did you know?

The mandarin lime is actually a lemon and mandarin orange hybrid from northwest India. It is much hardier than true lime, and bears highly acidic, aromatic yellow-orange fruit.

general maintenance:

Prune sparingly, removing twiggy growth and weak branches, or when plant is young, prune to create desired shape. Remove suckers from base of plant as they appear. In frost-prone areas, don’t prune in fall or winter. In colder areas, bring citrus indoors before first frost date and overwinter indoors: A cool greenhouse is best, but a cool area with bright light away from direct heat will suffice.

pests/diseases:

Common greenhouse pests, including aphids and mealybugs, may occur.

controls:

Regularly hose off aphids with a directed stream of water or apply insecticidal soap, following label directions. To control mealybugs, apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, following label directions.

how to sow/plant:

Choose a sunny to partly sunny site with well-drained soil, making sure there is room for tree to reach its mature spread. To improve drainage in average soil and water retention in sandy soil, dig in a 4?6-inch layer of organic matter, such as garden compost, to a depth of 1 foot. In early spring, dig a hole twice the width of container and set plant at same depth or slightly higher than it was in pot. Fill in hole around plant with soil, and mound to form a 2-inch-high ridge around perimeter of the hole to act as a catchbasin. Water thoroughly, filling the basin and allowing water to settle several times. Spread 2-inch layer of mulch around plant. Or plant in light, well-drained potting medium in container that is at least 1 1/2 feet wide.

water and fertilize:

Water when top few inches of soil are dry but rest of root zone is slightly moist. Lemon trees require moisture all year, especially during active growth and from late winter or early spring through summer when fruit is developing. Lemons require great quantities of nitrogen, so feed with a water-soluble, nitrogen-heavy fertilizer throughout the growing season or apply a slow-release fertilizer, following label directions. In frost-prone zones, start fertilizing after last frost and stop in late summer. In hot weather, daily watering may be necessary.

garden hint:

To produce good fruit indoors, place the tree no more than 6 feet from a sunny window, away from heat sources. Mist frequently to create the ideal humidity level of 50 percent.

features:

• Attractive Flowers
• Attractive Foliage
• Attractive Fruit
• Evergreen
• Fragrant

garden uses:

• Containers
• Edging
• Indoors

other uses:

• Culinary/Edible
• Cut Flower (blossoms are often used in bouquets)

combine with:

other potted citrus like Martha does at Turkey Hill, or with sun-loving shrubs like scarlet bush ( 'Grande'), tutsan ( 'Albury Purple'), oleander and Indian hawthorn ( 'Bay Breeze') in warmer climates.