skip to main content

Key Lime vs. Meyer lemon

Laura LaRosa (7b)

8 years ago

Hi! I live in Maryland and have successfully grown a Meyer lemon tree and some other lime variety (standard lime - I rescued it as a tiny plant from a local nursery and it has grown and produced well). My Meyer lemon probably produced 34-38 lemons last year. I keep the pots outdoors as long as I can and bring them indoors to a sunny room in winter and early spring. I am considering buying a Key lime to add to my collection. However, I have looked through multiple posts and have some questions. 1) How difficult are they to grow vs. a Meyer lemon?

2) How prolific is the plant likely to be vs. a Meyer lemon? I have seen that some plants have very high yields. I just don't want to spend time and money on a plant that will not produce much

3) Which is the best grower to buy these from? I purchased my Meyer lemons from fast growing trees and have been happy with them.

I appreciate any help and insights you can share!

Featured Answer

evdesert 9B Indio, CA

8 years ago

My key lime trees produce year round in the desert. They are extremely prolific, I end up with more key limes than I can eat, use, giveaway to friends. I purchased a key lime from fast growing trees for a relative in Virginia and it was a very nice tree. It was about 4' tall and grafted and cost about $60 delivered which is a good deal. Another reliable source would be four winds growers here in California. Harris nursery in Florida has good reviews too although I cannot vouch for them myself. Only problem is you'd probably have to wait until spring to mail order since most reputable companies won't send trees when there's a chance for cold weather. Hope this helps.

Evan

Sort by:Oldest

Comments (9)

Laura LaRosa (7b)
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you Evan! That does help!

I wonder though how differently it may behave here in MD. We certainly get less light than you do in the dessert, although we certainly have more humidity, which they must like. I read that their production is very much linked to hours of sunlight. I am a native of South Florida, so I can certainly understand that...lots of sun there!
Related Discussions
cocktail citrus (meyer lemon/ key lime)
Q
Comments (5)
I saw those at our walmart. The cocktail one is misleading. Those are two trees in one pot. Good news is you can seperate them and have two trees. A true cocktail is more than one type grafted to a single rootstock. Mike
...See More
meyer lemon, key lime, and blood orange tree.
Q
Comments (6)
wow, those are tiny, i agree with John, they do look like rooted cuttings. since you're up north in the cold, i'd also recommend Al's gritty mix. since cold temps and too much moisture in the soil will cause root rot. citrus do not like wet feet. FYI before it gets cold, once your night temps drop below 40'F you'll want to bring your citrus indoors, provide ample lighting, decrease the amount of water they get. you can look in the 'growing under lights' forum to get some ideas. possible setups: 4' shoplight with fluorescent tubes, metal halyde lamp, high pressure sodium lamp, high wattage CFL's (spiral bulbs).
...See More
Cocktail (Meyer Lemon - Key Lime) Plant Leaf Problems!
Q
Comments (1)
Was this one that Walmart was selling in a black pot calling it a cocktail? If so its not a true cocktail. It is actually 2 separate cuttings. What Im getting at is you have 2 trees in one pot. next spring you may think about separating them into their own. a true cocktail is multiply scions grafted to one rootstock. Did you recently move it inside? Could be shock from the move to lower light levels. I would for sure remove all the fruit. mike
...See More
Sad Meyer lemon and key lime trees
Q
Comments (8)
Then you probably have a root problem; if you water a Meyer too much it will drop its leaves; if you let it get too dry and then water it, it will also drop its leaves. I suspect you are overwatering it, being inside and cool. Check the temperature of the roots with an instant read cooking thermometer. Meyer roots will not grow if the soil temperature is 55F or lower; and if the roots aren't growing the plant doesn't need much water. Can you post a photo?
...See More
User
8 years ago
I have a lot of containerized Citrus which like you, keep outside most of the year then protect over the colder months. I do grow both Meyer's and Key Lime. I would not say one is more fragile than the other or more or less productive but there are differences.

Key Limes are more compact but much thornier compared to a lot of Citrus (though there is a thornless variety I believe). They are also somewhat more cold sensitive. Their tart flavor is unique in recipes, but I do prefer the Persian Lime (a bigger tree even when immature).

A nice thing about the Meyer's is the incredible fragrance of flowers (not as intense on Key Limes). As a containerized grower, I do prefer the relatively dwarf Kumquats. They offer good to excellent cold resistance, are thornless and productive. There is even a lime X Kumquat hybrid. If do go with a Key Lime, just be sure to avoid frost it. Good luck!
Laura LaRosa (7b)
Original Author
8 years ago
Thank you again! I love my citrus trees and recently went a bit hog wild and got two more meyer lemons. I am getting low on space, so I wanted to make sure it would be worth it to get the key lime. I wonder if what I have is a Persian lime. It was a little pathetic plant that was on clearance at a local nursery...I felt sorry for it and bought it. Well, it is now rivaling the size of my big Meyer lemon. I think I am going to go for the Key lime and see how it works. Thank you!
evdesert 9B Indio, CA
8 years ago
What you have is probably a Persian lime, aka Bearss lime, aka Tahitian lime if it produces the larger limes normally found in the grocery store. It's all the same plant with different names depending what region of the world you're in when describing it.
Laura LaRosa (7b)
Original Author
8 years ago
Yes evdesert, they do look like grocery store limes. Very juicy though! I ordered the Key lime!! Very excited! It will ship out Monday from what they said. I'll update when I have it!
pip313
8 years ago
Who did you order from?
Laura LaRosa (7b)
Original Author
8 years ago
I ordered from Key Lime Pie Trees. It's a nursery in LA. Have you heard of them?
Laura LaRosa (7b)
Original Author
8 years ago
I ordered a 3-4ft tree

Related Stories

Wake Up Your Garden With Lime-Colored Plants

A sprinkle of bright lime foliage can invigorate darker green garden areas and enliven shady spots all around your landscape

COLORFUL HOMES The Best of My Houzz: 10 Living Rooms With Wall Colors to Love

By Laura Gaskill

Jet black, Meyer lemon yellow, mossy green — these spaces make a statement with bold color

GARDENING GUIDES How to Keep Your Citrus Trees Well Fed and Healthy

By Noelle Johnson Landscape Consulting

Ripe for some citrus fertilizer know-how? This mini guide will help your lemon, orange and grapefruit trees flourish

SELLING YOUR HOUSE Sell Your Home Fast: 21 Staging Tips

By Laura Gaskill

Successful staging is key to selling your home quickly and at the best price. From cleaning to styling, these tips can help

Video Gift Guide: 43 Finds for a Festive Home Bar

Shake up a party-ready bar with gleaming accents, dashes of red and enough glasses for every lord a-leaping

KITCHEN COUNTERTOPS 7 Low-Maintenance Countertops for Your Dream Kitchen

By Christine Tusher

Fingerprints, stains, resealing requirements ... who needs ’em? These countertop materials look great with little effort

KITCHEN DESIGN Create Your Own Checklist for a Well-Stocked Kitchen

By Laura Gaskill

Personalize the kitchen with your own must-haves from our list of top cooking tools, small appliances, pots, pans and more

HOUSEKEEPING A Cleaning Routine for Your First Home

By Laura Gaskill

With basic supplies and room-by-room checklists, you can get into the housekeeping habit

KITCHEN DESIGN Alternatives to Granite Countertops, Part II

Still looking for a new kind of countertop? Try sodalite, zinc, limestone, onyx and more

MOST POPULAR 20 Ideas for Easygoing Summer Parties

By Laura Gaskill

Ditch the fancy and fussy in favor of laid-back entertaining that leaves you more time to enjoy the fun

Sponsored

Buckeye Restoration & Remodeling Inc.

7 Reviews

Central Ohio's Premier Home Remodelers Since 1996

More Discussions

Flying dragon seedlings

6

Howard Martin citrus 33

3

New Zealand lemonade tree with flowers

0

HowardMartingrowing citrus #33

41

What varieties?

0