The Citrus hystrix ‘Dwarf’ is the compact version of the standard Kaffir or Makrut Lime, typically achieved by grafting onto a dwarfing rootstock. This restricts the tree’s height to a manageable 1 to 1.5 metres, making it an excellent choice for balconies, patios, or growing indoors in colder climates. Like its standard counterpart, it is prized not for its juice but for its highly aromatic, glossy, dark green leaves that are uniquely “double-lobed” or shaped like a figure-eight. These leaves are indispensable in Thai, Cambodian, and Vietnamese cuisine for imparting a distinctive, bright citrus flavour to curries, soups, and rice dishes. Although the fruit is small, green, and knobbly, its zest is also powerfully fragrant and often used in flavour pastes.
Care Tips
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Position: Requires a position in full sun (at least 6 hours of direct sun daily) to encourage dense, healthy foliage, which is the main harvest product. It needs to be sheltered from strong winds.
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Climate: Best suited to Warm Temperate and Subtropical climates. As a dwarf potted plant, it is easier to move indoors or to a protected area during periods of frost or extreme cold.
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Soil: Plant in deep, rich, well-drained soil. For pots, use a high-quality, free-draining citrus and fruit mix.
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Watering: Water regularly and deeply, keeping the soil consistently moist but ensuring excellent drainage. Consistent watering is crucial for healthy leaves.
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Fertilising: Citrus are heavy feeders. Use a slow-release, high-nitrogen fertiliser specifically for citrus in early spring, mid-summer, and early autumn. Potted dwarf plants need feeding more frequently due to the restricted soil volume.
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Pruning: Prune regularly throughout the year by harvesting the leaves as needed. This helps to maintain a bushy, compact shape.
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Harvest: Harvest the leaves year-round as required. For maximum flavour, pick fresh, younger leaves. The fruit, if it forms, can be zested when green.
