Can I grow a lime tree in the UK?
Sorry, lime trees don’t grow outdoors in the UK. The cold weather is killing it. If you dig it up now and put it in a pot with well drained citrus potting mix you may just about get it to survive. Keep it in a bright frost free position out of direct sunlight and not near a radiator. Again, a warm, subtropical, or tropical climate is best for growing lime trees. Buying them from a local grower ensures that they will thrive in your area’s conditions. You’ll want to plant them at least 15 feet from other trees and situate them in a sunny spot.Lime trees like a sunny spot and to be protected from frost in the winter but with a little care they will thrive in the UK climate. The best lime to grow for drinks is the classic Tahiti lime or bartenders lime available in a range of sizes below.Lime, also known as tahiti lime or persian lime, is a vigorous small hybrid tree in the Rutaceae family, reaching a height and spread of about 20 feet in tropical/sub-tropical regions with a rounded, dense canopy hanging to the ground.Choosing the Right Lime Tree You’ll want to plant them at least 15 feet from other trees and situate them in a sunny spot. They can be grown in containers or outdoor soil that offers good drainage.
Can I leave my lime tree outside in winter in the UK?
Citrus plants won’t reliably survive winters outdoors, even in the warmest parts of the UK, but when grown in containers they can be kept in a greenhouse, conservatoryor glazed porch over winter, then moved outdoors in summer into a sunny, sheltered spot. Most citrus trees can handle a light frost, but any temperature below 32°F can be detrimental to its health. Keep your tree inside until you are sure the last spring frost in your area has passed, and the average nightly temperature is above 40°F before preparing to move your citrus tree outside.Nearly hardy Lemon trees, Chinottos and Kaffir limes will be fine in temperatures right down to zero and will even tolerate -1C or -2C for short periods. This winter has been quite mild so far so we know many people have chosen to keep their trees outside.Citrus trees planted during the cool spring months will be better able to withstand the cold weather of their first winter than trees planted later in the year. Your favorite nursery or garden center should have a good supply of new citrus trees right about now.Choose a sunny location. Citrus trees demand sun, sun, sun — so don’t even think about that dappled partial sun area of your garden. Plant your tree in an area where it will receive full sun all day long.