Growing Lime Trees

Question

I live in upstate NY but would love to be able to grow my own limes. Obviously being up north doesn’t help, but is there any way to make this possible by keeping it indoors and buying a lamp or something like that? I know you have to make sure it drains properly so assuming all of that is done, is there any way to have a lime tree that I am able to harvest for fresh limes in my gin and tonics?

Answer 1

I have a close friend in Cleveland and she grows oranges, so I can tell you firsthand that it is possible. Your best bet is to buy a dwarf tree. They grow best in containers and will grow more like a bush than a tree, which makes it easier on space and moving it. She moves her orange tree outside in the summer and keeps it inside in the winter near a bright window. It does not need supplemental light, but supplemental light will help if you feel you do not have a bright enough window. Keeping a citrus plant indoors well watered and well fertilized is the most important and most difficult thing. But as long as you can do that, you will be fine.

I do also want to let you know, if you buy a lime tree, it will take about 3 years before the tree is mature enough to produce fruit. Here is more information on caring for citrus trees indoors and growing limes in containers: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/growing-citrus-trees-indoors.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lime/potted-lime-trees.htm