Like all citrus trees these Kaffir Lime needs lots of light and a stable environment. A cool room is best, protected from radiators and cold draughts. Whilst in a small pot it will need regular watering, and will appreciate some citrus feed every few weeks over the summer.
How do you take care of kaffir limes?
Like all citrus, kaffir limes need a deep, freely draining, well-composted soil. Year-round full sun is important in cooler areas because winter shade encourages leaf drop. Slightly acidic soil and shelter from storms improves performance. They can be planted any time of year.
Should I prune my kaffir lime tree?
Prune the best branches back to a strong, outward-facing bud. In spring, these will shoot strongly in the direction they are facing. “When it comes to citrus, like this Kaffir lime, you just want to take the lower growth off. It’s called ‘raising the skirt’ of the tree and allows good air flow underneath.
How long does it take to grow kaffir lime?
As long as your tree has access to enough water and sunlight, it should produce fruit at maturity. For cuttings, this often takes around three years. Plants grown from seed can take up to ten years to fruit either indoors or outdoors.
What do you feed kaffir limes?
Slow-release fertilizers and manure pellets give the Kaffir lime tree the nutrients it needs for healthy growth.
- Sprinkle chicken or sheep manure pellets around the base of the Kaffir lime tree after planting.
- Apply a 2-1-1 ratio, granular slow-release fertilizer to the soil around the Kaffir lime tree.
Can kaffir lime be grown indoors?
If grown indoors, keep near a sunny window. The Kaffir lime tree appreciates water and somewhat humid conditions during the growing season. Keep in mind, however, that this tree is prone to root rot if kept too wet, so allow the soil to dry out some between waterings. Regular misting helps with humidity levels.
Can you eat the fruit of kaffir lime?
While less common, the zest and rind of kaffir limes are used in some Southeastern dishes and in Cambodia, they even candy the entire fruit to enjoy as a treat.
Where do you prune a kaffir lime tree?
Make a 45-degree angled cut near the branch collar of the tree with a pruning saw to remove branches that are rubbing together. The branch collar is the swelling that attaches the branch to the main trunk of the tree. Pick a time after the last frost in the spring to prune your Kaffir lime tree.
How tall does a kaffir lime tree grow?
Kaffir limes will reach 1.5 metres (5′) tall, but because the leaves are constantly being picked for cooking, the plants usually remain small in size. They also make good pot specimens. The leaves of the Kaffir lime are an essential ingredient of many Thai recipes, including green curries, fish dishes and soups.
Why are my kaffir lime leaves yellow?
Yellowing leaves on your kaffir lime is very typical of many citrus trees at this time of the year. It is symptomatic of a nutrient deficiency, especially nitrogen. As ‘gross feeders’, citrus respond very well to regular applications of citrus fertiliser.
Do all kaffir lime trees have thorns?
Lime trees developed thorns as a way to discourage hungry animals from nibbling on their tender young leaves: In the case of Kaffir limes, strong spines up to 1 ½ inches long protrude from the branches just beneath each cluster of lemon-scented leaves. The thorns on small, shrubby Key limes are just as sharp.
What is wrong with my kaffir lime tree?
The leaves of kaffir lime can be infected with citrus greening disease, also known as huanglongbing (HLB) or yellow dragon disease. The disease is caused by bacteria and spread by insects. It affects the plant’s vascular system and kills all infected plants.
What is the difference between lime and kaffir lime?
Kaffir limes are known more for their leaves while regular (western) limes are used more for their zest and juice. The skin of the kaffir limes is warty and it doesn’t give a lot of juice. On the other hand, regular western limes are often smooth and usually contain more juices.
Are coffee grounds good for kaffir lime trees?
The kaffir lime tree, like many other citrus plants, needs soil with a lot of nitrogen. You must also add fertilizers to the soil to help the tree thrive. Interestingly, you can provide excellent organic nutrients to the soil by making a mixture of coffee grinds and eggshells.
What is the best fertilizer for lime tree?
- Jobe’s Organics Citrus Fertilizer With Biozome.
- EarthPods Organic Citrus Fertilizer Spikes.
- Espoma CT4 Citrus-tone Plant Food.
- Miracle-Gro Continuous Release Citrus Fertilizer.
- Westland Citrus Tree Feed Concentrate.
- Citrus Focus Liquid Concentrated Fertiliser.
- Vitax Citrus Fertilizer for Summer.
Should I water my lime tree everyday?
Lime trees need consistent moisture to grow well. Water the soil deeply once or twice a week, rather than frequent shallow watering. When the soil is dry to about 6 inches, water the lime tree. Do not let the lime tree dry out, since the leaves will wilt and drop.
What do you do with kaffir lime leaves?
When cooking with kaffir leaves, it’s best to think of them as a kind of aromatic bay leaf — most commonly used to infuse curries, soups, stir fries or stocks. Cooks ‘bruise’ or crush fresh leaves in their hands to help release their aromas before adding them to a dish.
Can you freeze kaffir limes?
Kaffir limes, much like standard limes, can be frozen. The method is actually very similar if you plan on freezing them whole. Simply toss them into a freezer bag, seal up and then store in the freezer.
Is kaffir lime good for skin?
If you’re tackling oily or acne-prone skin, the kaffir lime’s antibacterial properties can help reduce redness and irritation, shrink pores, and improve your skin’s overall appearance. Start by crushing and boiling fresh kaffir lime leaves.
How cold can kaffir lime tolerate?
The kaffir lime tree is one of the most commonly planted trees in the Thai gardens, The leaves and rind of the bumpy skinned fruit.
Espoma Organic Bio-tone Starter Plus.
| Cold Hardy | 26° |
|---|---|
| Spacing | 8-10 FT |
| Sunlight | Part to Full |
How often do lime trees produce fruit?
Seedling trees begin to blossom and fruit in 3 to 6 years and reach full production in 8 to 10 years. Fruit is harvested during two periods each year, May–June and November–December. The ideal time to harvest limes is when their color changes from dark to light green and the surface skin is smooth.