The Fragrant Citrus Tree With Beautiful Winter Blooms That You Can Grow In Containers

Growing food all year long is a gardening goal that may make us daydream about orchards and orangeries. For those of us who've glimpsed images of citrus trees kept in glasshouses during the cold months, we might think that such a setup is beyond our abilities. But actually, with a little attention, you can grow a potted Persian lime tree (Citrus x latifolia) in a sunny window and enjoy fragrant blooms throughout the winter — and later in the year, those flowers will turn into tangy fruit.

While Persian limes may sound exotic, they are actually quite familiar to most of us. In fact, Citrus x latifolia trees bear the green citrus fruit we find at the supermarket. These are also known as Tahitian limes, and produce seedless fruits that are ready to pick in the fall. These trees can bloom in the cold months as well as at other times of the year, and they bear beautiful, fragrant flowers held in clusters. Outdoors, planted in the ground, they can grow up to 20 feet tall. In containers, Tahitian lime trees tend to reach just 4 to 6 feet tall, making them perfect as houseplants. 

Interested? Well, before you grow this citrus tree indoors and enjoy its green fruits, here's what you need to know. 

You can successfully grow and care for a lime tree yourself if you take note of a few basic needs: Persian lime plants are only hardy to just below freezing, and you should move the trees inside when temperatures are regularly below 50 degrees Fahrenheit (10 degrees celsius). Those in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11 can plant these food producers outdoors to live year-round. And yes, while these citrus trees grow well in containers, do ensure that the pots have drainage holes. 

For flowers and fruit, these plants need at least six hours a day of direct sunlight – when keeping them indoors during winter, position them near south-facing windows, otherwise you won't see blooms or fruit. Also, be sure to respect the tree's need for well-draining, moist soil and reduce watering during the cold months.

To keep your winter-blooming, potted citrus tree thriving, be sure to repot it every one to two years. To enjoy its lovely, fragrant flowers and delicious fruit, you'll need to fertilize with a citrus fertilizer a few times throughout the calendar year, (but take a break from fertilizing in winter when growth is less active). You only need one potted tree for a harvest of limes, and the fruits mature slowly, requiring at least six months to develop after flowering. Make sure to allow them to ripen on the tree, and harvest them when green for a sour punch, or allow them to ripen to yellow for a mellow tanginess. Move the Persian lime tree back outdoors when temperatures reach the 50s.