Kaffir lime: Citrus hystrix

did you know?

It takes nearly a year for a lemon to mature and, like all other citrus fruit, it will only continue to ripen while it is on the tree. As the fruit prepares for separation from the plant, chemical changes directed by hormones occur: Green chlorophyll breaks down, and yellow, orange, and red pigments increase. The cell walls soften, and the fruit is ready for harvest.

general maintenance:

Prune sparingly, removing twiggy growth and weak branches or, when plant is young, 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. Citrus trees require moisture all year, especially during active growth and from late winter or early spring through summer when fruit is developing. 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
• Evergreen
• Fragrant

garden uses:

• Containers
• Indoors

other uses:

• Culinary/Edible (leaves and fruits)
• Cut Flower (use blossoms in bouquets)

combine with:

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