; latifolia means “broad-leaved.”

Detailed Description:

Tahitian Lime is the classic, seedless lime for kitchen and bar. The tree bears heavily and can crop for much of the year in warm districts, with the best flavour when harvested green and glossy. Its clean, bright acidity and abundant juice make it perfect for marinades, desserts and drinks. Mostly thornless and neatly shaped, it’s an attractive evergreen for courtyards and edible gardens.

Well suited to large containers, this lime thrives with full sun, warmth and good drainage. Give protection from frost (especially when young) and from strong winds while fruiting to reduce drop and blemish.

Growth and Maintenance:

• Watering: Water deeply during dry periods; keep evenly moist in hot weather without waterlogging
• Fertilising: Feed with a quality citrus fertiliser in spring and late summer; use slow-release in pots
• Mulching: Maintain a 5–7 cm organic mulch to keep roots cool; leave a 25 mm gap around the trunk

Pruning:

• Formative: Lightly shape when young to establish a strong framework
• Annual Care: Remove dead or crossing branches and any shoots from below the graft
• Size Control: Tip-prune after harvest to keep compact, especially in containers

Common Uses:

• Juicing, cocktails and refreshing drinks
• Cooking and baking; marinades, dressings and desserts
• Container citrus for patios and courtyards
• Evergreen feature with fragrant spring blossom

Planting Benefits:

• Seedless Convenience: Clean, easy juicing fruit
• Heavy Crops: Reliable bearer in warm climates
• Year-Round Use: Harvests possible most of the year in mild areas
• Great in Pots: Performs well in large containers with regular care