Botanical Name: Citrus × latifolia
Tahitian Lime is a popular evergreen citrus tree producing smooth, juicy green limes with a fresh, tangy flavour. A versatile addition to the home garden, the fruit is perfect for drinks, cooking, marinades, desserts and garnishes, while fragrant white blossoms add seasonal interest.
Key Features
• Produces juicy, nearly seedless limes
• Reliable and productive variety once established
• Fruit can be harvested green or left to mature to yellow for a milder flavour
• Self-fertile – only one tree is needed to produce fruit
• Suitable for growing in the ground or in a large pot
• Can produce fruit over an extended season in suitable conditions
Pet Friendly: No. Citrus plants are not considered pet-friendly. Keep your pets from chewing the plant or consuming large amounts of fruit or peel that may cause digestive upset or other reactions.
Size Available
• Height: Approximately 1-1.2m
• Pot Size: 250mm
• Mature Size:
Grafted variety: Approximately 3–4m tall × 2–3m wide; can be maintained smaller with pruning
Dwarf variety: 1.6-2m tall x 1.6-2m wide
Care Guide
1. Light: Plant in full sun for the best flowering and fruit production. Aim for at least 6 hours of direct sunlight per day. In Melbourne, choose a warm, sunny position protected from strong winds and heavy frost.
2. Water: Water deeply 2–3 times per week during the first few months after planting, adjusting for rainfall and soil moisture. Once established, water deeply around once a week during warm, dry weather. More frequent watering may be required for plants grown in pots. Maintain consistent moisture during flowering and fruit development, but allow excess water to drain freely and avoid waterlogged soil.
3. Soil: Prefers fertile, well-drained soil that is slightly acidic to neutral. Improve poor soil with compost or well-rotted organic matter before planting. For pots, use a premium-quality potting mix suitable for citrus. Mulch around the root zone to retain moisture, keeping mulch away from direct contact with the trunk.
4. Fertiliser: Feed with a quality citrus fertiliser in early spring, early summer and again in early autumn, following the manufacturer’s recommended application rate. Regular feeding helps support healthy foliage, flowering and fruit production. Water thoroughly after applying fertiliser.
5. Pruning: Prune lightly after fruiting or as needed to maintain the desired size and shape. Remove dead, damaged, crossing or weak branches and any growth from below the graft. Avoid heavy pruning, as this can reduce flowering and fruit production.
