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Variety fit — Ontario

Can I grow Key Lime citrus in Ontario?

The verdict

Not recommended

  • Your zone 6b is colder than this variety's hardiness range (zones 8–11); winter cold may damage or kill the tree.

Based on Ontario’s main growing area (L2R): zone 6b, ~1,677 chill hours. Your exact site may differ — check your ZIP.

Key Lime requirements vs. Ontario climate
Key Lime hardinessUSDA zones 8–11
Ontario average chill (L2R)1,677 hours (1,342–1,953 across 10 winters)
Ontario zone (L2R)USDA zone 6b
USDA pomological watercolor of Key Lime citrus
Citrus aurantiifolia: KeyUSDA pomological watercolor, Mary Daisy Arnold, 1916 · USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection

Or the same verdict for another region:

Can I grow Key Lime citrus in Ontario?
Probably not — Your zone 6b is colder than this variety's hardiness range (zones 8–11); winter cold may damage or kill the tree.

Sources

  1. [1] Open-Meteo / Copernicus ERA5. Historical Weather API (hourly 2m temperature) — accessed July 2026
  2. [2] Natural Resources Canada. Plant Hardiness Zones of Canada — accessed July 2026
  3. [3] Four Winds Growers. Mexican Key Lime Tree — product page — accessed July 2026