Persian Lime (Citrus × latifolia)
Persian lime is the classic “grocery store lime” for a reason: it’s dependable, juicy, and usually seedless, with a clean tart flavor that makes everything from salsa to sparkling water taste brighter. Botanically it’s Citrus × latifolia, a cultivated lime grown as an evergreen tree that can be kept compact with pruning or allowed to become a small, rounded canopy in the ground.
When it’s happy, a Persian lime tree looks polished—glossy green leaves, clusters of white citrus blossoms, and green fruit hanging like ornaments. In Florida planting zone 9, it’s a strong backyard citrus choice in protected microclimates: full sun, good drainage, steady moisture, and a plan for cold nights (wind protection and quick frost coverage when needed) make a big difference.
If you want a citrus that feels “useful” every week, Persian lime earns its space. Pick fruit while it’s deep green and heavy for its size, keep the tree well-fed during active growth, and you’ll often get multiple bloom/fruit cycles instead of a single short harvest window.
Any reference to medicinal or culinary use of plants or plant parts should in no way be considered an endorsement by The Ocala Food Forest or its staff. Research is crucial in safe and proper consumption or experimentational use of any plant.
Plant Information
| Scientific Name: | Citrus × latifolia (Persian / Tahiti lime) |
|---|---|
| Family Name: | Rutaceae (Citrus family) |
| Common Name(s): | Persian Lime, Tahiti Lime, Bearss Lime |
| Size: | Typically 6–12 ft in home gardens (can be larger if unpruned); often kept smaller in containers |
| Plant Type: | Evergreen fruit tree (perennial) |
| Origin/Geographic Distribution: | Cultivated hybrid lime; widely grown in subtropical and tropical regions worldwide |
| Native to: | Not applicable (cultivated citrus hybrid) |
| Planted range in the USA: | Most commonly grown in Florida, California, Texas, Arizona, and Hawaii |
| Conservation Status: | Not applicable (cultivated selection) |
Cultivation
| Planting: | Plant in spring after the risk of frost; this gives roots time to establish before summer heat and storms |
|---|---|
| Sun Exposure: | Full sun (best fruiting) to partial shade |
| Soil Type: | Well-drained soil with organic matter; avoid chronically wet spots (citrus roots dislike standing water) |
| Soil pH: | 6.0 to 7.0 (slightly acidic to neutral) |
| Water Requirements: | Moderate; water deeply, then allow the upper soil to dry slightly—keep evenly moist during bloom and fruit fill |
| Fertilizer Requirements: | Moderate to high; use a citrus-focused N-P-K during active growth (spring through early fall), with micronutrients as needed. |
| Pruning Requirements: | Light pruning after harvest/major flush to shape the canopy, remove crossing branches, and keep airflow high |
| Growth Rate: | Medium–fast (about 1–2 ft per year once established, depending on fertility and irrigation) |
| Companion Planting: | Works well with living mulches and beneficial-insect plants that don’t crowd the trunk or compete heavily for water |
Tolerance and Hardiness
| Drought Tolerance: | Moderate; established trees handle short dry spells, but fruit quality drops quickly without steady moisture |
|---|---|
| Frost Tolerance: | Low; cold damage can begin near 30°F (-1°C). Lowest tolerance (short exposure): 28°F (-2°C) |
| Heat Tolerance: | High; can handle hot summers with irrigation. Upper tolerance (with adequate water): 105°F (41°C) |
| Wind Tolerance: | Moderate; provide wind protection in exposed sites to prevent leaf/fruit drop and branch breakage |
| Salt Tolerance: | Low to moderate; avoid direct salt spray and salty irrigation |
| USDA Plant Hardiness Zones: | Best in 10–11; can succeed in 9b with a warm microclimate and reliable frost protection |
Flower and Fruit Information
| Fruit Type: | Hesperidium (citrus fruit) |
|---|---|
| Harvest Time: | Often late summer through winter in warm climates (and sometimes in multiple flushes). Harvest when fruit is full-sized, glossy, deep green, and feels heavy for its size; a gentle squeeze should give a slight “spring,” and the fruit should detach with a clean twist (don’t wait for yellowing unless you prefer a softer, less tart lime). |
| Fruit Description: | Typically seedless, juicy, and tart; picked green for classic lime flavor |
| Edible Plant: | Yes |
| Edible Parts: | Juice and pulp; zest/peel is used in cooking (wash thoroughly before zesting) |
| Medicinal: | Yes (traditional use); citrus is commonly used for vitamin C-rich juice and peel oils in folk remedies (not medical advice) |
| Flower Color: | White |
| Flower Shape: | Small, five-petaled citrus blossoms (often in clusters) |
| Fragrance: | Strong, sweet citrus blossom fragrance |
| Flower Bloom Time: | Primary bloom in spring (March–May), with additional flushes possible in summer/fall (July–October) |
| Bloom Duration: | Each bloom flush lasts about 1–3 weeks depending on weather |
| Pollination: Self or Other? | Mostly self-fertile; bees improve fruit set and overall orchard activity |
Wildlife
| Attracts: | Bees and beneficial insects during bloom; birds may visit for shelter in the canopy |
|---|---|
| Pollinators: | Bees are the primary pollinators for citrus blossoms |
| Problematic Pest: | Common citrus pests include aphids, scale insects, spider mites, citrus leafminer, and (in Florida) Asian citrus psyllid. |
Health and Safety
| Toxic: | Generally not considered toxic, but citrus oils can be irritating |
|---|---|
| Poisonous Parts of Plant: | None commonly listed as “poisonous,” however leaves/peels contain aromatic oils |
| Toxic to Humans: | Not toxic; sap and peel oils can irritate sensitive skin (wash hands after pruning/harvesting) |
| Toxic to Animals: | Not typically toxic, but chewing large amounts of leaves/peel may cause stomach upset in pets due to citrus oils |
| Plant Diseases to be aware of: | Citrus greening (HLB), citrus canker, greasy spot, melanose, citrus scab, and Phytophthora root rot (names listed; pressure varies by site) |
Companion Planting
For Citrus × latifolia (Persian Lime), the best companions are plants that support pollinators, build soil, and reduce weed pressure—without competing right against the trunk. Keep the citrus dripline mulched, maintain airflow, and place companions a little out from the trunk to protect shallow feeder roots.
Florida Native: Sunshine Mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa)
Zone Range: 8–11
Benefits: Nitrogen-fixing groundcover that suppresses weeds and improves soil biology.
Use: Use as a living mulch in sunny lanes near (not touching) the lime’s mulch ring.
Florida Native: Beautyberry (Callicarpa americana)
Zone Range: 6–10
Benefits: Adds biodiversity and beneficial-insect habitat; berries support birds.
Use: Plant on the orchard edge as a soft wind buffer and wildlife support shrub.
Florida Native: Firebush (Hamelia patens)
Zone Range: 9–11
Benefits: Nectar plant for pollinators and hummingbirds; supports beneficial insects near citrus.
Use: Place in full sun nearby to keep pollinator activity high during citrus bloom.
Florida Friendly: Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan)
Zone Range: 9–11 (often grown as an annual in cooler zones)
Benefits: Nitrogen-fixer and “chop-and-drop” biomass plant that feeds soil and shades weeds.
Use: Grow as a temporary nurse plant nearby; prune frequently and use the cuttings as mulch.
Florida Friendly: Lemongrass (Cymbopogon citratus)
Zone Range: 9–11
Benefits: Dense clumps add biomass, define edges, and help keep beds tidy.
Use: Plant as a border clump a few feet away from the trunk; harvest to prevent crowding.
Florida Friendly: Basil (Ocimum basilicum)
Zone Range: 9–11 (grown as a warm-season annual)
Benefits: Flowers feed beneficial insects and pollinators; useful kitchen herb close to the orchard.
Use: Tuck into sunny gaps along the orchard edge or in containers near the tree.
Keep a wide mulch ring around the lime trunk (no competing stems at the base). Group companions by irrigation needs, and avoid dense plantings that trap humidity inside the canopy. In zone 9, prioritize wind protection and be ready to cover the tree on cold nights—healthy, well-fed citrus rebounds faster after stress.
Sources & References
Reference list used for general horticultural guidance and Florida-relevant best practices (not medical advice):
- UF/IFAS Extension (Solutions for Your Life) — Florida home citrus guidance, seasonal care, and landscape best practices.
- UF/IFAS EDIS Publication Database — research-based references for citrus nutrition, pruning, pests, and diseases (including HLB-related topics).
- Florida-Friendly Landscaping™ Program — water-wise, sustainable planting and maintenance recommendations.
- UC ANR Integrated Pest Management (IPM) — clear pest and disease ID concepts and management principles useful for home orchards.
- USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map — zone reference framework for planting suitability.