The Lime Tree

Sometimes I rush into things with very mixed outcomes. I had a west-facing window, and many plants had a tough time living there. I got the idea that it would be nice to have a lime tree in the window. After all, it grows naturally in southern Europe in the sunny conditions found there. I live in Denmark, which is in northern Europe—so why not try it in my window, in the sun?

I researched lime trees on the internet and found some nice ones. I liked this one in particular.

A bit expensive, but very nice quality. 419 kr. / 56 EUR / 63 USD. Bear in mind we have a large sales tax in Denmark, so you might find a lime tree cheaper in your country.

Lime tree shop. plantorama.dk

Caring for the lime tree

Medium-hard to take care of? OK, I thought.

Likes direct sunlight? Yes, yes.

Needs watering once a week.

Needs fertilizing every month.

Organic lime tree fertilizer. plantorama.dk

Getting a lime tree

I ordered a tree for delivery online. I was busy and almost forgot that I had ordered it—along with some special citrus fertilizer.

One morning, a very friendly young delivery boy came with the lime tree. It was in very good condition and looked tremendously healthy, filled with green and yellow limes. It was a fantastic surprise.

I had a family emergency and didn’t really have time to take care of the lime tree during the first two weeks. It lost half of its leaves due to too little watering and a lack of fresh soil. I finally managed to find time to replant it and give it proper care. All the leaves came back—and even some new ones too. Now I’ve got small flowers and am awaiting small limes. I don’t know exactly how long it will take for them to grow.

A green lime

A lime tree flower.

I’ll ask ChatGPT about it soon. A green partner for managing plants—just describe the plant problem and provide some images.

The moral of the story about the lime tree:

If I can do it, you definitely can too. Even if you only have a small window and a busy life. Many years ago, people spent a large part of the day gathering food and producing it themselves. I find this process especially helpful and satisfying—especially if your life is stressful or difficult.

Happy gardening 🌿

The lime tree in my window, ready for sleeping.