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Kaffir Lime on a tree with a blurred background

Close-up of green leaves with a blurred background

Kaffir Limes on a wooden surface with one cut in half

Plant Nest

Kaffir Lime - Citrus hystrix

Name: Kaffir Lime - Citrus hystrix
Brand: Plant Nest
SKU: Citrus hystrix - 5L
Price: 61.95 AUD
Availability: InStock

Evergreen citrus tree prized for its aromatic double-lobed leaves and compact form — ideal for Thai cuisine, pots, and courtyards in Melbourne gardens.

$77.95

$61.95

On sale

Pot Size:

5L

5L 30cm

Variant

Free Delivery to Melbourne Metro for Orders over $750.00*

Quick Facts

Position

Full Sun. Thrives in Melbourne’s warm microclimates.

Size

2–4m high × 1–2m wide. Upright, rounded form.

Water

Moderate. Keep moist during dry periods, ensure good drainage.

Uses

Edible garden, feature plant, tropical garden, container growing, espalier.

Description

Citrus hystrix, commonly known as Kaffir Lime, is a small evergreen citrus tree native to tropical Asia. It’s prized for its distinctive double-lobed aromatic leaves, which are a staple ingredient in Thai, Indonesian, and Cambodian cuisine. The small, knobbly fruit has limited juice but is valued for its oil and fragrance. In Melbourne gardens, Kaffir Lime performs well in full sun with protection from frost and is a perfect addition to edible or ornamental landscapes.

Key Features:

Aromatic double-lobed leaves used widely in Asian cooking.
Evergreen foliage provides year-round structure and visual appeal.
Compact size suitable for pots, courtyards, or espalier training.
Produces small knobbly fruit with strong citrus oil content.
Performs well in full sun and protected Melbourne gardens.

Growing & Care Guide

Soil: Well-drained soil enriched with organic matter; avoid waterlogging.
Light: Full sun for best leaf aroma and growth.
Watering: Water regularly through hot periods; reduce in cooler months.
Fertiliser: Feed with slow-release citrus fertiliser in spring and midsummer.
Maintenance: Prune lightly after harvest to maintain compact shape and airflow.
Flowering: White, fragrant flowers appear in spring followed by knobbly green fruit.

Landscaping Ideas

Kaffir Lime is perfect for small Melbourne gardens or courtyards where space is limited. Grow it in decorative pots near outdoor kitchens or entertaining areas for easy access to fresh leaves. It also makes a stunning espalier against a sunny wall or as part of a tropical-themed edible garden.

Expert Tip

For lush foliage, remove developing fruit to encourage leaf production. Ideal for culinary use in Melbourne’s cool seasons.

FAQ's

Q: Can Kaffir Lime grow in Melbourne?

Yes. It grows well in Melbourne with full sun and frost protection during winter.

Q: Are Kaffir Lime fruits edible?

The fruit is not typically eaten fresh but the rind and leaves are widely used for flavouring.

Q: Can Kaffir Lime be grown in pots?

Yes. It performs excellently in containers and responds well to
pruning and shaping.

Why Choose Plant Nest?

At Plant Nest, we make it easy to buy plants online with delivery direct to your door. Every plant is hand-selected for quality, carefully packed, and backed by expert advice so you can grow with confidence.

Plant Nest Kaffir Lime - Citrus hystrix

$77.95

$61.95

On sale