lousy limes (forum)

Andy Pants starts with ...
Hi there,
I'd really appreciate any advice re a lime tree in the garden of my new house. It's approx 4 years old and produces an absolute abundance of limes twice per year which turn yellowish when very ripe. Strong pungent lime scented skin but the juice has as much flavour as water so not much I can do with them.
It would be a real shame to have to replace this tree. I'm wondering if this is a particular variety of lime or could it be some kind of deficiency?? It's not kaffir.

Thanks for any ideas :-)

Time: 18th January 2011 9:26pm

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About the Author Andy Pants
Sydney
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Brad says...
are they flavourless when picked green?
a photo would be nice. tahitian limes turn yellow, but are supposed to be eaten green. they're larger than the 2nd most common type of lime: west indian, key or mexican (all the same plant under different name).

Time: 18th January 2011 10:12pm

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About the Author Brad2
G hill,Perth
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Brad says...
interesting. according to this, yellow tahitians should taste great.
http://www.abc.net.au/tv/cookandchef/txt/s1755501.htm

you maybe can tell us from the pictures if this what you have.

the tip to heat the lime to extract the oils is also worth a go.

A photo of the tree and leaves may help us identify problems. I don't know what makes them go tasteless

Time: 18th January 2011 10:21pm

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About the Author Brad2
G hill,Perth
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BJ says...
If its 'yellowish' it would be hard to thinks its anything but Tahitian. If its a good productive tree, I'd definitely give it a year of good care to get back into shape. Just fertilize (incl doses of epsom salts and potash), mulch and take care of any pests and see how you go. If its still insipid, you could graft over to another variety, or replace if you feel more comfortable with that...

Time: 18th January 2011 11:07pm

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About the Author Theposterformerlyknownas
Brisbane
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Julie says...
I'm surprised that they are tasteless. Mine are terrific - my neighbours can't wait for lime season, they love them.

I guess you can get a dud plant now and then. Grafting sounds like a good idea. Though, from what little I know, you would have to bud a mature tree.

Any comments BJ?

Time: 19th January 2011 9:00pm

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About the Author Julie
Roleystone WA
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Andy Pants says...
Thanks for all the tips. Yes it's definately a tahitian lime (sorry no digital camera). The limes are half grown right now and the flesh has no flavour at all. I will attempt TLC with potash, wait until after next harvest in spring and if nothing changes look into grafting. Fingers crossed...

Time: 25th January 2011 2:15pm

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About the Author Andy Pants
Sydney
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Posts: 2
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