Lime trees are very cold-sensitive citrus trees, and they can only be planted in warm, temperate climates. The majority of their fruit is produced in the summer, but some may bear fruit throughout the year.
Lime trees only grow to a height of around 16 feet, featuring thick, uneven branches. Throughout its first few years, the tree’s energy will be concentrated on growth and nutrient storage rather than fruit production.
Growing lime trees with a proper understanding of their life cycle prepares you for the challenges that might come.
Germination
Lime seeds are light brown and round. The seed contains an embryo that will germinate and grow when conditions are favorable.
The seed will germinate a few weeks after planting. As it is sprouting, it utilizes the starches contained within the seed. The sprout’s leaves grow upwards, while its primary root finds its way further down the soil.
The seedling eventually develops a root system that absorbs soil water and nutrients. At this stage, the seedling performs photosynthesis to generate energy, which allows the plant to keep growing.
Once a seedling reaches about 6 inches in height, it can be carefully transplanted into a larger pot.
Juvenile
Juvenile lime trees grow at a consistent rate of 13 to 24 inches each year until it reaches maturity.
The sapling acquires distinctive traits such as long and broad dark green oval-shaped leaves, needle-like spines, and long thin stems. The leaves are 2 inches long and smaller than lemon tree leaves.
During this period, the tree focuses its efforts on rapid vegetative development. Young trees have robust root growth and may be thornier than mature trees.
Lime trees are typically small, spherical plants with a dense canopy. After reaching maturity, the tree will begin to flower and reproduce.
Flowering
A lime tree takes 2 to 3 years to mature from its juvenile stage. Once it has reached maturity, it reproduces through the clustered, fragrant, white, waxy flowers. Each flower contains both the male and female parts of the plant.
The anther, the male component of the flower, produces pollen, a fine dust-like particle that contains sperm. The pistil, which is the feminine component of the plant, is made up of the stigma, style, and ovary.
A pollinator, such as a honey bee, moves pollen from the anthers to the stigma.
When pollen comes into contact with the pistil, sperm enters the stigma and travels down the style to the ovary, where it fertilizes the ovules. After being fertilized, the ovules develop into seeds.
Fruiting
The ovary of the flower develops into a seed pod. The endocarp is the interior part of the fruit that will develop into juicy and luscious segments. They are protected by a thin, shiny green skin, which is referred to as the rind.
As the fruit absorbs water, its cells enlarge for six to nine months. The oval fruit is separated into divisions that are densely packed with microscopic cells that contain a sour juice.
The peel or rind is green at first and stays green or turns yellow-green when the fruit matures. A good-sized fruit has a diameter of 1 to 1.5 inches.
Lime has a thin, smooth skin and a wonderful, tangy aroma. The pulp is soft, juicy, and tangy, with a yellowish-green color.
Maturation
After flowering, most lime trees produce mature fruit six to nine months later. If lime trees are kept healthy and well-cared for, they will continue to grow and produce fruit for approximately 50 years.
Many mature trees drop their blossoms and concentrate their efforts on the growth and development of fruit.
Limes that have been left on the tree for an extended period of time will wrinkle. The dried fruits will ultimately fall off the tree.
The seeds are dispersed by either animals or humans. In certain circumstances, the fruit falls to the ground and rots, releasing the seeds.
When seeds come into contact with soil, they germinate and sprout, thus continuing the life cycle.
