When to Plant Lime in Perth, Mediterranean Guide

Plant October to November. Right now in September it is out of season. The next planting month is October.

Published · Last reviewed · By Garden Buddy
Growing advice is reviewed by hand. Planting dates, current conditions and prices on this page update daily.

This Lime guide is written for the Mediterranean zone, which takes in Perth, Adelaide and Bunbury. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Cairns Brisbane Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs

Also handy: will it frost this week? and what grows in shade.

Lime

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

The most frost-sensitive common citrus. Three main types grown in Australia: Tahitian (large seedless fruit, most popular), Key/Mexican (small, aromatic, very tender), and native Australian Finger Lime (unique caviar-like vesicles, increasingly popular). Tahitian is the practical choice for most home gardens. Finger lime is a genuinely Australian native with unique culinary properties. All limes prefer warmth and humidity.

Best Planting Window for Mediterranean

Jan Feb Mar Apr May Jun Jul Aug Sep Oct Nov Dec
- - - - - - - - - P P -

P = Planting window

Plant October-November. Sheltered from cold winds.

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How to Grow Lime in Mediterranean Australia

When to Plant

Plant October-November. Sheltered from cold winds.

Soil
Well-drained, rich in organic matter. Slightly acidic preferred.
pH Range
6.0-7.0
Sunlight
Full sun, protected from cold winds. Warmest position in garden.

Companion plants: Comfrey, Nasturtium

Avoid planting near: Cold exposed positions

Mediterranean Growing Tips for Lime

Recommended Varieties

  • Tahitian
  • Finger Lime
  • Kaffir/Makrut

Key Challenges

  • Winter cold in Adelaide
  • Med fruit fly in WA

Pro Tips

  • Perth is good lime country. Adelaide is marginal except in sheltered city spots.
  • Finger lime does well in both cities.

Harvesting Lime

When ready: Tahitian: pick when bright green and full-sized (turning yellow means over-ripe). Key lime: pick when pale green to yellow. Finger lime: pick when full-sized and slightly soft at ends.

How to harvest: Cut with secateurs. Handle gently.

Where to next

What lime costs in the shops right now, retailer by retailer, updated daily.

Also worth sowing in the mediterranean zone this September: Ginger, Beetroot, Chilli Peppers and Cucumber.

The pest most likely to find your lime: Possums (Common Brushtail, Ringtail).

Supermarket Price

Current average retail: $17.25/kg (12-month range: $8.73–$17.25)

Grow your own and save on grocery bills.

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Common Questions About Lime

When do you plant lime in Australia?

It depends on your climate zone, not the calendar month alone. Planting months by zone:

Which zone am I in?

Type your postcode into the box under the heading and the page tells you, and links this crop in your own zone if it differs. Or look it up on the grow zone map. This page is the Mediterranean zone, Perth is its reference city.