Permascaping, by Homegrown Foods
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Thornless Mexican lime fruit growing on a citrus tree

Wholesale citrus

Thornless Mexican lime

Citrus × aurantiifolia ‘Thornless’

Also known as Mexican Thornless · Thornless Key lime

The small, sharp, aromatic Key lime on a tree without the thorns. The most frost-tender citrus we sell, so it wants the warmest wall on the property.

EdibleKey limeThornlessVery frost sensitive
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Landscape layersLower canopy
Mature sizeUsually 10–20 ft tall and wide; rootstock and pruning change final size
Climate fitUrban core · USDA 9b–10a · Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b · Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9b
Special categoriesEDIBLE
Winter chillNone
Typical harvestLate summer through winter; pick green for the sharpest flavor

Before you plant

These conditions determine whether it will thrive.

Required microclimatePlacement is part of the growing system.

Zone C — morning shade, hot afternoon sun, at the west end of the sunnier south-facing side. The extra heat finishes the fruit, and the wall releases warmth through frosty nights.

Cold hardinessCover on every frost night

Just as tender as regular Mexican lime, one of the most cold-sensitive citrus. Damage starts around 28°F and the high 20s can kill it. Cover it on any frost night and plant it against a south or west wall.

Leaves and wood: damaged below 28°F · Blossoms and fruit: below 29°F

Right plant, right place

Will Thornless Mexican lime grow at your Arizona property?

Plant in fast-draining soil with the graft union above grade. Keep mulch away from the trunk and avoid lawn irrigation at the root crown.

Best regional fit: Urban core · USDA 9b–10a, Valley suburbs · USDA 9a–9b, Desert outskirts · USDA 8b–9b.

Light

Sun exposure

Full sun; young trunks and exposed scaffold limbs need sunburn protection

Water

Irrigation

Deep, regular irrigation with drying between cycles; expand the wetted zone as the canopy grows

Fruit set

Pollination

Self-fruitful

Harvest

How to use it

Juice, drinks, pies, and cooking

Planting & stewardship

How to help Thornless Mexican lime thrive

  1. 1

    Verify both the named cultivar and rootstock on the nursery tag before planting.

  2. 2

    Whitewash newly exposed bark and protect cold-sensitive trees during hard freezes.

  3. 3

    Feed in several light applications during the active season rather than one heavy dose.

  4. 4

    Let fruit color and flavor—not a calendar date alone—confirm harvest readiness.

Read the horticultural reference ↗

Keep exploring

More plants for this system