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Fruits

Kaffir Lime

Citrus hystrix

Kaffir Lime is a tropical fruit tree known for its aromatic leaves and bumpy fruit. The leaves are widely used in Southeast Asian cuisine for their unique flavor, while the fruit is often used for its zest and juice. The tree is evergreen, reaching heights of 2 to 4 meters, and is valued not only for its culinary uses but also for its essential oils and medicinal properties.

Calculate System for Kaffir Lime
400.00–600.00mm
Water Need
120 days
Season
30.00–60.00cm
Root Depth
25,000 kg/ha
Yield
20,000
Plants/ha

Growth Stages

Season: Mar – Aug (120 days)

Initial
Kc 0.400
30 days
Development
Kc 0.700
40 days
Mid-Season
Kc 1.000
60 days
Late
Kc 0.800
30 days

Kaffir Lime prefers warm climates and can be grown in pots or directly in the ground. It is important to prune regularly to maintain shape and encourage new growth. Varieties include the 'Thai' and 'Indonesian' types, which may have slight differences in leaf shape and fruit size.

Water Requirements

Season Total: 400.00600.00 mm
Water Stress Sensitivity: High
Salt Tolerance: Moderate
Water Productivity: 15.500 kg/m³

Recommended Methods

Drip Irrigation90.00%Fixed Sprinkler70.00%

Soil Compatibility

Optimal pH range: 6.0 – 7.5

Sandy Loam
AWC100.00mm/m
Drainagegood
Drainage: Well-drained soils preferred
Organic Matter: 2.00%
Soil should be rich in organic matter to support healthy growth. Consider adding compost or well-rotted manure to improve soil structure and fertility. Avoid heavy clay soils that retain too much moisture.

Climate Compatibility

Temperature range: 15.0°C – 30.0°C

Temperate Continental
ETo: 1.006.00 mm/day
Temp: -20.0°C – 30.0°C
Frost: high
Mediterranean
ETo: 3.007.00 mm/day
Temp: 5.0°C – 35.0°C
Frost: low
Frost Tolerance: Low frost tolerance
Heat Tolerance: Moderate heat tolerance
Kaffir Lime thrives in warm, humid conditions. Protect young plants from frost and extreme heat. In cooler climates, consider growing in pots that can be moved indoors during cold weather.

Planting Layout

100.00cm
Row Spacing
50.00cm
Plant Spacing
20,000
Plants per ha

Nutrient Requirements (kg/ha)

Nitrogen (N)150 kg/ha
Phosphorus (P)60 kg/ha
Potassium (K)180 kg/ha
40
Calcium (Ca) kg/ha
25
Magnesium (Mg) kg/ha
20
Sulfur (S) kg/ha
Schedule: Apply nitrogen in 3 splits during growing season
Organic Matter: 2-3% organic matter recommended

Yield Information

25,000
kg/ha
2.500
kg/plant
0.450
Harvest Index
Quality Factors: Size, color, sugar content

Design Your Kaffir Lime Irrigation System

Use our free calculators to plan water requirements, spacing, and system costs for your Kaffir Lime field.

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Related Guides

Introduction to Growing and Irrigating Kaffir Lime

Kaffir Lime, scientifically known as Citrus hystrix, is a tropical citrus fruit tree that is highly valued for its aromatic leaves and zesty fruit. It is native to Southeast Asia and is widely cultivated for culinary and medicinal purposes. Growing Kaffir Lime can be a rewarding experience, both personally and…

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