How to Grow Lime Tree in New Zealand
Limes are the most frost-tender citrus, so plant in spring in the warm north or in a sheltered, sun-trapped spot further south. A pot lets you shift the tree under cover in cold snaps. Mulch wide but keep clear of the trunk.
When to plant lime tree in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | March, April, September, October, November |
| Auckland | March, April, September, October, November |
| Waikato & BoP | March, April, September, October, November |
| Wellington | March, April, September, October, November |
| Nelson & Marlborough | March, April, September, October, November |
| Canterbury | October, November |
| Otago & Southland | October, November |
| Central Otago | October, November |
Best lime tree varieties for NZ
- Tahitian — The standard backyard lime, seedless juicy fruit, the most reliable lime for New Zealand gardens. (Kings Plant Barn)
- Kaffir (Makrut) — Grown for its aromatic leaves used in Thai cooking, compact and pot-friendly. (Oderings, garden centres)
- Bearss — Vigorous seedless lime closely related to Tahitian, good cropper in warm sheltered sites. (Waimea Nurseries)
How to grow lime tree
- Space plants about 300cm apart.
- Sow seed around 30cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 730 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 1 days.
Companion planting
Grow lime tree near: Comfrey.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Guava moth, Citrus leaf miner, Scale. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Lime Tree plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant lime tree in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in March, April, September, October, November. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy lime tree seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Plant Barn, Oderings, garden centres.