Light. Plant in full sun, 12–20 ft from buildings and trees, with good air flow.
Water. Water every other day the first week, then once or twice a week for two months. Water young trees in dry spells of 5 or more days; older trees seldom need it.
Soil and feeding. Adapts to sandy and rocky limestone soils but needs good drainage. Feed lightly, less than other citrus, 3–4 times a year from March through September, using Citrus and Fruit Tree Fertilizer.
Size. A small, bushy tree, rarely over 12 ft. Prune to shape and keep it 6–8 ft tall for easier care.
Problems to watch. Highly susceptible to citrus canker. Citrus greening, spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, has no cure. Yellow leaves with green veins mean iron deficiency.
Good to know. Very cold sensitive: leaves are damaged at 30–32°F. Pick fruit when the peel turns yellow; the main crop comes in early summer.
Sources: UF/IFAS EDIS FC47/CH092: Key Lime Growing in the Florida Home Landscape
