Citrus limetta (F)
sweet lime
An evergreen tree to 8m tall but generally lower in cultivation with glossy mid- to dark green leaves. Fragrant, white flowers may be produced year-round in favourable conditions but are mainly borne in spring and followed by oval, green fruits resembling limes but that ripen to yellow; the low acidity of the flesh gives the fruits a sweeter, milder flavour than limes and gives rise to one of the common names- the sweet lime
Other common names
Mediterranean sweet limeMediterranean sweet limetta
see moresweet lemon
sweetie
Tunisian sweet limetta
sweet lime
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Size
Ultimate height
4–8 metresTime to ultimate height
10–20 yearsUltimate spread
1.5–2.5 metresGrowing conditions
Moisture
Moist but well–drainedpH
Acid, NeutralColour & scent
Stem | Flower | Foliage | Fruit | |
Spring | White | Green | ||
---|---|---|---|---|
Summer | Green | Green | ||
Autumn | Green | Green Yellow | ||
Winter | Green | Green Yellow |
Position
- Full sun
Aspect
South–facing or West–facing
Exposure
Sheltered Hardiness
H2Botanical details
- Family
- Rutaceae
- Native to GB / Ireland
- No
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Habit
- Bushy
- Potentially harmful
- Fruit harmful to skin with sunlight/skin allergen. Wear gloves and other protective equipment when handling
- Genus
Citrus are typically evergreen shrubs or trees, frequently spiny, with simple, leathery, aromatic leaves, usually with winged stalks, and often fragrant white or pink-tinged flowers, followed by large, juicy fruits
- Name status
Correct
How to grow
Cultivation
Grow as a conservatory or greenhouse plant, in a container of peat-free, loam-based potting compost with added grit, in full light, with shade from hot sun. In growth during spring and summer, water freely, and mist daily. Apply fertilisers formulated for citrus, throughout the year, following the manufacturer’s instructions; water sparingly in winter. See citrus cultivation for further information
Propagation
Propagate by seed or semi-hardwood cuttings
Suggested planting locations and garden types
- City and courtyard gardens
- Patio and container plants
- Sub-tropical
- Mediterranean climate plants
- Conservatory and greenhouse
- Edible fruit
Pruning
Pests
May be susceptible to citrus red spider mite and glasshouse red spider mite, soft scale and fluted scale, aphids, caterpillars and mealybugs under glass
Diseases
Generally disease-free
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