Limes

• Limes grow well in exceptionally hot climates and are very intolerant of cold weather, so intolerant, in fact, that even parts of Texas get too cold during the winter to ensure healthy lime growth. Limes are therefore typically grown in the southernmost parts of Texas and farther south. Parts of California and Florida also have favorable climates for lime growth. If you live in an area that sees winter temperatures too low for limes, you can still grow them as long as you carefully protect them from winter damage. Limes are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture zones 9 through 11, meaning it is not a good idea to grow them in any area that sees winter temperatures lower than 20 degrees Fahrenheit.
  
  

Growth Habits

• The growth habits of lime trees depend entirely on the variety of lime tree you are growing. The popular Mexican lime, also called key lime or West Indian lime, is small and bushy at full maturity, while other, larger varietals such as the Tahiti lime grow up to 20 feet at maturity. Other lime tree varietals include giant key lime, Rangpur lime, Palestine sweet lime and limequats, a fusion of limes and kumquats. Other varietals may be available in your area.
  
  

Other Growth Characteristics

• The size of the lime fruit grown on the trees also varies among different varietals. The Mexican lime grows to the 2-inch size familiar to anyone who has purchased limes in a grocery store, while key limes are slightly smaller. Giant key limes are more than double the size of standard limes, but availability of this varietal is limited. Some types of limes such as the Tahiti are mature when they reach 2 1/2 inches but continue to grow larger if left on the tree. Tahiti lime is also one of the only naturally seedless varieties of lime.
  
  

Other Considerations

• Many lime trees have thorns. The Mexican lime has short spines throughout all parts of the tree anatomy while the Tahiti lime has longer thorns. The Tahiti can also have some branches with spines and others without on the same tree. For safety and convenience, thornless varieties of lime trees are now widely commercially available. These are indeed more convenient and safer, particularly if pets or small children frequent the area where limes are being grown, but bear in mind that thornless varieties can also produce less fruit.