When to Plant Lime in Cairns, Tropical Guide

Plant year round in Cairns. That includes right now, in September.

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 Tropical zone, which takes in Cairns, Townsville and Darwin. Somewhere else? Your postcode picks the right one.

Not your zone? Brisbane Sydney Melbourne Canberra Alice Springs Perth

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 Tropical

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

P = Planting window

Plant anytime. Year-round production.

Want a nudge when it is Lime sowing time in Cairns?

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How to Grow Lime in Tropical Australia

When to Plant

Plant anytime. Year-round production.

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

Tropical Growing Tips for Lime

Recommended Varieties

  • Tahitian (seedless, main crop)
  • Key/Mexican (aromatic, small fruit)
  • Kaffir/Makrut (leaf and zest use)
  • Finger Lime varieties

Key Challenges

  • Citrus leafminer
  • Disease in wet season

Pro Tips

  • Ideal lime climate. All types thrive.
  • Key lime produces best flavour in tropical conditions.
  • Finger lime is native to QLD rainforests, perfectly adapted.

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 tropical zone this September: Lemongrass, Ginger, Cucumber and Basil.

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:

Does lime grow all year round in Cairns?

Yes, every month is on the calendar for the Tropical zone, though not every month is equally easy. Plant anytime. Year-round production.

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 Tropical zone, Cairns is its reference city.