Light. Plant in full sun, 15–20 ft from buildings and other trees. Shade cuts growth and fruit.
Water. Water every other day for the first week, then once or twice a week for two months. Water young trees twice a week in dry spells; avoid drought stress from bloom through fruit set.
Soil and feeding. Needs well-drained soil. In alkaline soil, iron deficiency is common. Feed every 2–3 months the first year, then 3–4 times a year, with Citrus and Fruit Tree Fertilizer.
Size. Grows to about 12 ft, and can reach 20 ft. Keeping it 6–8 ft tall limits wind damage and eases harvest.
Pruning. Prune only to shape, remove dead or diseased wood and control size.
Problems to watch. Citrus greening, spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, has no cure. Scale and leafminers can be controlled with horticultural oil, following the label.
Good to know. Pick limes at about 1¾ inches across while still dark green.
Sources: UF/IFAS EDIS HS8/CH093: Growing 'Tahiti' Limes in the Home Landscape
