How to grow Lime Tree in Australia

Plant in full sun in free-draining soil with shelter from frost and cold wind. Water deeply and regularly while keeping the roots from sitting wet, and feed with a citrus fertiliser through the growing season.

At a glance

Difficulty: Intermediate
Sun: Full sun
Water: 20 litres a week, watered every 3 days
Spacing: 300 cm
Time to harvest: 730 days (about 2 years)
Time to germinate: 1 days
Soil pH: 6 to 7.5
Frost tolerance: Frost tender

When to sow by region

Region	When to sow	Regional note
South East Queensland	March to September
Northern Rivers NSW	March to September
Sydney & Coastal NSW	March to September
Melbourne & Victoria	October and November	More frost tender than lemon, so wait until October. Melbourne frosts run roughly mid May to mid September; planting Oct to Nov in a warm sheltered spot gives a full warm season before winter.
Adelaide & SA	March and April, September and October	Limes grow well in Adelaide but are more frost tender than lemons. Plant Sep to Oct in a warm sheltered spot; Mar to Apr also works on the plains.
Perth & WA	May to September	Mediterranean: lime trees thrive in warmth. No calendar adjustment; establish spring-autumn.
Tasmania	October and November	Marginal. Tahitian lime needs a frost-free wall or a pot that moves under cover in winter. Plant Oct to Nov.
Canberra & ACT	Not suited	Too frost tender for Canberra. Keep a Tahitian lime in a pot moved under cover for winter.
North Queensland	May to October	Dry season establishment May to Oct. Lime trees ideal for tropical north; fruit year-round.
Darwin & Top End	May to October	Dry season establishment May to Oct. Lime trees ideal for tropical north; fruit year-round.

Companion planting

Good companions

Comfrey

Harvest and storage

Harvest tip

Pick when fruit reaches full size and feels heavy, as most limes are best picked still green and firm. Twist or cut from the branch.

Storage

Bench for 1 week, fridge for 3 to 4 weeks. Juice and freeze well.