Kaffir Lime is a distinctive citrus grown primarily for its intensely aromatic leaves and uniquely bumpy, highly fragrant fruit. The foliage is the standout feature, widely used in Asian cuisine for its citrus-lime perfume. The tree has a dense, thorny habit with attractive glossy leaves, making it both productive and ornamental in the garden or container.
Fruit Colour: Dark green, maturing to yellow-green
Fruit Shape: Small, round with a heavily bumpy rind
Fruit Size: Small
Flavour: Extremely sour, bitter; fruit rarely eaten fresh
Fruit Season: Late autumn to winter
Cropping Habit: Light to moderate crops, but highly consistent
Best Uses: Culinary leaves (curries, soups, marinades), zest, aromatics, ornamental planting
Light requirement: Full sun to part shade
Water requirement: Moderate
Watering frequency: Regular; prefers evenly moist soil but tolerates short dry periods once established
Soil: Well-draining soil rich in organic matter
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
Growth rate: Moderate
Suitable for container gardens: Yes, performs well in large pots
Mature Height: 2–5 m
Mature Width: 2–4 m
Seasonality: Evergreen
Drought Tolerant: Moderate once established
Frost Tolerant: Low; sensitive to frost and requires protection in cold snaps
Wind Tolerant: Moderate; benefits from sheltered position
Leaf colour: Deep glossy green
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf: 5–10 cm, double-lobed distinctive “hourglass” shape
Kaffir Lime is a distinctive citrus grown primarily for its intensely aromatic leaves and uniquely bumpy, highly fragrant fruit. The foliage is the standout feature, widely used in Asian cuisine for its citrus-lime perfume. The tree has a dense, thorny habit with attractive glossy leaves, making it both productive and ornamental in the garden or container.
Fruit Colour: Dark green, maturing to yellow-green
Fruit Shape: Small, round with a heavily bumpy rind
Fruit Size: Small
Flavour: Extremely sour, bitter; fruit rarely eaten fresh
Fruit Season: Late autumn to winter
Cropping Habit: Light to moderate crops, but highly consistent
Best Uses: Culinary leaves (curries, soups, marinades), zest, aromatics, ornamental planting
Light requirement: Full sun to part shade
Water requirement: Moderate
Watering frequency: Regular; prefers evenly moist soil but tolerates short dry periods once established
Soil: Well-draining soil rich in organic matter
Skill level: Beginner to intermediate
Growth rate: Moderate
Suitable for container gardens: Yes, performs well in large pots
Mature Height: 2–5 m
Mature Width: 2–4 m
Seasonality: Evergreen
Drought Tolerant: Moderate once established
Frost Tolerant: Low; sensitive to frost and requires protection in cold snaps
Wind Tolerant: Moderate; benefits from sheltered position
Leaf colour: Deep glossy green
Leaf Variegation pattern: No
Size of leaf: 5–10 cm, double-lobed distinctive “hourglass” shape
