Description
The Dwarf Persian Lime Tree grows juicy, seedless limes on a small tree that is perfectly at home in this hanging basket planter. Dwarf citrus in a hanging basket is a great way to grow your own fruit in small spaces. It is also a good way to start multiple citrus trees without taking up valuable garden or patio floor space. Dwarf Persian Lime Trees are virtually thornless, have fragrant, deep green leaves, and are self-pollinating.
The Dwarf Persian Lime Tree grows juicy, seedless limes on a small tree that is perfectly at home in this hanging basket planter. Dwarf citrus in a hanging basket is a great way to grow your own fruit in small spaces. It is also a good way to start multiple citrus trees without taking up valuable garden or patio floor space. Dwarf Persian Lime Trees are virtually thornless, have fragrant, deep green leaves, and are self-pollinating.
Dwarf Persian Lime Trees are recommended for growing outdoors in USDA growing zones 9 to 11. In the ground, these trees will reach heights of 6 to 10 feet. In colder zones you can grow Dwarf Persian Lime Trees in pots outdoors in warm months, then bring them inside for winter. Mature Dwarf Persian Lime Trees can survive low temperatures down to 20ºF, but potted trees should be brought indoors if freezing temperatures are possible.
Hanging Basket Care
Hang your Dwarf Persian Lime Hanging Basket in a spot where it will get the most sunlight possible each day. A location that gets six hours or more of direct sun in the spring and summer months is ideal. If you bring the Dwarf Persian Lime inside over winter, place it in a sunny south-facing window. It is normal for some leaves to yellow and fall after shipping, and when trees are relocated indoors or out.
Water new Dwarf Persian Lime Trees twice a week, or when the soil is dry down to 2 inches below the surface. Be sure to let the hanging basket pots drain fully from their drainage holes. Never water when the soil is damp. Allow new Dwarf Persian Lime Trees to acclimate to their new home for at least one month before adding fertilizer. Hanging basket lime trees respond well to liquid fertilizer and citrus tree fertilizer that is watered in well.
Fruit & Harvesting
Dwarf Persian Lime Tree Hanging Baskets grow the same sized fruits as standard Persian Lime Trees. These trees will bloom multiple times per year, with the heaviest blooms arriving in spring. Once the trees have bloomed for a few seasons, it is possible for trees to bloom and make fruit continuously.
Dwarf Persian Lime Trees can bloom and make fruit within their first year. Harvest Persian Limes when the fruit is smooth, glossy, and filled with tart juice. Picking limes at the right time can be tricky since the fruit is harvested and used when green. Do a taste test when the first limes turn smooth, shiny, and are fully rounded. The flesh should be juicy and have a tart but not bitter flavor. If the limes are dry or the flesh is bitter, then wait another week and taste test again.
Advice
Dwarf Persian Lime Trees are self-pollinating so a single tree will bloom and produce fruit. Dwarf Persian Lime Tree Hanging Baskets growing outdoors will be pollinated by bees, butterflies, and other insects. If you are growing your hanging citrus inside, then pollinate the blooms by hand using a clean, small brush such as a watercolor paintbrush. Hand pollinate by moving from bloom to bloom, lightly touching the flower center, then moving to do the same on the next bloom. Touch all blooms in this way every day for three or four days in a row.
Always cut away any dead branches using clean, sharp pruners. Also trim off any low-growing suckers, or overly vigorous green stems growing vertically from established branches. Collect and compost any leaves that fall onto the hanging basket soil. The soil can be mulched with a thin layer of shredded tree bark to keep soil from eroding or splashing out when watering. Only water when the soil surface is dry to two inches deep, and allow to drain fully.
