Red Lime

Red Lime

The Red Lime is an uncommon, cold-hardy lime grown in Florida and the Gulf South. It is distinct from both the Rangpur lime and the UF Red Finger Lime. Its exact origin has been lost. It is believed to be a hybrid of the Rangpur lime with either a kumquat or a mandarin, but no reliable breeding record exists, and experts still disagree on its parentage. What is clear is that it combines true lime flavor with far more cold tolerance than the Persian or Key lime.

The fruit is fairly large and shaped like a lemon or lime, with a smooth rind that ripens to bright orange. Cut it open and the flesh is a deep orange to reddish color, very juicy, and nearly seedless. Despite its unusual look, the flavor is classic lime: tart, bright, and aromatic. It works anywhere you would use a lime, including drinks, punch, marinades, dressings, and desserts. The colorful fruit hangs on the tree for long periods, making it as ornamental as it is useful.

At North Florida Citrus Nursery, our Red Lime trees fill an important gap for northern Florida growers. Most limes are among the most freeze-sensitive citrus, and the Red Lime gives home growers a dependable, lime-flavored fruit that can handle winters that would damage a Persian or Key lime.

Growing quirk: Like most limes, it can bloom and fruit several times a year when well fed. After colder winters, expect one main crop and lighter flushes after.