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Citrus variety

Key Lime

Also known as Mexican Lime, West Indian Lime

The short answer

Key Lime grows in USDA zones 8–11[1]. It is self-fertile[1].

Growing facts

Key Lime growing facts
Chill requirementNone — citrus trees don’t need winter chill
HardinessUSDA zones 8–11[1] (nursery figure)
PollinationSelf-fertile[1]
Harvest windowJanuary–December[2]
Years to bearingNot published
USDA pomological watercolor of Key Lime citrus
Citrus aurantiifolia: KeyUSDA pomological watercolor, Mary Daisy Arnold, 1916 · USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection

Plate provenance[3]

Notes

  • Fruit has some seeds and is smaller than Bearss lime; self-fertile.[1]
  • Protect below 32F.[1]
  • Poor cold hardiness; among the most frost-sensitive citrus.[2]

A year with your Key Lime

When the work happens for a citrus in USDA zone 9, anchored to typical frost dates.

Months for pruning, thinning, spray-timing windows, and harvest for Citrus in zone 9
TaskJFMAMJJASOND
Prune——————————
Spray timing—————————
Harvest————————————
Care—————

See the full month-by-month citrus calendar for zone 9 →

Can I grow Key Lime where I live?

Check the verdict for a few regions, or your exact ZIP:

Growing a Key Lime? Get its care calendar for your exact ZIP code, with email reminders.

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Questions

What hardiness zones suit Key Lime?
Key Lime grows in USDA zones 8–11.
Is Key Lime self-pollinating?
Key Lime is self-fertile, though a pollination partner can improve cropping.

Sources

  1. [1] Four Winds Growers. Mexican Key Lime Tree — product page — accessed July 2026
  2. [2] Texas A&M AgriLife Extension (Aggie Horticulture). Table 1. Characteristics of common Texas citrus varieties — accessed July 2026
  3. [3] USDA National Agricultural Library. USDA Pomological Watercolor Collection (Rare and Special Collections, 1886-1942) — accessed July 2026