Makrut or Kaffir Lime
Available from 29/11/2024
5/ 5
20 reviews
As described
I gave this to a foodie gardening friend because I was given one a few months ago. Hers was a great specimen, twice as big as mine and with 3 limes on it already, one of them large. Jealous but glad it was that way around.
Plants in first class condition with a large number of chilies on…. Well pleased.
Pot broken but replacement sent right away and no BS in communication.
Great little plant, produces plenty of chillies
I personally haven’t seen the plant, but my daughter who is a keen gardener assured me it is lovely, healthy and well worth the money. Thank you again
Beautiful gift and handwritten card!
Good product and service.
Interesting foliage, different from other plants we have. Curious to see whether we get any fruit from it!
Excellent tree delivered. Larger than expected. Foliage in tip top condition. Half a dozen large semi-ripe lemons firmly attached. Wonderful gift ????
These instructions are sent with the plant gift
This evergreen bush (Citrus hystrix) is grown for the wonderful flavoured leaves. It will live happily inside or in a conservatory in the winter and in the summer can make a striking patio plant. However, it is not frost hardy.
Like all citrus trees these Kaffir Lime needs lots of direct sunlight and a stable environment so choose a spot that gets the most daylight throughout the day. As soon as the temperatures are above 5 degrees Celsius consistently, put the tree outside so it can get direct sunlight all day long. A cool bright room through winter is best, protected from heating and cold draughts.
As they need to stay in small pots it will need regular watering and feeding. With citrus, it is also best to wait until the top of the soil has dried before watering. Water the soil not the leaves to avoid scorch and allow any excess water to drain away. Your Makrut lime should never be allowed to sit in water and the top of the soil should be allowed to dry out between watering. Don’t get caught out with the change of seasons, you may need to water every day through the hottest summer days, and as little as once every 2-3 weeks in the coldest darkest days of the year.
Young plants are grown for their leaves, but mature plants can produce wonderful rough-skinned limes which are also used in Oriental cooking. Plants can be re-potted in the spring or summer if they are starting to out grow their existing pots– a citrus compost is best as it needs acid soil. Over time you may wish to prune this bush in the winter to keep a compact shape.
The kaffir lime leaves are a very popular spice in Thailand; their characteristic flavour appears in soups, stir-fries or curries. In Thai cuisine, kaffir lime is frequently combined with garlic, galangal, ginger and fingerroot, together with liberal amount of chillies. Try them finely chopped in stir-fries or use them like bay leaves and remove before serving in Thai curries.
Problem solving
Sudden changes in environment, under or over watering can all cause leaf drop however with a return to regular watering and a stable temperature they will usually recover well.
The glossy leaves of the Kaffir lime can pick up dust marks, if your plant develops dark grey marks over time they are likely to be dust or water marks which can easily be rubbed off with a clean cloth.
