How to Grow Lime Tree in Australia
A year-round fruit for the long-term patch
Growing Lime Tree at home is well within reach for most Australian gardeners, and this guide walks you through every step. It is rated intermediate to grow. Saves ~$4-8/week, fresh limes cost more than lemons and are used constantly in Australian cooking.
This guide covers when to plant Lime Tree in your region, the position and soil it likes, how to plant it, day-to-day care, the pests and diseases to watch, and how to harvest and store your crop.
When to Plant in Your Region
Lime Tree is a year-round crop, frost-tender and needs a frost-free run. In subtropical South-East Queensland it is best planted in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. Timing shifts with your climate, so choose your region below for a local calendar.
Position and Soil
Give Lime Tree full sun (at least 6 hours a day). It does best in free-draining soil with a pH around 6 to 7.5. Dig through plenty of compost before planting, and mulch to hold moisture and keep weeds down. It grows happily in a pot of 50cm+ (dwarf varieties), which makes it a fine choice for balconies and courtyards.
Planting
Plant Lime Tree into a well-prepared hole the same depth as the rootball and twice as wide. Allow about 300 cm between plants (more for full-size trees) so each has room and airflow. Water in well, stake if needed, and keep the area weed-free while it establishes.
Tahitian lime is bulletproof across SEQ. Mulch wide but keep clear of the trunk.
Care
Water consistently, roughly 20 L per plant every 3 days in warm weather, less in cool or wet spells. Feed every few weeks through the growing season with a balanced organic fertiliser, and keep mulch topped up.
Pests and Diseases
Keep an eye out for Citrus gall wasp, Bronze orange bug, Leaf miner and Scale. The main diseases to watch are Citrus canker and Melanose. Good spacing, watering at the base rather than over the leaves, and crop rotation prevent most problems. See our Pest and Disease Guide to identify and fix any issue.
Harvesting and Storage
Lime Tree is typically ready to harvest within roughly 24 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer). Bench for 1 week, fridge for 3 to 4 weeks. Juice and freeze well.
In the Kitchen
In the kitchen, lime tree is good squeezed into cocktails and sparkling water, juiced for curries, marinades and dressings, zested into desserts and cakes and made into lime curd or cordial. Nutritionally: high in vitamin C for immunity and aids digestion and nutrient absorption.
Companion Planting
Lime Tree grows well alongside Comfrey. Our Companion Planting Guide has the full pairings.
Track Your Lime Tree Growing
Add lime tree to your garden in the Planting Season app and get reminders for planting, care and harvest, tuned to your region.
Open the App →Frequently Asked Questions
When should I plant Lime Tree in Australia?
Lime Tree is a year-round crop. In subtropical regions like South-East Queensland it is best planted in March, April, May, June, July, August and September. Timing changes with your climate, so use the calendar above for your region.
How long does Lime Tree take to grow?
Lime Tree is generally ready to harvest within roughly 24 months once established (young plants may take a season or two longer).
Can I grow Lime Tree in a pot?
Yes. Lime Tree grows well in a container of 50cm+ (dwarf varieties) with free-draining mix and regular watering.
How much sun does Lime Tree need?
Give it full sun (at least 6 hours a day) for the healthiest growth and best harvest.
See also: Lime Tree in the Plant Library
