Growing Lime in Australia: The Complete Guide
Lime is a moderate citrus tree to grow, needing full , sheltered sun with regular, deep watering.
Lime is one of the moderate additions to a home garden, and this article walks through everything behind our one-page printable guide in a bit more depth.
Planting depth
Limes are the most frost-tender of the common citrus — give them the warmest, most sheltered spot available, ideally against a north-facing wall in cooler zones.
Getting Lime Into the Ground
Method — plant with the graft union above soil level; stake loosely. Soil — well-drained, slightly acidic. Timing — plant in spring, in the warmest, most sheltered position you have.
Day-to-Day Care
Worth paying attention to:
- Protect from frost while young — even light frost can damage limes.
- Water deeply and regularly, especially through fruit set.
- Feed with a citrus fertiliser three times a year.
- Mulch around the drip line, clear of the trunk.
Common Problems
Keep these points in mind:
- Frost damage — the main risk; shelter or cover in cold snaps.
- Citrus leaf miner — silvery trails; prune affected tips.
- Gall wasp — swollen stems; prune out before spring.
- Sooty mould — follows sap-sucking pests; treat the pest.
When and How to Harvest
Signs — full size, still green (most limes are picked green) and glossy. Method — cut or twist from the stem. Curing — none needed. Storage — room temperature about a week, or refrigerated 2–3 weeks.
For the condensed, printable version of everything above, head to the main lime guide page.