This Lemon-Lime Citrus Cocktail Tree is the result of planting both of these in the same pot. The result is two fruit trees in the space of one.
Many gardeners and home fruit growers would love to grow more than one type of citrus. However, the reality of limited space can often make growing multiple citrus trees impossible. Now our Meyer Lemon / Persian Lime Cocktail Tree solves the problem by letting you grow two different citrus fruits in the same pot.
This Lemon-Lime Citrus Cocktail Tree is the result of planting both of these in the same pot. The result is two fruit trees in the space of one. Having these two varieties of citrus lets you grow one pot on your patio and harvest both Meyer Lemons and Persian Limes to use in recipes, beverages, sauces, and marinades. The Lemon-Lime Cocktail Tree is cold hardy, pest and disease resistant, and easy to grow.
You can expect a newly planted Cocktail Tree to bloom and start producing fruit in about one year once planted in the ground. This variety is grafted to dwarf rootstock so it will rarely grow above 5 feet tall in a pot and a little larger in ground. The Lemon Lime Cocktail Tree can be pruned to a desired size and shape, grown indoors in a container, or in the ground outdoors in USDA Zones 9 to 11.
Small plants and looks nothing like what is pictured,Also did not receive the saucer for a HappyGrow 3 gal. system.6weeks later still waiting for them to resolve.
When you consider buying Cocktail Citrus Trees for sale, there are a few important things to know before making your purchase. The following list gives you those items and will help you make the most of your citrus tree purchase.
Seasonal Information: The Meyer Lemon / Persian Lime Cocktail tree, is cold hardy as far as citrus trees go, so you can grow your tree outdoors in USDA Zones 9 to 11. The Cocktail Tree can take some periods of shade each day, but will always grow better in full sun. If your area’s winters are normally colder than 32º F., then plant your Lemon-Lime Cocktail Tree in a pot, and bring it into a shed or inside when the weather turns cold.
Planting Location: Select a spot where the Persian Lime-Meyer Lemon Tree will get direct sun for at least six to eight hours per day. Plant your Cocktail Tree in soil that drains well, and do not let the ground remain saturated. Higher ground is better than a low pond shore prone to flooding. Planting locations on the south side of a shed, wall, or established plants can protect your Cocktail Trees from cold north winds. Be sure the new tree has at least 12 feet of growing room an all sides.
Planting In a Pot: In areas where winter temperatures fall to 32º or below, it is a good idea to plant your Lemon Lime Trees in a pot that has holes for drainage. Put your potted Cocktail Tree outside in the warm months, and bring it indoors over winter.
Choose a pot that is at least 4-inches bigger on all sides than the original pot the tree was shipped in, then fill it partly with well-drained, organic potting soil.
Carefully put the new Cocktail Tree in the pot, and then fill it the remainder of the way with the potting soil. Pack the soil down by hand to remove air pockets, and leave about a 2-inch space at the top of the pot for watering. Do not over burry the tree above the trunk base.
Water the newly potted tree well until water drains from the pot’s drainage holes. Do this outside or in a shower.
Locate the Cocktail Tree in a south-facing window so it gets as much sun each day as possible. In dry climates you can add needed humidity to your Cocktail Tree by spraying the leaves with water, or by putting the pot into a planting saucer filled with small rocks and water. This will provide moisture, without letting the pot rest in water and saturate the soil.
Pruning: Citrus trees do not require pruning in order to bloom and grow fruit. But if you want to maintain a tree at a certain height, simply prune branches in late winter after all fruit has been picked. It is also a good practice to cut away damaged or dead branches. Also cut off any suckers that grow near the trunk base or below the graft.
Fertilizing: Fertilizer for citrus trees is needed to replenish the nutrients as the tree grows. Fertilizer formulated for citrus trees should always contain minerals such as Iron, Manganese and Zinc. Follow the directions on the fertilizer packaging for the amounts to apply according to tree size. Always water fertilizer in well.
Fruit & Harvesting
Fruit
Since the Cocktail Tree grows two kinds of fruit on a single tree, you will be able to harvest both juicy Meyer Lemons and fragrant Persian Limes.
Meyer Lemons are medium sized lemons that have a smooth yellow-orange rind. The lemon rinds contain aromatic oils that give them their fresh scent. The flesh of Meyer Lemons is sweet, slightly tart, and juicy with few seeds. You can use Meyer Lemons for making lemon juice, lemonade, marinades, dressings, or any recipe that calls for lemon or lemon juice.
Persian Limes are deep green limes that get up to 2 or 3 inches in diameter. These limes may turn yellow if left to ripen for an extended period, but they are commonly used when fully rounded, smooth, deep green, and juicy. Pick what you need to use or share and you will have Limes for months.
Harvesting
Meyer lemons take some time to ripen once they begin to turn from green to yellow. Ripe and ready to use Meyer Lemons have a naturally glossy skin and are filled with tart juice. Do a taste test to see if the fruit is ripe. Once the Meyer Lemons are shiny and juicy, you can begin picking and using them. Sharing fresh lemons that you have grown is almost as fun as using them yourself.
Harvesting Persian Limes can be a bit tricky, because you use them when they are green. Persian Limes usually take about three or four months from bud to harvest. Ripe limes will have a somewhat lighter green skin, will be smooth, and will yield a bit when squeezed. Do a taste test for fruit that is juicy and has a tart but not astringent taste.
Growing Zones
Advice
Citrus trees do best in direct sun. The best spot is one that gets at least 6 hours of sun per day.
Lemon-Lime Cocktail Trees can not tolerate soggy soil. Be sure to plant in an area or container that has well-drained soil.
Cocktail Trees require consistent fertilizer to thrive and grow fruit.
Always trim off dead branches or damaged limbs.
Pests and Diseases
Lemon Lime Cocktail Trees are hardy and resistant to many pests. However trees may still encounter some pests and diseases.
Leaf Miners are tiny insects that feed on new growth and cause the leaf to eventually die. This can cause stunted growth and poor quality fruit. Leaf Miners also make crooked trails on leaves and fruits.
To get rid of Leaf Miner, employ beneficial insects such as wasps that naturally kill leaf miners. Also horticultural oil can reduce the number of Leaf Miner larva. If other methods fail, pesticides will kill leaf miners.
Citrus Canker is caused by the bacterium Xanthomonas axonopodis. Canker causes brown and/or yellow spots on foliage and fruits. It also causes leaves to drop, reduces tree health, and can make fruit drop before it is ripe.
Prevent Canker from infecting your cocktail tree by always removing any leaf or fallen limb debris from around the base of your tree. Properly space trees to allow good air flow, keep trees watered with a soaker hose or drip irrigation rather than sprinklers that soak the leaves. Copper-based fungicide in spring can help prevent Canker from attacking.
FAQs
When is the Best Time to Plant A Cocktail Citrus Tree?
If you are in the suggested USDA Zone and are planting a new cocktail tree in the ground, plant the tree in spring after all chances of freezing weather has passed. If planting in a pot, you can plant at any time, and bring the cocktail tree indoors in the coldest months.
For How Long Will A Citrus Cocktail Tree Live?
Cocktail Citrus Trees normally live for about fifty years. They will begin to produce fruit after a year or two in the ground. Healthy Lemon-Lime Cocktail Trees can be expected to grow fruit for their entire lifespan.
How Much Water Does A Lemon Lime Cocktail Tree Require?
Water newly planted or potted cocktail trees once a week for the first month. Once the tree is established, water when the soil is dry down to two inches deep. Never allow the soil to fully dry out. Also, don’t let the soil remain soggy. Good drainage is as important as regular watering.
How Soon Will My New Cocktail Tree Grow Fruit?
Grafted Citrus Trees grown on rootstock will start to produce fruit after a year or more in the ground. Citrus trees grown from seed can take as long as seven years to begin growing fruit. Growing location, water, fertilizer, sunlight, and climate all play roles in how soon a cocktail tree will make lemons and limes.
Does the Cocktail Tree grow both lemons and limes, or a hybrid of both?
Cocktail Trees have both the Meyer Lemon and Persian Lime trees in a single pot. Therefore, each pot will grow both lemons and Persian Limes (not a single fruit that is a blend of both). So you can enjoy a lime for your Corona or make lemonade during the summer
Alan (verified owner) –
Small plants and looks nothing like what is pictured,Also did not receive the saucer for a HappyGrow 3 gal. system.6weeks later still waiting for them to resolve.
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