How to Grow Makrut Lime
Citrus hystrix
Makrut lime is grown primarily for its aromatic double leaves, prized in South-East Asian cooking, and for its bumpy, intensely fragrant rind. In the UK it is best kept in a large container so it can move outdoors in summer and come indoors before the first frost. Give it a bright, south-facing windowsill or unheated conservatory in winter, full sun on a sheltered patio in summer, and water consistently but never let it sit in wet soil. Feed with a citrus fertiliser from spring to early autumn and re-pot every two years.
Yearly Lifecycle
Care Essentials
Feed with a specialist citrus fertiliser every 4 weeks from March to September. Switch to a low-nitrogen winter formula or stop feeding October to February.
Watch For
- Scale insects
- Spider mite
- Mealybug
- Root rot from overwatering
- Leaf drop from cold or dry air
Companions
Lemongrass, Thai basil, Ginger
Pet Safety
Care Requirements
Light
Full sun; bright south-facing window or conservatory indoors
Needs at least 6 hours of direct sun daily. Outdoors in summer on a sheltered, south-facing patio. Indoors in winter on the brightest south-facing windowsill or in an unheated conservatory.
Watering
Regular in summer; very reduced in winter
Water thoroughly when the top 2-3 cm of compost feels dry in the growing season. Reduce significantly in autumn and winter — allow the top third of compost to dry out between waterings. Never let the pot stand in water.
Fertilizing
Citrus feed every 4 weeks spring to autumn
Use a specialist citrus or slow-release balanced fertiliser from March to September. Switch to a low-nitrogen winter formula or stop feeding entirely from October to February.
Pruning
Light spring shaping only
Prune lightly in spring to maintain a compact shape and remove dead or crossing branches. Avoid heavy cutting as it reduces the leaf harvest for cooking.
Spacing
30-40 cm pot; 2 m between outdoor trees
Container growing is strongly recommended in temperate climates. Use a 30-40 cm diameter pot with good drainage holes. If planting in a sheltered garden, allow at least 2 m between trees.
Support
Staking optional for young container plants
Young plants in windy spots benefit from a single stake until the trunk thickens. Established container specimens are self-supporting.
Growing Tips
Harvest leaves not fruit
The double leaves are the main crop. Pick individual leaflets as needed through the growing season; the tree will keep producing. Fruit develops slowly and is ready when dark green and firm.
Move outdoors after frosts
Once night temperatures stay above 10 °C, move the pot to a sheltered, sunny patio. The extra light and warmth dramatically improves leaf production.
Bring in before first frost
Makrut lime has no frost tolerance. Move it inside before temperatures drop below 5 °C — usually October in the UK.
Water carefully in winter
Reduce watering significantly from October to February. Allow the top third of compost to dry between waterings. Overwatering in cool conditions causes root rot.
Spacing & Planting
| Plant spacing | 200 cm |
| Row spacing | 250 cm |
| Mature height | 400 cm |
| Mature spread | 300 cm |
Grow in a large container (30–40 cm pot) in the UK. Move outdoors in summer and bring inside before first frost. Allow 2 m between trees if planting in a sheltered garden.
