Overview

Cultivate the distinctive flavors of Southeast Asian cuisine right in your own garden with this magnificent, almost 4ft kaffir lime tree. Grafted for superior vigor and faster maturity, this live plant promises to be a rewarding addition for both novice and experienced gardeners alike. Known scientifically as Citrus hystrix, and often referred to as Makrut lime or thai lime tree, its unique double-lobed leaves are indispensable for their intense aromatic zest, while the bumpy, green fruit provides a subtle, fragrant juice and rind. This particular specimen arrives as a substantial, healthy tree, ready to establish itself and begin producing its highly prized leaves and fruit, making it an excellent choice for those seeking an immediate impact and bountiful harvest.

The kaffir lime tree is not just a culinary powerhouse; it’s also a beautiful ornamental plant with glossy, dark green foliage that adds a touch of tropical elegance to any outdoor space. Its fragrant white flowers, though small, contribute to its charm. Growing your own kaffir lime tree ensures a fresh supply of its signature leaves, which are far more potent and flavorful than dried alternatives. This grafted variety offers improved disease resistance and a more predictable growth habit, ensuring a robust and productive plant for years to come. Whether you’re a gourmet cook or simply appreciate unique and fragrant plants, this substantial citrus tree is an exceptional choice.

Key Benefits

Investing in a high-quality kaffir lime tree brings a multitude of benefits, from enhancing your culinary creations to beautifying your outdoor living areas. This particular specimen, an almost 4ft kaffir lime tree, offers an immediate and significant contribution to your home and garden.

• Culinary Excellence: The double-lobed leaves and aromatic fruit are essential for authentic Thai, Indonesian, and Malaysian dishes, providing a unique citrusy, floral flavor.
• Fragrant Foliage: The glossy, dark green leaves release a refreshing and potent aroma when bruised or cooked, adding a delightful scent to your garden and kitchen.
• Ornamental Appeal: With its attractive foliage and potential for small, fragrant white blossoms, the kaffir lime tree makes an eye-catching statement in containers on patios or as a garden specimen.
• Fresh Ingredient Source: Enjoy a continuous supply of fresh citrus hystrix tree leaves and fruit, far superior in flavor and aroma to store-bought dried versions.
• Grafted for Vigor: Grafted trees typically exhibit stronger growth, earlier fruiting, and better disease resistance, ensuring a healthier and more productive plant.
• Mature Size: Arriving at almost 4ft tall, this tree provides a head start on growth, meaning you can enjoy its benefits sooner than with smaller plants.
• Versatile Growth: Suitable for growing in containers, allowing you to move it indoors during colder months, making it adaptable to various climates.

Plant Care & Growing Tips

Caring for your almost 4ft kaffir lime tree is relatively straightforward, especially with its grafted resilience. This thai lime tree thrives in conditions that mimic its tropical origins. For optimal growth and fruit production, ensure it receives at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If growing indoors, place it near a south-facing window or supplement with a grow light. Adequate light is crucial for the health and productivity of your kaffir lime tree.

Watering should be consistent but allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so good drainage is essential. Use a well-draining potting mix specifically formulated for citrus or a general-purpose potting mix amended with perlite or sand. Fertilize every 2-3 months during the growing season (spring through fall) with a balanced citrus-specific fertilizer. Protect your citrus hystrix tree from temperatures below 40°F (4°C); in colder climates, it’s best grown in a container that can be moved indoors. While generally hardy, keep an eye out for common citrus pests like aphids or scale, treating them promptly with horticultural oil if necessary. Understanding proper kaffir lime plant care will ensure a thriving and productive plant.

Size & Details

This offering is for one robust kaffir lime tree, measuring approximately 4 feet in height from the base of the pot to the top of the foliage. It is a grafted specimen, ensuring strong rootstock and desirable scion characteristics, which leads to faster establishment and earlier fruit production. The tree comes planted in a nursery pot, ready for transplanting into a larger container or directly into the ground in appropriate climates. The mature height of a kaffir lime tree can reach up to 10-15 feet in ideal outdoor conditions, though it can be kept smaller through pruning, especially when container-grown. You can expect leaves to be ready for harvest soon after arrival, and fruit production typically begins within 1-2 years under good care. The vigorous growth habit means you’ll enjoy a lush, productive plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Q: How big does this plant get and what size pot does it come in? A: This kaffir lime tree is approximately 4 feet tall upon arrival. It comes in a standard nursery pot, ready for you to transfer it to a larger container, typically a 5-10 gallon pot, for continued growth. In optimal outdoor conditions, it can grow up to 15 feet tall, but can be maintained at a smaller size with pruning.
• Q: Is this an indoor or outdoor plant, and how much sunlight does it need? A: The kaffir lime tree can be grown both indoors and outdoors. It thrives in full sun, requiring at least 6-8 hours of direct sunlight daily. If grown indoors, place it in your brightest window, preferably south-facing, or use supplemental grow lights.
• Q: Is this plant easy to care for, and is it good for beginners? A: With proper kaffir lime plant care, this grafted tree is relatively easy to care for and can be a good choice for beginners interested in growing citrus. Consistent watering, adequate sunlight, and occasional fertilization are key.
• Q: What condition will it arrive in, and is it shipped in soil? A: Your kaffir lime tree will arrive as a healthy, live plant, securely packaged in its nursery pot with soil, ensuring it’s ready for its new home. We take great care to protect the plant during transit.
• Q: Can I use the leaves and fruit of this tree in cooking? A: Absolutely! The aromatic double-lobed leaves are a staple in Thai and Southeast Asian cuisine, and the bumpy fruit, also known as ma-grood plant, provides a unique zest and juice for various dishes.
• Q: How long until it blooms and when is the best time to plant? A: This 4ft grafted tree is quite mature, so you may see blooms and fruit production within 1-2 years of proper care. The best time to plant is in spring or early summer after the last frost, allowing it to establish before colder weather.
• Q: Will it survive winter in my zone, and what’s the minimum temperature? A: The kaffir lime tree is sensitive to cold. It thrives in USDA Zones 9-11 outdoors. If you live in a colder climate, it’s best to grow it in a container so you can bring it indoors when temperatures drop below 40°F (4°C).