Makrut Lime Tree

Makrut Lime Tree

1-2 ft.
$99 $119 17% OFF
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Makrut Lime Tree
  • Makrut Lime Tree
  • Kaffir Lime Tree
  • Kaffir Lime Tree
  • Kaffir Lime Tree
  • Kaffir Lime Tree
  • Kaffir Lime Tree
Makrut Lime Tree

Makrut Lime Tree

* For Florida Residents Only *

$99 $119 17% OFF
Pick a Size: 1-2 ft.
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Makrut Lime Tree Information

Makrut Lime Tree
About The Makrut Lime Tree

Most citrus trees are grown for what you squeeze out of the fruit. The Makrut Lime (Citrus hystrix), long known by the name "kaffir lime," is the rare exception — it's prized almost entirely for its aromatic leaves and knobbly, deeply wrinkled rind.

The leaves are unmistakable: glossy, dark green, and shaped like a double hourglass, with one leaf appearing to grow out of the tip of another. Torn or bruised, they release a bright, floral citrus perfume with no real substitute, which is exactly why they're indispensable in tom yum, green and red curries, and countless Thai, Lao, Cambodian, and Indonesian dishes.

Every Citrus Tree order signs you up for our upcoming How to Care for Citrus Trees virtual workshop! You'll receive a link to join live in your order confirmation email. Can't make it? We'll send you the workshop recording and care guide afterward.

Why You'll Love It:

  • A pantry you can pick from. Fresh leaves beat the dried, faded ones sold in jars by a wide margin — and a single healthy tree gives you a year-round supply for the kitchen.
  • Flavor you can't buy fresh anywhere else. Quality makrut leaves are hard to find at most grocers, so home growers get a genuinely scarce ingredient straight off the branch.
  • The famous bumpy rind, too. The gnarled, dark-green fruit yields fragrant zest used in curry pastes and relishes — the juice is sharp and rarely used, so the rind is the prize.
  • Compact and container-friendly. Naturally small and shrubby, it adapts well to pots and stays a manageable size on a patio or in a bright room.
  • Ornamental year-round. Evergreen, glossy, and architectural, with thorns along the stems and a citrus scent that follows you whenever you brush past it.

Your plant may arrive in a grower Citra-pot. See our simple repotting guide & pot sizing tips here. 

Makrut Lime Tree Details
Mature Height:
5-10 ft.
Mature Width:
3-6 ft.
Sunlight:
Full Sun
Growth Rate:
Moderate
Harvest Time:
Winter
Botanical Name:
Citrus hystrix
Grows Well In Zones:
4-11 patio / 8-11 outdoors
Does Not Ship To:
AK, AL, AR, AZ, CA, CO, CT, DE, GA, HI, IA, ID, IL, IN, KS, KY, LA, MA, MD, ME, MI, MN, MO, MS, MT, NC, ND, NE, NH, NJ, NM, NV, NY, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, UT, VA, VT, WA, WI, WV, WY

Growing Zones 3-11 Patio / 8-11 Outdoors

(Hardy down to 20° F)

Watering Requirements
Water newly planted trees weekly, providing 1-2 inches of water. Once established, reduce watering frequency but ensure deep watering when you do water, especially during fruit development and dry periods.
Sunlight Requirements
Thrives in full sun, needing at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily to produce abundant fruit. Tolerates some light shade, but excessive shading can lead to weak growth, fewer blossoms, and reduced fruit yield.
Humidity Requirements
Limes love humidity just as much as they love the sun, thriving best when levels are around 50–60%, though they are resilient enough to handle levels as low as 40% without much fuss. The easiest way to keep your tree comfortable indoors is with a humidifier, which creates a consistent 'microclimate' of moist air that helps your plant thrive year-round.
Pet-Friendly Plant?
No, this plant is not recommended in homes with pets.
Read our full care guide
Kaffir Lime Tree
Frequently Asked Questions
What part of the Makrut Lime Tree do you actually use?
Unlike standard lime trees grown for juice, the Makrut Lime Tree is prized mostly for its aromatic, double-lobed leaves, which are essential to Southeast Asian cooking. While its small, bumpy fruit yields very little liquid, the fragrant outer peel is often zested into curries and marinades. The remaining sour juice is typically reserved for cosmetics and cleaners.
What part of the Makrut Lime Tree do you actually use?
Unlike standard lime trees grown for juice, the Makrut Lime Tree is prized mostly for its aromatic, double-lobed leaves, which are essential to Southeast Asian cooking. While its small, bumpy fruit yields very little liquid, the fragrant outer peel is often zested into curries and marinades. The remaining sour juice is typically reserved for cosmetics and cleaners.
Is the Makrut Lime Tree self-pollinating?
The Makrut Lime Tree is self-fertile, meaning a single tree can produce fruit without needing a cross-pollinator. Because it is primarily grown for its aromatic leaves, fruit production is entirely optional for most plant parents. However, if fruit is desired while grown indoors, simply dab the center of each blossom with a cotton swab or small brush to assist pollination.
Is the Makrut Lime Tree self-pollinating?
The Makrut Lime Tree is self-fertile, meaning a single tree can produce fruit without needing a cross-pollinator. Because it is primarily grown for its aromatic leaves, fruit production is entirely optional for most plant parents. However, if fruit is desired while grown indoors, simply dab the center of each blossom with a cotton swab or small brush to assist pollination.
How do you harvest and store fresh Makrut lime leaves?
You can harvest by removing individual leaves as needed, though pruning back stem tips encourages lush branching and keeps the plant compact. Freshly harvested leaves stay vibrant in the refrigerator for up to two weeks when wrapped in a damp paper towel. For long-term use, freeze them flat on a baking sheet before transferring to sealed freezer bags, where they will retain their punchy aroma for up to a year!
How do you harvest and store fresh Makrut lime leaves?
You can harvest by removing individual leaves as needed, though pruning back stem tips encourages lush branching and keeps the plant compact. Freshly harvested leaves stay vibrant in the refrigerator for up to two weeks when wrapped in a damp paper towel. For long-term use, freeze them flat on a baking sheet before transferring to sealed freezer bags, where they will retain their punchy aroma for up to a year!
All of our plants ship in premium packaging for zero damage on arrival. Here’s what you can expect in your box on arrival:
Your Makrut Lime Tree
Fully rooted in a nursery pot with soil intact
Custom Protection System
Corner guards, soil stabilizer, and branch sleeves keep it secure
Pre-Watered & Ready
Each plant is watered 24 hours before it is shipped
Care Instructions Card
Survival guide for your first 30 days of growing is included

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Not all Makrut Lime Trees are created equal
Traditional Retailers
Greenhouse Grown Not warehouse-held.Acclimated before shipping.
Indoor Ready Pre-conditioned to lower light conditions.
Fully Potted Soil intact. No repotting stress.
Damage Guarantee Free replacement within 48 hours.