How Do Limes Grow Without Seeds? Here's The Answer

If you pay close attention to commercial limes bought in most grocery stores, you’ll notice that they don’t usually have seeds. The lack of seeds often leads to the question, how do limes grow without seeds?

Limes grow without seed due to their parthenocarpic nature. Parthenocarpic fruits can be produced without fertilization, which explains why they’re mostly seedless. To grow parthenocarpic plants, farmers use grafting, a farming method whereby a seedless plant is inserted into a new lime tree.

Curious to learn more about how lime grows without seeds? Then you’ll find this article useful. In this read, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about limes, their seedless characteristic, and whether other plants like lemons can be made seedless.

Why Limes Don’t Have Seeds

It’s important to note that not all limes are seedless, as some varieties like Key limes tend to have seeds. The common types of limes found in stores are called Persian limes and are often characterized by their seedless nature.

Limes that don’t have seeds are called parthenocarpic as they don’t require fertilization in order to reproduce. While parthenocarpy can occur naturally, it is sometimes artificially created. Pollination might be needed in some parthenocarpic plants (stimulative parthenocarpy), while fruits can develop independently in others (vegetative parthenocarpy).

Normal fruits usually start to develop when egg cells (in flowers) are fertilized by pollen. On the other hand, parthenocarpic fruits like lime have the ability to develop without fertilization. Fruits can become parthenocarpic for a number of reasons, such as sperm or egg problems, chromosomal imbalances, and issues with pollination.

Lime species like Key limes don’t have unusual characteristics like their Persian counterparts. They reproduce normally through fertilizers. This means you can grow Key limes through the normal techniques as opposed to grafting.

Parthenocarpic limes have flowers that don’t require pollen to make fruit. This means that the resulting fruits are sterile and seedless. Seedless limes like Persian limes are popular for commercial use due to their reduced acidity, longer shelf lives, and large sizes.

How Do Lime Trees Reproduce Without Seeds?

Normally, fruit development usually commences when one or two egg cells in a flower’s ovular compartment are fertilized by sperm produced by pollen.

As mentioned earlier, the most common reasons for lack of seed development is usually non-functional sperm or eggs and pollination failure. Citrus farmers have for several years opted to exploit the parthenocarpic nature of citrus plants such as lime. And since limes are self-incompatible cultivars, they fail to develop seeds when planted in orchids of similar or identical plants.

The high frequency of parthenocarpy in lime means they can still produce fruit despite not having seeds. As a result, farmers prefer to propagate lime asexually, usually through the grafting technique.

Steps to Successfully Growing Seedless Lime

Several citrus fruits come with seedless varieties. Seedless lime, once propagated, tends to grow to about 20 feet, while dwarf lime trees reach about 10 feet. Below are some important steps to observe when looking to grow seedless Lime.

Observe the Season

Seedless lime grafting works best when done in early spring. Grafting during spring is ideal for several reasons. First, the mother lime tree is usually loose enough to facilitate easy bud separation. Second, the favorable spring conditions eliminate the risk of frost of premature bud growth as it continues to heal.

It’s best to graft your seedless lime when summer is on the horizon, as it gives the plant enough time to heal and settle in its new environment. Planting during summer means the lime won’t have much time to recover and settle before the harsh winter weather.

Choose a Rootstock and the Budwood plant for seedless lime grafting

When planning to grow limes without seeds, it is important to choose ideal rootstock and budwood plants. As a rule of thumb, the rootstock you choose should be from a variety of lime that thrives in your area of residence. Choosing a rootstock that’s not native to your location might lead to uncertainties, especially if it’s not suited to the weather.

Although the rootstock plant should be relatively young, it should be at least 12 inches tall for the grafting to be successful. The budwood plant should be the seedless lime variety that you want to attach to the rootstock.

Select a Suitable Planting Site

Similar to most citrus plants, lime needs to grow in an environment with great drainage. The growing environment should also be wide enough to accommodate root growth. If you’re planting several seedless lime trees, ensure they are well-spaced, preferably 15 feet apart.

You should also check on the distance between the trees and structures or paved areas. Ideally, you should keep lime trees at least 12 feet from such structures to ensure the roots have enough space to spread and grow.

The soil you intend to place the rootstock should have great drainage properties. Planting the lime tree in a raised bed allows for better drainage, which can go a long way in improving the grafting outcomes.

Prepare the Rootstock

When preparing to bud a tree, you’ll need to prepare the rootstock by cutting it. Be sure to use a sharp, well-disinfected knife to cut the rootstock. Ideally, you should cut the rootstock about 6-7 inches above the root line. To do so, make a ‘T’ that’s about an inch long, such that you can easily peel the resulting flaps of the rootstock’s bark.

Once you’ve cut the rootstock, you should cover the cut with a clean damp cloth until you’re prepared to insert the seedless lime bud. Be sure to keep the wound as damp as you can until the grafting process is complete.

Take the Bud from the Seedless Lime Tree

Choose a healthy bud (potential stem bud as opposed to a flower bud) from the seedless lime tree. The bud will act as the budwood for budding your new seedless lime tree.

Again, using a sharp, well-disinfected knife, carefully slice a 1-inch sliver from the mother lime plant, ensuring the chosen bud is at the center. If you won’t place the bud immediately in the rootstock, carefully wrap it in a damp, clean paper towel until you’re ready to insert it into the rootstock.

Place the Budwood Strategically on the Rootstock

Carefully unfold the bark flaps such that you have the area exposed. Take the budwood sliver and strategically place it between the rootstock’s bare spot. Ensure the budwood sliver is facing in the right direction after placing it in the flaps. This step is vital as it helps the new plant to grow in the right direction.

Fold the rootstock flaps carefully over the sliver, covering as much as you can. However, you should leave the bud exposed. Proceed to wrap the bud as carefully as you can using quality grafting tape. The bud should be wrapped slightly below and above the rootstock, but remember, the bud should be exposed at all times.

Dig a Well-Sized Hole

Dig a hole that suits the dimensions of your rootstock. Remember, since you’ll be planting a relatively young lime tree, it’s important to ensure the hole is of the right size.

The hole should be twice as wide as the root ball. Ensure the root ball is well tucked in the hole and that the graft is placed several inches above the immediate soil. The top of the root ball should also be slightly raised, say, one inch above the surrounding soil. Carefully backfill the hole without adding any amendments.

Mulch Around the New Tree

You should use around two to three inches of quality organic mulch. However, the mulch should be approximately three to four feet away from the trunk. Keeping the mulch away from the trunk will ensure the new lime tree isn’t suffocated.

However, as the new lime tree continues to grow, be sure to increase the mulch radius such that it covers the complete area under the canopy. This will keep the young lime plant cool, which allows the root to absorb nutrients and water optimally.

Water the New Lime Tree Regularly

When young, you should water the trees frequently, at least once every 3-7 days. Young lime plants will need enough water to keep the roots cool and well-hydrated. This step is important because the roots are still forming, hence the need to protect them from dehydration.

However, as the tree continues to mature, you can minimize the watering cycle to once in ten days or even once in two weeks. Be sure to water deeply, especially in the first year.

As the canopy continues to grow, pay extra attention to the root area. You should pour several gallons of water at the bottom of the lime tree without wetting the trunk area excessively. The trick is to expand the mulch radius as the canopy increases over time.

You’ll know it’s time to water your plant if the topsoil is dried out. However, watering frequency should increase significantly during the summer.

Fertilize your Seedless Citrus Tree

Similar to most citrus plants, lime trees are nutrient hungry and will need regular fertilizing to bear seedless fruits. Aim to fertilize your seedless lime tree with 2-3 tablespoons of high-quality nitrogen fertilizer. Ideally, you should spread the fertilizer on the ground around three to five times a year. Keep on using nitrogen fertilizer for the first two years of your plant’s life.

Remember to water the seedless lime tree immediately after fertilization to allow for even distribution of the nutrients. In the third year, you should double the total amount of fertilizer and increase the frequency to suit the needs of your lime tree.

After the third year, chances are your seedless lime has fully matured and is ready to start producing fruit. As a result, you should give the lime tree around 2-3 pounds of nitrogen per year moving forward.

Remove the First Fruits

Your seedless lime tree will need to conserve and redirect its energy to root, stem, and branch formation. Allowing the first tiny fruits to develop will only slow down the maturation of the tree.

Therefore, cutting down the tiny fruits that develop over the first two years is highly advisable, especially if you want to start harvesting your seedless lime fruits by the third year.

Prune the Seedless Lime Tree

As the seedless lime tree continues to grow, it is important to prune branches as part of its regular maintenance. The idea is to cut dead and infected branches to prevent disease spread and unhealthy growth.

When cutting branches, ensure you cut just outside the lateral shoot or the bud. You should also prune inward growing branches or those that grow across leaves and other branches.

Monitor your Plant’s Growth

Remember, lime trees are prone to several citrus plant diseases and pest infestations. This means you’ll need to be on the lookout for attacks by constantly examining the leaves and bark formation.

Identifying a complication early enough means you can prevent the diseases or stressful conditions from gradually killing your plant. In case you don’t know how to identify signs of a disease, dehydration, or plant stress, don’t hesitate to consult with experts around your locality.

Can You get Lime Seeds?

Not all lime fruits are seedless. Varieties like Key limes tend to have seeds, which makes it possible to grow these plants normally. When looking to get lime seeds, you should go for true seeds (polyembryonic seeds), as they tend to produce identical lime plants.

Be warned, though; you won’t easily find true seeds for planting lime, hence the need to purchase the lime seeds from trusted nurseries that specialize in citrus trees.

Steps to Successfully Planting a Lime Seed

Planting lime trees from seeds is a pretty straightforward and rewarding process. Below are important steps to observe if you fancy growing your lime tree from seeds.

Get Polyembryonic or true seeds

If you want to produce identical limes, then it’s best to purchase true lime seeds from reputable nurseries. Using seeds directly obtained from lime fruits might lead to unwanted outcomes, especially since most limes in the market are usually hybrid.

Clean the Seeds

Before you plant your lime seeds, it’s important to wash them to eliminate potentially harmful bacteria. Don’t be in too much of a hurry to plant the seeds, as they work best when allowed to dry naturally. Once the seeds are dry, then you are ready to commence the planting process.

Use Well-draining Soil

Never plant lime seeds in soil that doesn’t drain well. Lime tree roots, similar to other citrus plants, require soils that drain water well to allow for smooth nutrient absorption. The seedlings will mostly germinate in three to four weeks (depending on the immediate environment). When planting, ensure you plant the seeds approximately ¼ to ½ inches deep in well-draining soil.

You can then relocate the germinated seedlings once they’re six inches tall and transfer them to large enough pots. However, since citrus fruits are cold-sensitive, it’s crucial to provide enough winter protection for your lime plant.

Are seedless limes GMO?

Although not common, seedless limes do exist naturally. Plant breeders can also manipulate limes to develop seedless lime fruits without the use of genetic engineering techniques.

Lime fruits, although capable of producing seeds, tend to have genetic abnormalities (three sets of chromosomes) that hinder their ability to form seeds. To reproduce, seedless limes are usually grafted with genetically similar or identical species, which allows for the production of parthenocarpic fruit.

When the part of a seedless lime tree is cut and strategically inserted into another tree, the original tree is cloned, ensuring that the production of seedless limes continues. This explains why grafting is a popular method for commercial production of seedless lime fruits.

Types of Limes

Lime fruits belong to the citrus family and are characterized by their green, zesty appearance. Most limes are hybrid fruits that come in a variety of sizes and shapes.

Below is a brief examination of some of the common types of limes

Key Limes

Also called Mexican lime, Bartender’s lime, or West Indian lime, Key limes tend to grow on bush-like, thorny trees in hot climates. Compared to Persian limes, Mexican limes are smaller and yellower in appearance.

Key limes are unique in that they contain seeds, which is unusual when it comes to limes. The sour-sweet taste of key limes makes them ideal for use in cooking, cocktails, and baking.

Persian Limes

Also called Bearrs or Tahitian, Persian limes are among the most common lime varieties globally. These limes are larger and less acidic than key limes. Commercial growers prefer Persian limes due to their longer shelf life and thicker skin.

Moreover, Persian limes are easy to maintain since they grow on thornless lime trees. The lack of thorns means they can be pruned and regularly inspected without the risk of injury. Persian limes are well-known for their seedless fruits, a feature that makes them ideal for commercial consumption as compared to their seeded Mexican cousins.

Philippine Limes

Also called calamansi or calamondin, Philippine limes are hybrid lime fruits characterized by their succulent, orange-colored flesh. As the name suggests, this citrus fruit is native to the Philippines and Southern Asia. Philippine limes are commonly mistaken for small tangerines, especially when fully ripe. Due to their appearance, Philippine limes are commonly used to decorate delicacies and add a bit of taste to meals.

Calamansi limes grow well in containers and pots in sub-tropical climates. Their colorful appearance makes them great options when looking for ornamental-fruit bearing shrubs.

Blood Limes

Blood limes are unusual types of seed-producing lime fruits. They stand out due to their bloody red color. Moreover, this variety of lime doesn’t come with a sour taste. Instead, it has a refreshing, tangy taste that allows for its direct consumption.

Finger Lime

Finger limes, also called caviar limes or the Australian finger lime, are characterized by their elongated pointy shape. This seedless lime fruit doesn’t resemble an ordinary lime, save for its rough, extra bumpy skin. This unique lime has small juice sacs that resemble tiny caviar pearls.

Can you Make other Fruits Seedless (Like Lemons)?

Yes, it is possible to make other fruits seedless. As reported by the LA Times, seedless lemons have significantly increased in popularity over the past decades. This is because the lack of seeds increases the overall versatility of lemon fruits as they can be consumed without worrying too much about the seeds.

To make fruits like lemons seedless, you’ll need to use the same strategy discussed in the earlier section on reproducing lime without seeds. Grafting will be necessary to allow the new lemon tree to develop seedless fruits once mature.

This means you’ll need to graft a young ordinary lemon tree with the seedless variety you desire. Observing the steps discussed in the earlier section will allow you to transform an ordinary lemon into a seedless variety.

Important Tips to Consider when Growing Citrus Plants

The whole idea of growing citrus plants is to harvest fruit, whether commercially or for personal use. Luckily, these plants aren’t the hardest to maintain. However, to reap the rewards of your hard work, it’s crucial to observe the following tips.

Lighting Needs

Citrus trees like lime and lemon need a lot of direct sunlight to thrive. Therefore, during winter, you’ll need to provide an alternative light source to your citrus trees. The good thing is grow lights with bright enough light (full-spectrum) can get the job done and keep your plant healthy enough until spring and summer.

Also, when growing lemons and lime in your nursery or orchard, it’s important to protect the trees from extreme cold. These plants don’t do well in cold environments, hence the need to keep them warm enough to get through the cold winters.

Point to note, though, you shouldn’t fertilize citrus trees during the winter since they’re mostly in a dormant state to conserve maximum energy.

Pollination Requirements

Almost all citrus plants are self-pollinating. This means they won’t need bees or other mechanisms to cross-pollinate and consequently reproduce. Shaking the plant and using a box fan is enough to stimulate self-pollination. Alternatively, you can hand-pollinate the citrus plants by using a small paintbrush to promote self-pollination.

Pruning Needs

Luckily, citrus plants don’t need a lot of pruning to thrive. However, you should regularly trim to remove stray and broken branches. You should also prune to maintain the tree’s overall size, especially during the winter when it needs to conserve maximum energy. Cutting off extra long or twisted branches might also help to increase overall air circulation.

Be on the lookout for fungal infections and pests like whiteflies, aphids, and spider mites. Always perform a thorough check before you move your citrus trees indoors during the winter.

To eliminate the risks of infection, horticulturalists recommend applying insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to eliminate pests. Using a soft, damp cloth, you should also wipe the foliage to remove dust, which helps to boost photosynthesis, more so during the cold winter weather.

Use sterilized cutting equipment

In case you want to produce seedless citrus fruits, you’ll need to propagate the plant by grafting. When cutting the rootstock and budwood, it is crucial to use sterilized knives to avoid infecting the new plants. You should also use clean equipment when pruning your citrus plants.

Watering and Fertilizing

You’ll know it’s time to water your citrus plant when the topsoil layer is dry. Insert your finger on the topsoil, say about 2-3 inches, and if you feel the surface is dry, then you should water the plant. However, be extra careful to avoid overwatering the trunk of the citrus plant.

Fertilizing citrus plants is necessary, especially if you want your plant to bear fruit as quickly as possible. Always fertilize as instructed by on the package.

For best outcomes, it is highly advisable to buy fertilizers that contain nitrogen, manganese, iron, and zinc. Remember to water thoroughly once done applying fertilizer as it will ensure the entire root system absorbs the nutrients.

First Fruits

To conserve your citrus plant’s energy, horticulturists recommend removing the first fruits. The first fruits and bloom will require high levels of energy to fully mature, which might end up denying your plant the resources needed to develop solid root, stem, and branch systems.

Try cutting off the first fruits (if they don’t fall naturally) during the first three years. Doing so will promote healthy blooms and fruit formation once the citrus tree matures. Point to note, though, citrus trees mature at different times, so don’t worry if your lime or lemon tree fails to produce fruit within the first three to four years.

How Do Limes Grow Without Seeds: Winding Up

Similar to most citrus fruits, limes can grow without seeds due to their parthenocarpic nature. Farmers can rely on farming techniques such as grafting to produce new lime trees from seedless varieties.

However, proper care must be taken when grafting to ensure the new lime tree develops as expected. Other important considerations to make to increase the chances of fruit production include regular fertilization and prevention from extreme cold.

You should also give your lime tree enough access to full-spectrum light , especially during the winter to ensure it continues to photosynthesize normally.