Key Lime Tree | Small Tart Fragrant Citrus Fruit

Mexican Key Lime

15 Gallon · Stand

$299.00

$299.00 $99.00

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Mexican Key Lime

Lime 'Mexican'

A compact, ever-bearing lime tree with intense, aromatic flavor, essential for Key lime pie and classic cocktails.

$299.00

$299.00 $99.00

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Bay Area–Based Nursery

We specialize in plants grown and delivered in their original pots and soil.
Because of their size and weight, our plants are not suitable for long-distance shipping and are delivered locally to ensure health and quality.

While delivery is limited to our local service area, we’re happy to support garden design and plant selection remotely.

For local plant professionals, we’re always glad to connect and explore ways to support your customers.

The Mexican Key Lime, also known as the Bartender's Lime, is a legendary citrus prized for its intense, aromatic flavor and small, juicy fruits. This vigorous, shrubby tree is the classic lime of the Florida Keys, renowned for being the essential ingredient in authentic Key lime pie . It produces abundant crops of thin-skinned, greenish-yellow fruit with a distinct, bracing acidity and a uniquely fragrant, floral-tart flavor that is far more complex than the common Persian lime . A naturally small, thorny tree, it is incredibly productive and well-suited to container growing, allowing gardeners in cooler climates to enjoy its exceptional fruit. Heat, sun, and drought-tolerant once established, this low-maintenance citrus is a must-have for the home mixologist and tropical fruit enthusiast.

Knowing how we measure the size?

When browsing our plants, you may notice size terms such as Gallon, Multi, or Stand. These describe how a plant is grown, containerized, or structured at the time of sale — not just its height. Understanding these terms will help you choose the right plant for your space and expectations.

🌱 Gallon Size (Container Size)

Gallon refers to the size of the nursery container the plant is currently growing in (e.g. 1 Gallon, 5 Gallon, 15 Gallon).

A larger gallon size generally means:
- A more established root system
- A sturdier plant
- Faster visual impact after planting
Example:
- 5 Gallon: Ideal for residential gardens, easy to handle, good balance of value and maturity
- 15 Gallon: More mature, provides quicker results in the landscape

Note: Gallon size does not guarantee a specific height, as growth varies by species.

🌳 Multi (Multi-Trunk / Multi-Branch Form)

Multi indicates the plant has multiple trunks or main stems growing from the base.

Commonly used for:
- Ornamental trees
- Feature plants
- Japanese maples, olives, crepe myrtles, etc.
Why choose Multi:
- Fuller, more sculptural appearance
- Strong visual presence even at younger ages
- Popular for design-focused landscapes

🌲 Stand (Single-Trunk / Standard Form)

Stand (short for Standard) refers to a single, dominant trunk with a raised or naturally formed canopy.

Commonly used for:
- Shade trees
- Street trees
- Orchard and structural plantings
Why choose Stand:
- Clean, classic tree form
- Easier clearance for walkways and lawns
- Preferred for long-term structure and uniformity

🌿 Choosing the Right Size

If you want instant impact → larger Gallon, Multi form
If you want long-term structure → Stand form
If you want flexibility and value → mid-size Gallon containers

If you’re unsure which size or form fits your project, our team is happy to help you select the best option based on your space, timeline, and design goals.

Foliage & Flowers: Small, oval, glossy, deep green leaves; clusters of small, fragrant, star-shaped white flowers with purple bases, blooming multiple times a year; self-fertile .
Fruit: Small, round fruit (1-2 inches) with a thin, smooth rind that turns from deep green to pale yellow-green when ripe; pale green, juicy, tender flesh with high acidity and a strong, floral, aromatic tart flavor; contains a few small seeds .
Mature Height: 6-8 ft (in-ground); 4-6 ft (pruned in container)
Mature Spread: 5-8 ft
Growth Rate: Moderate
Hardiness Zones: USDA 9-11 ; Sunset 8, 9, 12-24, H1, H2
Light Requirement: Full sun
Core Benefits: Intense, aromatic Key lime flavor; high heat and drought tolerance; ever-bearing (year-round fruit); thorny stems; compact size; ideal for containers.
Best Uses: Key lime pie, cocktails (gin & tonic, mojitos), ceviche, marinades, tropical drinks, fresh-squeezed limeade.

Q: How is a Mexican Key Lime different from a regular (Persian) lime?
A: Mexican Key Limes are smaller, more aromatic, and have a more complex, bitter, and floral-tart flavor than the larger, seedless, and less flavorful Persian limes ( Citrus latifolia ). Key limes have thinner skins, contain a few seeds, and are the traditional choice for Key lime pie and premium cocktails.

Q: Can I grow a Key Lime tree in a pot?
A: Yes, absolutely. It is one of the best citrus trees for container growing. Use a large pot (at least 15-20 gallons) with excellent drainage. It will need to be moved indoors to a sunny location before the first frost in zones 8 and colder.

Q: When is the fruit ready to pick?
A: The fruit is best picked when it is fully green and feels heavy for its size. The skin will be smooth and taut. While it will eventually turn yellow, the peak flavor and acidity are at the green stage. The tree produces fruit year-round, with the heaviest yields in winter.

Q: Is it self-pollinating?
A: Yes, the Mexican Key Lime is self-fertile. You only need one tree to produce a generous crop of fruit. The fragrant flowers are also attractive to bees and other pollinators, which will help with fruit set.

Q: Why does my Key Lime tree have thorns?
A: Yes, the branches of the Mexican Key Lime tree are thorny. This is a natural characteristic of the species. Wear gloves when handling, pruning, or harvesting fruit from the tree. This also makes the tree a good choice for a living barrier.

Q: How much cold can it tolerate?
A: It is the most cold-sensitive of the commonly grown citrus. Mature trees can survive brief dips to 32°F (0°C) , but frost and prolonged cold will damage or kill the tree. It must be protected or brought indoors when temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C) in zones 8 and colder .