Marianne's Response

Growing Lime Trees

Hi, Marianne: This is a crazy question, I’m sure. Is there any type of lime tree that we can grow in the south Seattle area, specifically Auburn/Bonney Lake?

Posted by wstrkmp on February 8, 2021

Marianne's Response

There are no crazy questions because gardening is all about the adventure and pushing the limits. Yes! You can grow lime and lemon trees in Western Washington as long as you realize that any frost will kill the plant so plan ahead to grow the tree in a container and move it indoors or into a heated greenhouse from October until late April. This means you need a pot that has excellent drainage, potting soil that drains well and the ability to move the container inside. During the winter the lime tree will need as much sunlight as you can possibly give it so near a large bright window.  Once you have the winter protection part down you can start to look at local nurseries and home and garden stores for your lime tree. Check the houseplant section of the nursery and ask for one to be ordered if you don't find a potted lime tree in stock. Most gardeners report that the Meyer lemon tree is the easiest citrus to grow indoors during the winter but there are several different types of limes that also adapt to moving outside during the summer and indoors for the winter. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti