How to grow desert lime
Overview
Desert lime is a native Australian citrus shrub, prized for its small, tart fruits and silvery ornamental foliage. It is extremely drought-tolerant and well-suited to arid and semi-arid gardens. Growers must ensure excellent drainage and full sun for reliable harvests.
Varieties
- Desert lime (species) — The wild-type Citrus glauca, widely available in Australian nurseries, with silvery foliage and tart, seedy fruits.
Soil Preparation
Desert lime prefers slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0–7.0) with excellent drainage. Sandy loam or loam enriched with well-rotted organic matter is ideal. In heavy clay, raise beds or improve drainage with gypsum and coarse sand.
Growing Guide
Plant desert lime in a sunny, open position with free-draining soil, ideally sandy loam. Space shrubs 2–3 metres apart to allow for their natural bushy growth. Dig a hole twice the width of the root ball, plant at the same depth, and water in thoroughly. In temperate zones, plant in spring; in mediterranean climates, autumn planting takes advantage of the cool wet season. Water deeply but infrequently once established, and mulch around the base to suppress weeds and retain moisture.
Sowing
Sow seeds 1 cm deep in a seed-raising mix, keep moist and warm (20–25°C), with germination occurring in 3–6 weeks. Direct sow in garden beds or start in pots and transplant when seedlings reach 10–15 cm. Thin or space seedlings to 2 metres apart.
Care
Feed with a slow-release native citrus fertiliser in early spring and again in late summer. Prune lightly after harvest to maintain shape and remove dead or crossing wood. Reapply mulch annually, keeping it clear of the trunk to prevent collar rot.
Companion Planting
Good companions include rosemary, lavender, and native grasses like Lomandra for a drought-tolerant garden. Avoid planting near other citrus species to minimise shared pest issues such as scale and citrus leaf miner.
Common Pests & Risks
Scale insects and citrus leaf miner are common. Control scale with horticultural oil sprays applied in early spring. Manage leaf miner with neem oil or by encouraging beneficial insects like parasitic wasps. Aphids may also appear; blast them off with water or use insecticidal soap.
Harvesting
Harvest fruits when they turn yellow-orange and begin to drop naturally, typically from December to March. Pick them up from the ground or gently shake branches to release ripe fruit. They are ready when they detach with a light touch; do not pull unripe fruit.
In the Kitchen
Use desert lime fruits fresh or dried; they add a tangy citrus flavour to beverages, marmalades, and sauces. Store fresh fruit in the refrigerator for several weeks or freeze whole for longer use. Dried fruits can be ground into a native citrus spice.
Troubleshooting
Yellow leaves: often caused by poor drainage or iron deficiency; improve soil aeration and apply iron chelate. Leaf drop: usually due to overwatering or frost; reduce watering and protect from hard frosts. Scale insects: sticky honeydew and sooty mould indicate scale; treat with horticultural oil. Poor fruit set: insufficient sunlight or pollination; ensure full sun and hand-pollinate if needed. Root rot: waterlogged soil leads to fungal rot; correct drainage and avoid overwatering.