To propagate a lime tree, the most common method is by taking a semi-hardwood stem cutting from a healthy branch, treating the cut end with rooting hormone, and planting it in a moist, well-draining potting mix; you can also propagate lime trees from seed, but this method takes longer and may not produce fruit identical to the parent plant; for faster results, professionals often use budding or grafting techniques to propagate lime trees onto established rootstocks.
Key points about propagating lime trees:
Cutting selection: Choose a healthy, semi-hardwood stem cutting around 4-6 inches long with several leaf nodes.
Rooting hormone: Dip the cut end of the stem in rooting hormone to stimulate root development.
Potting medium: Use a well-draining potting mix with good aeration.
Environment: Place the cutting in a warm, humid environment with bright, indirect light.
Other propagation methods:
Seed propagation: Extract seeds from a ripe lime.
Rinse off the pulp and plant the seeds in a seed starting mix. Expect longer time to fruit compared to cuttings.
Air layering: Make a ring-shaped cut around a branch on the parent plant.
Wrap the cut area with moist sphagnum moss and cover with plastic to encourage root development.
Grafting/Budding: Used by professionals to propagate specific lime varieties onto established rootstocks.