Key Lime Bush

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1 gallon, 6"
3 gallon, 8 to 10"
5 gallon, 10 to 12"
7 gallon, 14"
10 gallon, 15 to 17"
15 gallon, 17"
"Jumbo", 7 or 10 or 15 gallon

*Nursery gallon sizes are trade sizes and do not equal standard liquid gallons

**Pot sizes in inches refer to container width (diameter), not plant or pot height.


Please Note: Sizing can differ between plant varieties and growers. Please chat with us if you need clarification.

For more information on sizing, please see our guide.

The Key Lime Bush is a compact citrus plant known for producing small, flavorful limes with a distinctive tart taste. Its fragrant white blooms and glossy green foliage add ornamental appeal, while its fruit is perfect for culinary use. This plant is ideal for warm climates and container growing, making it a versatile option for home gardeners.

  • Botanical name: Citrus aurantifolia
  • Bloom time: Spring through summer
  • Evergreen
  • Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT:
Prefers full sun.

WATER:
Water deeply and thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil begin to dry. Keep soil lightly moist, not soggy.

IDEAL CLIMATE:
Hardy in USDA Zones 9–11. Key Lime Bushes thrive in warm climates and require protection from frost.

Note: Key Lime Bushes are sensitive to cold and should be protected or moved indoors if temperatures approach freezing.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

Key Lime Bush, scientifically known as Citrus aurantifolia, is a compact, highly productive citrus plant known for its small, aromatic limes and classic tart flavor. This tropical evergreen produces fragrant white flowers followed by thin-skinned, juicy limes that are perfect for cooking, cocktails, and fresh use. With its manageable size and ability to grow in containers, the Key Lime Bush is a popular choice for patios, small gardens, and warm-climate landscapes.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate growth rate. Key Lime Bushes typically grow 6-12 inches per year and reach 6–10 feet tall and 4–8 feet wide at maturity, depending on pruning and growing conditions.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water deeply 1–2 times per week, allowing the top few inches of soil to dry slightly between watering. Citrus prefers consistent moisture but not soggy soil, and watering frequency will vary depending on climate, temperature, and soil conditions.

Key Lime Bushes grow best in full sun, which promotes strong flowering and fruit production.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING:
Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to remove dead or crowded branches and maintain shape. Regular pruning can help keep the plant compact and encourage airflow.

FERTILIZING:
Use a citrus-specific fertilizer beginning in early spring and continuing through the growing season to support healthy growth and fruit development. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the plant to adjust and establish.

WINTER PROTECTION:
Key Lime Bushes are sensitive to cold and should be protected from temperatures below 32°F. In cooler climates, grow in containers and bring indoors during winter.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Choose a planting location with full sun and well-draining soil. Dig a hole twice as wide as the root ball and about the same depth as the container so the plant sits at the same level it was growing previously. Place the plant in the hole, backfill with soil, and gently firm the soil to remove air pockets. Water thoroughly after planting. Apply 2–3 inches of mulch around the base to help retain moisture and regulate soil temperature, keeping mulch a few inches away from the trunk.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 9-11; or Zones 4-8 if overwintered indoors

Key Lime Bushes grow best in USDA Zones 9–11 and thrive in warm, tropical to subtropical climates. They are sensitive to cold and perform best in areas with mild winters and hot summers. In cooler regions, they are commonly grown in containers so they can be moved indoors during cold weather. Well-draining soil and consistent sunlight are essential for healthy growth and fruiting.

Frequently Asked Questions

Key Lime Bushes typically grow 6–10 feet tall and 4–8 feet wide, depending on pruning and growing conditions.

This citrus plant has a moderate growth rate, typically growing about 1–2 feet per year.

Plant in a full sun location with well-draining soil to encourage healthy growth and fruit production.

Most Key Lime Bushes begin producing fruit within 1–3 years after planting, depending on plant maturity and care.

No. Key Lime Bushes are self-pollinating, so a single plant can produce fruit.

Key Lime Bushes can bloom intermittently from spring through summer, with flowers and fruit often appearing at the same time.

Yes. It grows very well in large containers, making it ideal for patios or colder climates.

Key limes are typically ready to harvest when they are slightly yellow and soft, usually in summer through early fall depending on climate.

Key Lime Bushes are not cold hardy and can be damaged by temperatures below 32°F. It is best to protect or bring them indoors when temperatures drop below freezing.

Key Lime Bushes can produce fruit multiple times per year in warm climates, especially with consistent care. It’s common to see flowers and developing fruit on the plant at the same time.

More Details

We process and ship your order as quickly as possible, typically within 1-3 business days. You will receive a shipping confirmation with tracking information once your item(s) ship.

We have perfected packaging and shipping plants & trees! That is why we DO NOT use any third-party fulfillment like most other online retailers. Your trees go straight from our farm to your door, safely packaged by our team of seasoned professionals. Our process ensures your plants leave our facility and arrive to your door in the best condition possible!

In cases of extreme cold or hot weather, we may temporarily delay shipping to ensure the well-being of your plants. Our primary focus is on delivering healthy and thriving plants to you. Rest assured, we'll make every effort to notify you of any delays promptly.

Please allow additional ship times during inclement weather and sale periods. We do not process or ship orders on the weekend or U.S. Holidays. Simply Trees is not responsible for delays due to carriers, local disruptions, or weather.

See how we pack your plants!

Learn more about our Shipping Policy

At Simply Trees, we're committed to your satisfaction. If your plants arrive considerably damaged or sustained damage beyond the point of recovery, please contact us within five days at sales@simplytrees.com with clear photos of the entire plant in question for assistance. Our 1 year guarantee covers issues after planting, subject to our terms. We can't cover plants in the wrong climate or with inadequate care, but we're here to help in other situations. For a detailed understanding of our 1 year guarantee and how we ensure a fair process, click here to learn more.

All California orders require a mandatory inspection by the Texas Department of Agriculture (yep, it’s a USDA thing!). These inspections happen about once a week—typically on Tuesdays, though the day can vary. If you place an order just after an inspection, your plant may not ship for several days until the next one. Unfortunately, we’re not able to expedite this part of the process.

Also, due to USDA regulations, we’re unable to ship oak trees, citrus or fruit trees (except olive trees) to California. This rule helps prevent the spread of pests and diseases and applies to nurseries across the country.

Thanks for your patience—we’ll make sure it’s worth the wait.

What's inside?

Your order from Simply Trees is more than just a box of plants—it’s a carefully curated experience. Here’s what’s inside:

  • We hand-select our plants for premium-quality from top growers nationwide
  • Each plant is then cleaned, prepped, and pruned to remove any blemishes and encourage new growth
  • Expertly treated and inspected for preventative measure
  • The pot is wrapped in a durable plastic bag and secured with a zip tie; house plants get extra protection with a recyclable nursery bag. Some Jumbo plants may be carefully removed from their nursery pot and burlapped to protect the rootball and ensure safe transit.
  • Your plant is strapped into our durable double-pane boxes, secured in place with a heavy-duty zip tie to ensure safe transit
  • A thank you card with a QR code leads to our guide on welcoming your new plants home

We take pride in making sure every detail is just right, so you can enjoy your new greenery from the moment it arrives.

SUSTAINABLE SHIPPING, QUALITY CARE

We've perfected the art of packaging and shipping plants and trees! Unlike most online retailers, we handle everything in-house—no third-party fulfillment. Our experienced team carefully packages your plants to ensure they arrive from our farm to your door in perfect condition.