SOIL AND CLIMATE

The Key lime is very sensitive to cold temperatures, which limits it to warm tropical and subtropical regions throughout the world. Locally cold locations within the area you wish to plant may be hazardous whereas locally warm locations outside that area may be much more suitable. If you plan to grow a key lime tree it should be sheltered from cold north winds. The key lime has a high total heat requirement and needs plenty of direct sunlight in order to produce good sized fruit. The key lime is extremely well adapted to a many types of soils. When it was formerly grown commercially in it's naturalized areas of the Florida Keys, it was well suited to the rocky alkaline soils. However due to flooding and salt water intrusion, the salt damage proved to be a frequent problem. The tree itself thrives in deep sandy soils but this tends to effect the overall fruit production, resulting in limes that are larger and less juicy and have a thicker peel. Key lime trees must have good drainage, as they will not tolerate flooded conditions.

PLANTING AND EARLY CARE

The best time to plant from seed is late winter or early spring. If you are planting from potted trees it may be done at any time in warm locations. Each tree should be allowed at least 12 feet of growing room in all directions. As stated above, the optimum planting site will have good drainage and air circulation, plenty of exposure to sunlight, and be well protected from cold north winds. Before planting a potted tree, remove any weeds from the planting area. Most soil conditions require a hole slightly wider than the container itself, but in rocky soils you should dig the hole at least twice the width and depth of the container. When setting the tree in the ground , it is recommended that it be slightly higher than it was growing in the container. Refill the hole around the plant, tamping and watering in order to eliminate air pockets.
The newly planted tree should be watered 3 times a week for 3 weeks. Reduce the frequency to once a week during dry periods. Pay attention to weed growth, as this eventually becomes competition for water and nutrients. Do not allow the tree to wilt, but do not over water. Remember that the key lime does not tolerate flood conditions, and too much water can damage roots, especially in poorly-drained soils. Prune the tree only to shape it, and to remove any random sprouts that appear on the trunk. After the first growth appears, fertilize the tree with 1/2 pound of mixed fertilizer (check with a local nursery) and continue every 6 weeks for the first 3 years. Nutritional sprays can be applied 3 times per year or as needed.