20 Seeds, Fresh Lime Citrus Hystrix Thai Kaffir Tree Seeds (19A)
Native to Southeast Asia,
Citrus Hystrix (Thai Lime or Kaffir Lime) is a thorny, multi-stemmed, evergreen
shrub or small tree, prized for its citronella-scented foliage, profuse
flowers, and bumpy green fruits. Its glossy, evergreen two-segmented leaves
densely cover the woody stems. Highly aromatic, they are an important
ingredient in many Thai dishes including soups, curries, rice, stir-fry, fish
cakes, salads, and marinades. Blooming throughout most of the year, the small,
fragrant flowers are beautiful with their 4-5 pinkish-white petals and free
stamens. They shine against the evergreen foliage. They give way to bumpy
fruits, 2 in. across (5 cm), that hang from a petiole almost as large and wide
as the leaf blade. Vivid green and glossy when immature, the fruit turns yellow
when ripe and falls from the tree. It is not very juicy and has a strong acidic
flavor. While sour tasting, its rinds are often used for flavoring. In some
places, the fruit is also used to make a shampoo that is insect repelling.
Widely naturalized in tropical areas, Thai Lime tolerates temperatures that
occasionally drop to 32ºF (0ºC) and can be grown indoors where its delightful
citrus fragrance can be enjoyed. ★
Grows up to 6-25 ft. tall (2-8
m) and 5-12 ft. wide (2-4 m). ★
A full sun to light shade
lover, this plant is easily grown in fertile, sandy, well-drained soils. Needs
water regularly but cannot stand flooding or saturated soils. Fertilize every 2
weeks in spring and summer with organic fruit tree fertilizer. Shelter from
strong winds. ★
Indoor plants should be
regularly watered and foliage should be regularly misted. ★
Generally pest and disease
free. Keep an eye out for root rot in overly moist soils. ★
Prune when new growth starts
in spring. This will encourage new branches to emerge from just below the cut.
Sharp thorns along the stems, so watch for them when handling this plant. ★
Propagate by seed or grafting. ★
Native to Southeast Asia. Citrus
Seeds Germination Procedures Place the seeds in a cup of
lukewarm tap water and let them sit for 24 hours. Although soaking the
seeds in water before planting is not necessary for germination, it does
increase the chance of the seeds germinating successfully. Note: If you do
not intend to plant the seeds right away, dry them completely and then put
them in an airtight container. This prevents the growth of microorganisms.
Storing them in cool or even cold location until you are ready to plant is
also essential to prevent seed destruction. Plant each seed into a 3-inch pot.
Plant the seed 1/4 to 1/2 inches deep into a rich but well-drained potting
soil with a neutral or slightly acidic pH balance. Water the soil of the
pot until it is soaked and let it drain. Cut one or two small holes into a
small transparent bag. Place the bag over the top of the pot so that it
acts as a barrier, keeping heat and moisture in over the surface of the
pot. Secure the bag in place, if necessary, with an elastic band around
the base of the bag and top rim of the pot. Place the pot near a bright window
or outside on a bright balcony where it will receive a few hours of direct
sunlight each day. Remove the bag to water whenever the surface of the
soil appears dry. Remove the plastic bag after the
seedling emerges and outgrows the space provided within the bag. Water the
seedling whenever the surface of the soil appears dry. Transplant the small tree after
roots appear around the drainage holes of the pot. The Mandarin seedling
can be planted in a larger pot for patio or even indoor growing, or
outside in an area of the yard where it will not be crowded or shaded from
direct sunlight.