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Kaffer Lime Tree
Kaffer Lime Tree
Grows in a pot, almost anywhere
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Fruit & Citrus

Kaffer Lime Tree

Will it grow where you live?

Zones 9-11

Can't ship to California, Florida, or Georgia.

Size: 5-6 ft
$132 $165

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1-year guaranteeShips in 1–5 daysReal plant experts

From our farm to your front door

  • Shipped in its nursery pot, so the roots stay undisturbed
  • Root ball wrapped and zip-tied so the soil stays put
  • Packed so the tree stays steady on the way to you

At a glance

Sunlight
Full Sun
Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry
Growth & size
Moderate-growing evergreen citrus tree. Typically reaches approximately 8–12 feet tall and 6–8 feet wide at maturity.
Botanical name
Citrus hystrix
Hardiness
Zones 9-11
Tolerates
Heat tolerantHumidity tolerantCoastal tolerant
USDA zone map for Kaffer Lime Tree

Where it grows in the groundShaded areas are the zones where it can be planted outdoors.

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What customers are saying

Why customers love it

Fruit you grow yourself

Fresh citrus from your own patio or sunny window.

Grows in a pot

Patio in summer, sunny window in winter.

Fragrant blooms

White blossoms with a sweet citrus scent.

Healthy, well-rooted trees

Hand-selected from trusted growers and shipped to your door.

Care made simple

If you can keep a houseplant happy, you can grow citrus.

Sun
6–8 hrs direct

A sunny patio, or your brightest window in winter.

Water
When the top 2" of soil is dry

Water slowly and deeply. Skip it if the soil still feels moist.

Feed
3 times a year

Citrus fertilizer in early spring, mid-summer and early fall.

Cold
Inside below 32°F

Bring the pot indoors before a freeze.

Your first year together

  1. 1Day 1

    Unbox and water slowly until the whole root ball is soaked.

  2. 2First few weeks

    A few dropped leaves is normal while it settles in.

  3. 3Month 3

    First feeding. Hold off on fertilizer until then.

  4. 4Spring

    Fragrant white blooms.

  5. 5Harvest season

    Pick fruit when it is fully colored and gives a little.

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.
Watering & sunlight
Water deeply at the base when the top 2 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.
Pruning, feeding & winter care

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.

Shipping & what's inside

Your tree ships in its nursery pot with the root ball wrapped in a protective liner and zip-tied, so the soil stays in and the tree stays steady.

1-year guarantee

Every tree is covered by our 1-year guarantee. If something goes wrong, contact our team and we'll walk you through it.

Answered by Simply Trees plant experts
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.
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