How to Germinate Sweet Lime Seed

Sweet limes (Citrus limettioides) are produced by tropical trees that grow up to 20 feet tall. The fruits are pale yellow or green and, as their name suggests, have a sweeter taste than other lime varieties. Sweet lime trees are most often grown from cuttings, but can also be started from seed. When provided with ideal conditions, the seeds germinate and grow into mature trees. They also make attractive house or patio plants, though they aren't as likely to produce fruit under these conditions. Limes produced by seed-grown trees may also be of lesser quality than those started from cuttings.

3-inch growing containers
Peat-based potting mix

Instructions

- 1
  Remove the peel from a fresh sweet lime and break the fruit open. Take the desired number of seeds from the fruit.
- 2
  Rinse the seeds thoroughly in water to wash away all pulp remnants.
- 3
  Fill 3-inch growing containers with peat-based potting mix.
- 4
  Plant one to three sweet lime seeds in each container, at a depth of approximately 1/4 inch.
- 5
  Add water until the potting mix feels lightly moist.
- 6
  Place the growing containers in an area protected from bright light.
- 7
  Check the potting mix daily and add moisture only when the top 1/2 inch feels dry.
- 8
  Move the containers to a sunny location after the first seedling sprouts. Continue to keep the potting mix barely moist at all times.

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