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LIME Tahitian

Citrus

Fruits are the size of small lemons, with thin skins, seedless and juicy, acidic flesh. Ripe fruit turns from green to light yellow. Tree thrives in subtropical regions. Tree is strong growing and compact.

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Planting                        
Harvesting                  

Pollination

All citrus varieties are self fertile so can be planted alone and fruit will be produced. Take care when planting seedless varieties (like Mandarin ‘Miho’) with other citrus trees, as despite the variety being seedless, they can form seeds if cross pollinated with another variety flowering at the same time.

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Rootstock

Trifoliata – This rootstock is grown from seed sourced from Australia or USA. The seeds are harvested from a particular type of sour orange which produces many seeds inside the fruit. Trifoliata is the standard rootstock for citrus trees with excellent hardiness to difficult soil conditions, to cold soil temperatures, with good vigour and heavy crops.  Rootstock growth (‘suckers’) that sprouts from below the bud union (about 15cm from ground level) will look different to the variety growth with distinctive small tri-lobed leaves and many sharp spikes – this growth should be cleanly snipped off.  Trees on Trifoliata rootstock will grow to 3-4m tall.

 

Flying Dragon – A dwarfing rootstock for citrus trees, with trees on Flying Dragon growing to only 2m tall. Trees on Flying Dragon are best planted in warmer areas of the garden as the rootstock is not very cold tolerant. Another benefit of this rootstock is that the fruit is produced at an earlier age compared to trees on Trifoliata rootstock.Rootstock growth (‘suckers’) that sprouts from below the bud union (about 15cm from ground level) will look different to the variety growth with distinctive small tri-lobed leaves and many sharp spikes – this growth should be cleanly snipped off.  This rootstock is grown from seed sourced from Australia or USA. The seeds are harvested from a particular variety of sour orange which produces many seeds inside the fruit.

 

Please note not all rootstock and variety combinations are available every year.

Planting & Tree Care

SOIL

Prefers deep, well drained soil. 

PLANTING SITE

Sunny, sheltered and frost-free sites.

CLIMATE

Most citrus trees are subtropical or tropical and will not tolerate temperatures below -2˚C. Varieties grown by Waimea Nurseries are generally hardier varieties. Growing citrus in containers and under cover can allow less hardy varieties to grow in more temperate areas.

WATERING

Water well during the early stages, during long dry periods and when the fruit is developing.

GENERAL CARE

Citrus are ‘gross feeders’, so require regular fertilising with specialist citrus fertilizer. Prune to shape and to allow sunlight and wind movement. Watch for rootstock growth, which needs to be removed carefully due to spikes.

PESTS & DISEASES

Citrus generally suffer from few disease problems. Verrucosis is the main disease to watch for. Aphids, scale, mites and mealy bug may need eradicating, especially in warmer areas. 

PLANTING IDEAS

Citrus are great in the garden as specimen trees, in containers and even as indoor plants.

FRUIT

Most citrus produce abundant fruit which matures over several months. Fruit can be left on the tree, but watch for over ripening. 

POLLINATION

Citrus are generally self fertile. 

TREE SIZE

Height up to 4m. 

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