Persian Bearss Lime | Potted Citrus Trees

The Persian Bearss Lime Tree

Persian ‘Bearss’ limes, along with key limes, are the most popular commercial limes in the United States. The most obvious physical difference between the two is size. The Persian lime tree’s fruit is significantly larger than the Key lime’s. The tree leaves are also bigger on the Persian lime tree.

Key limes are oftentimes labeled quite plainly ‘lime’ in the grocery store. Shopping for a third type of lime in Minnesota can prove difficult.

Basic Information

Common Name	Persian Lime
Botanical Name	Citrus × latifolia
Location of Origin	Porterville, California
USDA Zones	8-11
Can be grown in containers?	Yes

Fruit Characteristics

Fruit Size	Medium-Large
Fruit Shape	Round
Fruit Flavor	Bitter
Rind Thickness	Average
Rind Texture	Smooth
Rind Color	Green
Flesh Color	Greenish
Easy to Peel?	Average
Seeds	Seedless

Tree Details

Has Thorns?	Yes
Foliage Color	Green
Foliage Size	Medium
Flower Color	White
Flower Size	Medium-small
Mature Tree Height in Ground	8′ – 12′
Fruit Bearing Age	3 – 4 years old
Alternate Bearing?	No
Heat to Sweeten Fruit?	No

Growing Conditions

Temperature	Hardy to 32 ºF
Self-fertile?	Yes
Sunlight Required	Full Sun
Bloom Season in Minnesota	Year Round
Harvest Season in Minnesota	Year Round
Average Spring/Summer Watering	Once every 1-2 weeks, more often when hot
Average Fall/Winter Watering	Once every 3 weeks

Guides for Growing in Containers

Images

A somewhat barren Persian lime tree — This Persian Lime Tree is 4 or so years old. Some leaves are pretty small as growth had been stunted to an excessively high PH level ~8.5. There are strong signs of new growth after correcting with soil acidifier(sulfur) followed by citrus fertlizer

mid august 2018 blossom shows itself — The first late summer Persian lime blossom in mid August 2018