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Key Lime Bush - Thornless

$12995 $21995
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Your plants are guaranteed to arrive happy & healthy with our 1 Year Warranty. Your order will arrive healthy and stay healthy while they adapt to your climate. If your tree arrives damaged or dies within 30 days, we'll replace it for free. If it dies after 30 days, but before 1 year, we will replace it for just 50% of the current price.

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Relax... we've got you covered with free shipping on every order! We ship out so many huge plants, we've negotiated a low rate with our carriers... and we pass those savings on to you! Your plants will ship out the next business day... expertly packed so that your plants will arrive happy and healthy!

Is Now a Good Time to Plant?

Yes! Fall is one of the best times to plant!

Landscaping experts often recommend planting in fall instead of waiting until spring. Here’s why:

  • Cooler weather puts less stress on newly planted trees and shrubs.
  • Fall soil is still warm, which helps roots grow and get established.
  • Cooler temperatures mean less water is lost through the leaves, making it easier for plants to stay hydrated.
  • Even after top growth slows for winter, roots continue developing below ground.
  • Fall weather often brings more rain and less heat, making new plants easier to care for.
  • By spring, your plants already have a head start. Their established roots can support strong new leaves, branches, and flowers.
  • Trees planted in spring must establish their roots while also dealing with rising temperatures and summer heat.

Plant this fall, and your trees can spend the cooler months getting settled instead of waiting until spring to get started!

Planting your Key Lime Bush - Thornless

Key Lime Bush Planting Instructions:

  1. Site Selection & Soil Preparation: Key lime bushes thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Select a site with well-draining soil, as key limes do not tolerate waterlogged conditions. Sandy or loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0-7.0) is ideal. If your soil is heavy clay or poorly draining, amend it with sand or organic compost. Dig a hole that is slightly shallower than the root ball and twice as wide. When planting, ensure the root ball is slightly above the surrounding soil to prevent water from pooling around the roots.
  2. Spacing & Mulching: Space key lime bushes 4-6 feet apart to allow for proper air circulation and root development. After planting, add a 2-3 inch layer of mulch (such as pine bark or straw) around the base of the bush, leaving a few inches of space around the trunk to avoid rot. Mulch helps retain soil moisture and suppress weeds.
  3. Watering: Water thoroughly after planting to help the soil settle around the roots. During the first few months, water regularly, keeping the soil evenly moist but not soggy. Key lime bushes prefer consistent moisture, so deep watering once or twice a week is recommended, especially during hot or dry periods.

Key Lime Bush Care Instructions:

  1. Watering During Establishment: For the first year, water your key lime bush deeply once a week, more frequently in hot, dry conditions. Once established, key lime bushes are somewhat drought-tolerant, but regular watering during dry spells will help promote healthy growth and fruit production.
  2. Fertilization: Fertilize key lime bushes with a citrus-specific fertilizer, rich in nitrogen, every 6-8 weeks during the growing season (spring through summer). Look for a balanced fertilizer like 6-4-6 or 10-10-10, and follow package instructions for the correct application rate. Stop fertilizing in late fall to allow the plant to prepare for winter dormancy.
  3. Pest and Disease Monitoring: Key lime bushes are susceptible to pests such as aphids, spider mites, and scale. Inspect the plant regularly for any signs of pests, including curling leaves or discolored spots. If infestations occur, treat them with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Fungal diseases like citrus canker or root rot can be a problem in poorly draining soils, so ensure good drainage and prune to improve airflow through the canopy.

Maintenance and Long-Term Care:

  1. Pruning: Prune your key lime bush annually, in late winter or early spring, to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth. Remove any dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Thin out crowded areas to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration, which helps prevent disease. Be cautious not to over-prune, as limes develop on new growth.
  2. Fruit Production: Key lime bushes typically begin to produce fruit 1-3 years after planting. Flowers usually bloom in spring, and the small green limes ripen to yellowish-green in late summer or fall. Harvest the limes when they are fully mature and give slightly when squeezed. Regular harvesting encourages more fruit production.
  3. Cold Protection: Key lime bushes are frost-sensitive and thrive in USDA zones 9-11. In areas where temperatures drop below 30°F (-1°C), provide protection during cold spells. Cover the bush with frost cloths or blankets, and mulch heavily around the base to insulate the roots. For extended cold, consider using heat lamps or moving potted plants indoors.

Indoor and Container Gardening:

Key lime bushes are excellent candidates for container gardening, making them perfect for patios or indoor growing in cooler climates. Use a container at least 18-24 inches wide with good drainage holes. Choose a lightweight, well-draining potting mix designed for citrus or a mix that includes sand or perlite for aeration.

Place the container in full sun, either outdoors during warm months or indoors near a bright, sunny window where it will receive at least 6 hours of sunlight. Water when the top 2 inches of soil are dry, making sure the pot has proper drainage to avoid soggy roots. In containers, key lime bushes may need more frequent watering than those planted in the ground.

Winter Care for Containers: In colder climates, bring the key lime bush indoors during the winter months. Gradually transition the plant to indoor conditions to avoid shock. Reduce watering during the winter dormancy period, but don’t let the soil dry out completely. Place the container in a cool, bright room with temperatures above 50°F (10°C). Once spring arrives, gradually move the plant back outdoors to full sun.

By following these guidelines, your key lime bush will thrive and reward you with fragrant blossoms and delicious limes year after year!

What Customers say about the Key Lime Bush - Thornless:

The Key Lime Bush - Thornless thrives 4-11 patio / 8-11 outdoors.

Growing Zones for the Key Lime Bush - Thornless

If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Key Lime Bush - Thornless.
Mature Height 6-8 ft. in container
Mature Width 4-8 ft.
Sunlight Full to Partial Sun
Botanical Name Citrus aurantifolia
Cannot Ship To AL, AZ, CA, FL, GA, LA, OR, TX
The Key Lime Bush - Thornless thrives 4-11 patio / 8-11 outdoors.
Growing Zones for the Key Lime Bush - Thornless
If you live in the green area above, we recommend the Key Lime Bush - Thornless.
Mature Height 6-8 ft. in container
Mature Width 4-8 ft.
Sunlight: Full to Partial Sun
Botanical Name Citrus aurantifolia

Plants that make a difference

For over 20 years, our team has shipped healthy, established plants to gardeners across the country. Every plant is selected and cared for by our plant experts before it ships to your door.

  • 20+ Years Experience Shipping Plants

    Packed to arrive healthy and ready to plant.

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    Strong roots and healthy growth in soil-filled containers.

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    Every plant is backed by our 1 Year Warranty.

Beware- not all Key Lime Bushes are the same.

Beware- not all Key Lime Bushes are the same.

Be sure to get superior citrus plants, grown by experts.

Better Roots Make Stronger Plants: Some nurseries send you "bare root" citrus plants to save on shipping. Even worse, others have started digging them right out of the ground before shipping. This causes major transplant shock and long-term damage. We send you Key Lime Bushes in soil-filled containers- ensuring a well-developed root system that is ready to grow and produce!

Healthy Plants: We've seen other nurseries grow tall citrus plants in tiny pots to save on shipping. This leads to a "root bound" plant, where the roots have outgrown their pot- they cannot absorb water and nutrients. They quickly dry out during shipment, leading to an unhealthy plant.

Thornless key lime bush with small fruit sitting on an orange tractor.

The Key Lime Bush gives you the small, aromatic, extra-tart limes behind classic Key lime pie- right from your patio.

  • Tart, aromatic limes, smaller and more acidic than common Persian limes
  • Self-fertile- one bush can produce limes on its own
  • Thornless and compact: about 6-8 ft. tall in a container, easy to handle and harvest
  • Grow it anywhere: outdoors in zones 8-11, or in a pot you bring indoors for winter
Key limes

Honest Measurements: Some nurseries measure plants including the pot and roots, so the plant you receive is much smaller than you expected. We measure all of our plants from the soil line, so the height you see is what you can expect after planting.

Key lime bush in decorative pot hide

You Want Key Lime Bushes Grown by Experts

Some nurseries ship thin, weak citrus plants grown in tiny pots to save money. These "root bound" plants struggle after planting and take longer to flower and fruit.

Nationwide Plants only sends you strong Key Lime Bushes, selected and cared for by our plant experts, with healthy, developed root systems. A strong start helps your bush settle in quickly and begin bearing fruit, often around 1-3 years after planting.

Read more about the Key Lime Bush - Thornless

Key Lime Bush – Fresh, Tangy Limes Right from Your Backyard

Add a tropical touch to your garden with the Key Lime Bush! Known for producing small, fragrant limes with an irresistible tang, this compact citrus bush is perfect for growing fresh Key limes at home. These limes are famous for their zesty flavor, ideal for pies, cocktails, marinades, and more. With its dense, evergreen foliage and fragrant white flowers, the Key Lime Bush not only provides an abundance of fruit but also adds ornamental beauty to your landscape or patio. Whether grown outdoors in warm climates or in containers in cooler areas, this versatile bush is easy to care for and brings the taste of the tropics to your doorstep.

The botanical name for the Key lime tree, the variety used to make Key lime pie, is Citrus × aurantiifolia. It is also known as Mexican lime or West Indian lime and is smaller, more aromatic, and more acidic than the common Persian lime (Citrus × latifolia).

Key Benefits of Key Lime Bush

  • Delicious, Tangy Limes: Key limes are prized for their smaller size and tart, zesty flavor, making them perfect for culinary uses like pies, cocktails, dressings, and marinades. Grow your own limes for fresh, flavorful ingredients any time!
  • Compact and Productive: The Key Lime Bush is compact, reaching only 6-10 feet tall, making it ideal for growing in small yards, patios, or containers. Despite its size, this bush is a prolific producer, yielding plenty of limes each season.
  • Fragrant White Flowers: In addition to fruit, the Key Lime Bush features beautiful, fragrant white flowers that bloom year-round in warm climates, filling your garden or patio with a sweet, citrusy scent.
  • Cold-Hardy in Containers: While it thrives outdoors in USDA Zones 9-11, the Key Lime Bush can be easily grown in containers and brought indoors during cooler months, making it accessible to gardeners in a variety of climates.
  • Evergreen Foliage: The dense, glossy green leaves of the Key Lime Bush provide year-round beauty, making it a standout ornamental plant even when it’s not bearing fruit.

Ideal Placement and Uses

The Key Lime Bush is a versatile plant that thrives in both outdoor and indoor settings:

  • Container Gardening: Perfect for patios, balconies, or small spaces, the Key Lime Bush thrives in containers, allowing you to move it indoors when temperatures drop.
  • Edible Landscaping: Plant your Key Lime Bush in your garden or orchard to enjoy a steady supply of fresh limes and add tropical beauty to your landscape.
  • Indoor Fruit Tree: Grow this citrus bush indoors near a sunny window or in a bright sunroom to enjoy its ornamental appeal and fresh fruit year-round, even in colder climates.
  • Culinary Uses: Enjoy homegrown limes for your favorite dishes, drinks, and desserts, from key lime pies to refreshing cocktails. The Key Lime Bush is a must-have for foodies and home chefs.

Growing Tips for Key Lime Bush

Caring for the Key Lime Bush is simple and rewarding. Follow these growing tips to ensure a healthy plant and abundant fruit:

  • Sunlight: Key Lime Bushes thrive in full sun, so plant or place your bush where it will receive at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Indoors, position it near a sunny window.
  • Soil: The Key Lime Bush prefers well-draining soil. If growing in a container, use a high-quality citrus potting mix, and ensure your pot has good drainage.
  • Watering: Keep the soil consistently moist but not soggy. Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch, and be mindful not to overwater. Container-grown plants may require more frequent watering.
  • Temperature: The Key Lime Bush loves warmth and thrives in temperatures between 60-85°F. In cooler climates, move the plant indoors when temperatures dip below 50°F.
  • Fertilizing: Feed your Key Lime Bush with a balanced citrus fertilizer every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring through fall) to encourage healthy growth and fruit production.
  • Pruning: Lightly prune your bush in early spring to maintain its shape and remove any dead or damaged branches. This helps promote airflow and improves overall plant health.
  • Pest Control: Keep an eye out for common pests like aphids or spider mites. Use organic or insecticidal soap if needed to keep your plant healthy.

Enjoy Fresh, Homegrown Limes with the Key Lime Bush

The Key Lime Bush is a fantastic addition to any garden, patio, or indoor space, providing fresh, tangy limes for your culinary creations while also offering year-round ornamental beauty. Whether you’re a home chef looking for fresh ingredients or simply want to enjoy the charm of growing your own citrus, the Key Lime Bush delivers with ease.

Order your Key Lime Bush today from Nationwide Plants and start enjoying the fresh, zesty flavor of homegrown limes! With fast, reliable shipping and high-quality plants, you’ll be harvesting your own limes in no time.

Frequently Asked Questions about the Key Lime Bush - Thornless

Can a Key Lime Bush be grown indoors?

Yes, a Key Lime Bush grows well indoors in a container near a sunny window or in a bright sunroom. It needs 6 to 8 hours of light daily, so a south-facing window is ideal. Many gardeners keep it outside in warm months and bring it inside when temperatures dip below 50 degrees F.

What zones can you grow a Key Lime Bush outdoors?

A Key Lime Bush can be grown outdoors year-round in USDA zones 8 through 11. In zones 4 through 11 it can be grown as a patio plant in a container that you move indoors for winter. Key limes thrive in warmth, ideally between 60 and 85 degrees F, so choose your sunniest, most sheltered spot.

How do I protect a Key Lime Bush from frost?

Key Lime Bushes are frost sensitive, so protect them whenever temperatures are expected to drop below 30 degrees F. Cover outdoor plants with frost cloth or blankets and mulch heavily around the base to insulate the roots. For extended cold, move potted bushes indoors to a bright room until warm weather returns.

How long does it take a Key Lime Bush to produce limes?

A Key Lime Bush typically begins producing fruit 1 to 3 years after planting. With plenty of sun, steady moisture, and regular citrus fertilizer, it can become a prolific producer of small, tart, aromatic limes. Flowers usually bloom in spring, and in warm climates the bush can flower and fruit more than once a year.

When are Key limes ripe and ready to pick?

Key limes usually ripen in late summer or fall, turning from green to a yellowish green when fully mature. Pick them when they give slightly when squeezed. Regular harvesting encourages the bush to keep producing. Key limes are smaller, more aromatic, and more acidic than common Persian limes, making them ideal for pies and cocktails.

Do you need two Key Lime trees to get fruit?

No, you only need one Key Lime Bush to get fruit. Like most citrus, Key limes are self-fertile, so a single plant can pollinate its own fragrant white flowers. When growing indoors without bees, gently brushing pollen between open flowers with a small paintbrush can help improve fruit set.

How big does a Key Lime Bush get in a pot?

In a container, a Key Lime Bush typically grows 6 to 8 feet tall and 4 to 8 feet wide, with a compact, bushy habit. This thornless variety is easy to handle and harvest. Light pruning in late winter or early spring keeps it a manageable size, but avoid heavy cuts, since limes develop on new growth.

How often should I water a Key Lime Bush?

Water a Key Lime Bush when the top inch of soil feels dry, keeping it consistently moist but never soggy. In the ground, deep watering once or twice a week works well in warm weather. Container plants dry out faster and may need more frequent watering. Always use a pot with good drainage to prevent root rot.

What fertilizer should I use on a Key Lime Bush?

Use a nitrogen-rich citrus fertilizer, such as a 6-4-6 formula, every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season from spring through summer. Follow the package directions for the correct rate. Stop fertilizing in late fall so the plant can slow down for winter. Yellowing leaves often signal the bush needs feeding.

Can Nationwide Plants ship a Key Lime Bush to my state?

Due to citrus shipping restrictions, the Key Lime Bush cannot be shipped to Alabama, Arizona, California, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Oregon, or Texas. Customers in other states can order it in 1 or 2 gallon sizes, with a choice of a standard plastic nursery pot or a decorative round or square planter.
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