Mexican Lime Thornless (THL)

Citrus aurantiifolia ‘Inermis’

Mexican Thornless Lime gives your potted patio area or yard a tropical feeling and your cocktails a twist. Naturally small, bushy growth habit with no pesky thorns! The small Ping-Pong ball-sized fruits are greenish-yellow when mature and the tangy flavor is prized for countless culinary uses. We call this lime 'Mexican Lime' because of our Arizona location, but it is also known as 'Key Lime' in the East which makes the famous pie.  Easy to grow.

Cannot ship to California due to regulations

Growth Guide

These key details will help you understand how your plant will grow and what conditions bring out its best.

     Exposure: Full sun

     Mature Height: 8-15 feet

     Mature Width: 8-15 feet

     Ships: With soil

Where To Plant

USDA Hardiness Zones show which plants thrive in your climate based on average winter lows. The lower the number, the colder the region. Use the map below to find your zone and choose plants that will grow successfully year after year.

     Hardiness Zone: 9-11 (USDA)

Why Happy Valley Plants?

We're passionate about connecting people with the beauty of nature. From hand-selected plants to expert support and thoughtful packaging, we put care into every detail. Assuring your plants arrive healthy, happy, and ready to thrive.

     Packaged With Care

Your satisfaction matters to us. Each plant is hand-picked, wrapped, and packaged with precision to ensure it arrives safely and ready to grow. If something’s not right, reach out within 72 hours and we’ll do our best to make it right.

     Quality At A Fair Price

We believe great plants shouldn’t come with a premium price tag. Our goal is to make quality, hard-to-find plants accessible and affordable, so you can grow more for less.

     Horticultural Help

Need advice or have plant questions? Our expert team is always happy to help. We’re gardeners first and love sharing our knowledge. Explore our blog for growing tips and plant care guides.

PLANT VARIATIONS

Please note that no two plants are exactly the same, that’s what makes them so unique! There may be some slight variations in height, width, amount of leaves, etc. We do our best to ensure your plants are consistent and keep our listings updated. As these are live plants, they change frequently. 

SPECIAL REQUESTS

We have the ability to procure hundreds of varieties of plants from 2 inches to 5 gallons. If you do not see what you are looking for, please send us a message and we will see how we can assist you! Contact us

DOMESTIC USA SHIPPING

Our horticulture experts will determine if the plant needs to be shipped in soil, based on the particular species, size, and your hardiness zone. In general, agaves, cacti, and succulents will be shipped without soil, called “bare root.” (see below) We will find the best freight carrier to your address. While our top priority is a healthy, happy plant delivery, unfortunately, we have no control over how carriers handle our packages, nor where they are dropped off.

INTERNATIONAL SHIPPING

All plants shipped beyond the USA mainland, including Alaska and Puerto Rico, will be shipped “bare root.” (see below) All plants shipped internationally, including Puerto Rico, require a Phytosanitary Certificate from the US Department of Agriculture.

Add the Phytosanitary certificate to your cart

Please check with your local customs department to see if you need any additional certifications, such as import permits. Note: while we have extensive experience and a track record of successful international plant shipments, we are unable to guarantee the plants' condition upon arrival.

BARE ROOT SHIPPING

This process simplifies shipping by dramatically decreasing the package weight, which keeps the cost of shipping as low as possible.

CULTURE AT A GLANCE

Citrus trees are tropical, evergreen, and self-fruitful trees. Must be grown as indoor/outdoor trees in cold climates.

Our citrus trees are grafted onto dwarfing rootstocks, which make them suitable for container culture.

They require well-drained, organically rich soil in full sun or bright indoor light.

Monitor trees for common soft bodied pests like aphids, mites, mealy bugs or whiteflies. Treat with Safer® brand Insecticidal soap if found.

Water consistently during active growth cycles and up-pot approx. every 1-2 years until mature.

PLANTING INSTRUCTIONS

Please follow these instructions carefully for best results.

• Remove tree from box, remove any wrapping from around the pot, stand it upright, water if soil is dry.
• Place your new citrus tree in a spot with indirect but bright light.
• After 1-2 weeks of environmental transition, provide the tree with full sun.

Some leaves yellowing and dropping should be expected as the tree transitions to the environment of your home. In cold climates, some leaf drop is expected when trees transition back indoors at the end of the summer season.

• After about a week transition period, up-pot your new tree into a larger, permanent container.
• Choose a pot that is 12-15 inches wide and deep, with good drainage holes. Avoid too large of a pot. A terra-cotta clay pot is ideal due to its breathability, but other types of pots can be used.
• Use new, pre-moistened citrus potting mix, otherwise use regular potting soil in the pot. Do Not add rocks or other debris
  at the bottom. Fill the pot entirely with potting mix.
• Remove the tree from its nursery pot, gently loosen the roots, set into pot and gently backfill & firm with soil.
• Water it thoroughly outside or in the sink to allow the water to drain.
• Once potted, place your citrus tree in the ideal location for your current climate, either indoors or out.
• Citrus trees should be kept in a warm, frost-free, wind-free location with at least 6 hrs. of direct sunlight.

For citrus trees kept indoors during the winter, a south-facing window is ideal sunlight. If the light exposure is less than adequate, consider using grow lights while the tree is indoors.

• As with other fruit trees, pinching off any flowers or fruits that set for the first year or two allows the tree to put all its energy into root and foliage growth which benefits establishment.
• First harvestable fruits on lemon or lime trees occur typically 3-4 yrs. from planting. In rare cases, sometimes sooner.
• ‘Meyer’ lemon & ‘Bearss’ lime fruits take approx. 6 months to fully ripen. Be patient once fruits are produced.
• Healthy growing citrus trees can be re-potted every couple years, into a container approx. 4-6 inches larger.

WATERING

Thorough watering is important for containerized citrus trees.

Each watering should allow water to saturate and run through the entire rootball. Avoid frequent, light waterings, which lead to a buildup of salts or unwanted minerals on the roots that cause leaf burning or other harmful effects. Ideally, watering should be done in the sink or outdoors as the weather permits. While indoors, place a large saucer under the pot, which will allow water to drain but still help protect surfaces.

FERTILIZING

Fertilize potted citrus trees during active growing periods from spring to mid-summer.

Apply granulated, slow-release all-purpose (10-10-10) once in early Spring. OR apply water-soluble fertilizer such as ALGOPlus (6-6-6) or Neptune’s Harvest Fish & Seaweed food (2-3-1) once every two weeks from April to July, then stop.