LIME / Citrus Latifolia 'Tahitian'

Tahitian Lime

Botanical Name: LIME / Citrus latifolia 'Tahitian'
Family: Rutaceae
Origin: Persia/Asia
Plant Type: Evergreen small tree/large shrub

Overview

The classic Tahitian (Persian) lime—near-thornless, seedless, and heavy-cropping. Glossy evergreen foliage, sweetly fragrant white blossom, and reliable fruit for the kitchen make it ideal for SA gardens, especially warm, sheltered spots or large pots.

Key Features

• Mature Size: 2-3 m H x 2-3 m W
• Growth Rate: 30-60 cm per year under good conditions
• Foliage: Glossy, aromatic dark green leaves; plant is near-thornless
• Flowers: Fragrant white flowers spring–summer; main crop mid-autumn to mid-winter in SA, with off-season fruit in warm spells (fruit usually picked green)
  
• Seasonal Interest: Evergreen structure year-round; spring/summer perfume; abundant limes through the cool months
• Wildlife Value: Bees love the blossom; good backyard pollinator resource
• Tolerance: Heat-Tolerant; Coastal-Tolerant (shelter from strong salt winds); Wind-Tolerant once established (protect when young); Frost: needs protection from heavy frost—suits light-frost areas only
• Planting Density: Hedges/screens 1.0–1.5 m apart (closer for faster fill)
• Pet Friendly: Not pet-safe if ingested (citrus essential oils/psoralens). Keep leaves/peels and prunings away from pets

Where It Works Best

• Sunlight: Full sun (6–8+ hrs); warm, sheltered position for best crops
• Soil: Rich, free-draining loam; avoid waterlogging
• Water Needs: Establishment: 2 deep soaks/week for 8–12 weeks, keeping the rootball evenly moist. Established (in-ground): deep soak every 7–10 days in summer (increase to 2–3×/week in heatwaves); every 3–4 weeks in winter if dry. Pots: water when the top 3–5 cm dries
• Maintenance: Citrus feed late winter & mid-spring; light prune after harvest to shape. Monitor for citrus gall wasp in SA and prune out galls
• Lifespan: 20-30+ years
• Climate Zones: Suited to temperate and Mediterranean SA gardens, including coastal areas
• Soil pH: Slightly acidic to neutral pH preferred

Landscape & Design Ideas

• Feature in a sunny courtyard or large pot by the kitchen door for easy harvest
• Edible screen/hedge with rhythmic spacing and citrus perfume in season
• Pair with rosemary, thyme and olives for a Mediterranean look

Why You Will Love It

Consistently juicy, seedless limes, near-thornless growth, and months of harvest—all on a compact, good-looking evergreen that suits SA backyards and big pots alike.