Thai Lime -Thai Bergamot

• Also called the Makrut Lime, the Thai Kieffer Lime Tree is a must-have in any chef’s collection
• Kieffer limes are botanically classified as Citrus hystrix
• Grows well in containers
• This lime is often called Thai Bergamot which is frequently confused for Bergamot Orange
• The leaves, zest, and juice are used in Thai, Cambodian, and Indonesian cooking.
• Thai Lime trees are easy to care for and have a wonderful, aromatic citrus fragrance
• Zest of fruit used in curries, and for cleaning
• The Thai lime tree appreciates water and somewhat humid conditions during the growing season. Keep in mind, however, that this tree is prone to root rot if kept too wet, so allow the soil to dry out some between watering Regular misting helps with humidity levels
• it’s a tropical tree
• Container grown lime trees, like all the citrus trees, love lots of sun and moist, well-draining soil

• The location you plan to plant the kaffir lime tree has to get plenty of sun. Choose a spot in the south or west of the garden that gets at least 6 hours of full sun every day.
• The soil has to be well-drained. Although this is a tree that loves to get its feet wet, soaked soil leads to root rot.
• If the soil is clay and compact, add some gypsum to loosen it and improve aeration and drainage.
• Measure the root ball of the tree and dig a hole at the same depth but twice the size.
• Remove the tree from the planter and check the roots. Clip away any rotten or entangled roots.
• Ease the tree gently into the hole and fill with soil. Pack the soil gently and make sure the tree can firmly stand on its own.
• Create a circle of raised soil around the root of the tree to act as a container for water and fertilizer you’ll add later.
• Water the tree and fill the soil circle with water. This is enough to settle the roots of the tree and keep the soil moist for weeks.
• Spread mulch around the tree but avoid bringing it in contact with the trunk. You can use any organic mulch such as pea straw or sugarcane.
• In the summer, water the tree twice a week. In the winter or cooler weather, once a week should be enough.
• Use a well-balanced fertilizer three times a year. The first is in the spring, then in the summer and the last time in the autumn.