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Variety fit — California

Can I grow Key Lime in California?

The verdict

Yes

  • Your zone 9b and typical 1018 chill hours both suit this variety.

Based on California’s main growing area (95820): zone 9b, ~1,018 chill hours. Your exact site may differ — check your ZIP.

The numbers

Key Lime requirements vs. California climate
Key Lime hardinessUSDA zones 8–11
California average chill (95820)1,018 hours (808–1,470 across 10 winters)
California zone (95820)USDA zone 9b
USDA pomological watercolor of Key Lime citrus
Citrus aurantiifolia: KeyUSDA pomological watercolor, Mary Daisy Arnold, 1916 · USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection

Keep checking

Or the same verdict for another region:

Planting a Key Lime in California? Get its care calendar for your exact ZIP code, starting with this month’s tasks for one tree, free.

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Questions

Can I grow Key Lime in California?
Yes — Your zone 9b and typical 1018 chill hours both suit this variety.

Planting a Key Lime? Gear that helps

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Before you plantMySoil mail-in soil test kitLab-grade pH and nutrient analysis with amendment recommendations — worth doing before you plant.View on Amazon →First-year wateringTreegator slow-release watering bag20 gallons drips over 5–9 hours — the easiest way to keep a first-year tree consistently watered.View on Amazon →Bark protectionExpandable trunk protectors (5-pack)Stops rabbit, vole, and mower damage on young bark — cheap insurance for a new orchard.View on Amazon →

Sources

  1. [1] Open-Meteo / Copernicus ERA5. Historical Weather API (hourly 2m temperature) — accessed July 2026
  2. [2] USDA / PRISM (Oregon State University). 2023 USDA Plant Hardiness Zone Map — accessed July 2026
  3. [3] Four Winds Growers. Mexican Key Lime Tree — product page — accessed July 2026