Kaffer Lime Tree

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5-6 ft

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SEE HOW YOUR TREE ARRIVES

Kaffir Lime Tree is a unique citrus variety grown primarily for its intensely fragrant leaves and highly aromatic fruit. Widely used in Thai, Indonesian, and other Southeast Asian cuisines, the glossy double leaves add bold citrus flavor to curries, soups, sauces, and stir-fries, while the bumpy fruit is prized for its flavorful zest. Combined with fragrant white blossoms, evergreen foliage, and compact growth, this tree is as ornamental as it is useful.

Botanical name: Citrus hystrix
Also known as: Kieffer Lime Tree
Bloom time: Spring
Evergreen
Grown in the USA

SUNLIGHT
Prefers full sun.

WATER
Water deeply at the base when the top 2–3 inches of soil begin to dry. During establishment, this is typically once or twice per week, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Once established, water less frequently during dry periods. Watering frequency varies depending on climate, soil type, rainfall, sunlight exposure, and establishment phase.

IDEAL CLIMATE
Hardy in USDA Zones 9–11. Kaffir Lime Tree thrives in warm climates and is an excellent choice for edible landscapes, patio containers, and home cooks who enjoy growing fresh culinary ingredients.

PLANT DESCRIPTION & MATURE SIZE

The Kaffir Lime Tree, also known as the Kieffer Lime Tree (Citrus hystrix), is a unique evergreen citrus prized as much for its intensely aromatic leaves as its distinctive bumpy fruit. A staple in Southeast Asian cuisine, its fragrant leaves add bold citrus flavor to curries, soups, and stir-fries, while the highly aromatic fruit is commonly used for its zest. With glossy dark green foliage, fragrant white blossoms, and ornamental fruit, this tree is both a culinary favorite and an attractive addition to patios, edible landscapes, and container gardens.

GROWTH RATE & MATURE SIZE:

Moderate-growing evergreen citrus tree. Typically reaches approximately 8–12 feet tall and 6–8 feet wide at maturity.

WATERING & SUNLIGHT

Water deeply at the base when the top 2–3 inches of soil begin to dry. During establishment, this is typically once or twice per week, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Once established, water less frequently, providing occasional deep watering during prolonged dry periods. Watering frequency will vary depending on climate, soil type, rainfall, sunlight exposure, and the tree's establishment phase.

Kaffir Lime Tree grows best in full sun. Provide at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for the healthiest growth, abundant foliage, flowering, and fruit production.

PLANT CARE & PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

PRUNING
Prune lightly in late winter or early spring to remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches and maintain the tree's shape. Occasional pruning also encourages fresh leafy growth for culinary use.

FERTILIZING
Feed with a fertilizer formulated for citrus trees beginning in early spring and continue according to label directions throughout the growing season. Avoid fertilizing for the first 2–3 months after delivery to allow the tree to adjust and establish.

WINTER PROTECTION
Protect young trees from freezing temperatures. In colder portions of its growing range, mulch around the base and cover the canopy during freezes. Container-grown trees should be moved indoors or to a protected location before temperatures fall below freezing.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS:

Plant Kaffir Lime Tree in a location that receives full sun and has well-draining soil. Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as the rootball and no deeper than the rootball itself. Position the top of the rootball level with or slightly above the surrounding soil, backfill with native soil, water deeply after planting, and apply a 2–3 inch layer of mulch around the base while keeping mulch several inches away from the trunk.

USDA GROW ZONE:

Zones 9-11

Kaffir Lime Tree thrives in warm, sunny climates with well-draining soil. Hardy in USDA Zones 9–11, it grows beautifully in home orchards and edible landscapes. In colder climates, it performs exceptionally well in large containers and can be moved indoors or to a protected location before freezing temperatures arrive.

Important: USDA Hardiness Zones only measure a plant's cold tolerance. They do not account for heat tolerance, humidity, rainfall, or other climate factors. Always consider your local growing conditions in addition to your USDA Zone when selecting plants.

Frequently Asked Questions

How big does Kaffir Lime Tree get?

Kaffir Lime Tree typically grows 8–12 feet tall and 6–8 feet wide, making it an excellent size for edible landscapes, home orchards, and large patio containers.

How fast does Kaffir Lime Tree grow?

Kaffir Lime Tree is a moderate-growing citrus tree that typically grows approximately 12–24 inches per year under favorable growing conditions.

Where is the best place to plant Kaffir Lime Tree?

Choose a location with at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight each day and well-draining soil. A warm, sheltered location protected from strong winds will encourage healthy growth and abundant foliage.

How far apart should I plant Kaffir Lime Trees?

Plant Kaffir Lime Trees approximately 10–12 feet apart to provide room for their mature canopy and healthy air circulation.

When does Kaffir Lime Tree bloom?

Kaffir Lime Tree typically blooms in spring, producing clusters of small, fragrant white flowers. In warm climates with ideal growing conditions, mature trees may produce additional light flushes of blooms throughout the growing season before developing their distinctive bumpy fruit.

How long does it take for Kaffir Lime Tree to produce fruit?

Most Kaffir Lime Trees begin producing fruit within 2–4 years after planting, depending on the age of the tree at purchase and growing conditions.

Can Kaffir Lime Tree grow in a container?

Yes. Kaffir Lime Tree grows exceptionally well in a large container with excellent drainage. Container growing is ideal for gardeners outside USDA Zones 9–11 because the tree can be moved indoors or to a protected location before freezing weather.

Does Kaffir Lime Tree need another citrus tree for pollination?

No. Kaffir Lime Tree is self-pollinating, so a single tree can produce fruit without another citrus tree nearby.

Are Kaffir limes the same as regular limes?

No. Kaffir limes are very different from common Persian or Key limes. While the fruit is highly aromatic, it is primarily valued for its fragrant zest rather than its juice. The tree is best known for its intensely flavorful leaves, which are widely used in Thai, Indonesian, and other Southeast Asian cuisines.

What is Kaffir Lime Tree used for?

Kaffir Lime Tree is grown primarily for its aromatic leaves and flavorful zest. The leaves are commonly used to season curries, soups, stir-fries, sauces, and marinades, while the fragrant rind is often used in cooking and baking.

More Details

*SHIPPING 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.

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1 YEAR GUARANTEE

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.

SHIPPING TO CALIFORNIA? HERE'S WHAT TO KNOW

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.