Persian lime (Citrus × latifolia) BEARSS

Bearss lime, also known as Persian or Tahitian lime ist the most widely cultivated lime species commercially prized for its seedless fruit, juicy flesh, tart, mild and delicious flavor and excellent shelf life. It's a popular choice for fresh eating, juicing, and use in cooking. The major exporter of fresh limes to Europe is Brazil (about 70%) and Mexico. The trees are known for their relatively low maintenance and can be grown in containers or as part of an orchard.

Origin: triploid cross between Key lime (Citrus × aurantiifolia) and lemon (Citrus × limon). Named after John T. Bearss, who hybridized this seedless variety about 1895 in his nursery at Porterville, California.
Vigour: moderate. Small evergreen tree has a densely branched habit with a full rounded crown at maturity. Bearss limes are attractive trees, with glossy green leaves, thornless branches and fragrant white flowers. In containers, the Bearss can grow anywhere from 1.2-3 m tall, and can be kept compact with regular pruning. In the ground, a semi-dwarf Bearss lime tree can reach heights of 3-4.5 m tall.
Rootstock: Poncirus trifoliata (Hardy orange)
Blossom: self-pollinating. The most prolific flowering period is usually from late winter to early spring. The fragrant, star-shaped white flowers appear at the ends of the branches.
Fruits: medium-sized, oval, medium to dark green fruits turn yellow at full ripeness, but are commonly harvested while still green. Measuring 6 cm in lenght, the limes have a smooth, glossy rind rich in aromatic oils used in flavorings and cosmetics. The fruit takes 90-120 days to mature after flowering and have an excellent shelf life.
Flesh: internally the flesh is juicy, tender and acidic with minimal bitterness and typically seedless under standard growing conditions
Flavor: less acidic without bitterness that lends to the lime's unique mild flavor. The juice of Bearss limes is less acidic and slightly sweeter compared to other lime varieties, making them popular for their balanced and tangy taste.
Harvest season: limes are generally harvested when they are just beginning to lighten in color, transitioning from dark green to light green or greenish-yellow. Yellow limes are fully ripe, but have lower commercial value and shorter shelf life. Harvest frequently to encourage more blooms and continuous fruit production. Commercial storage under optimal conditions 9°C and 90% humidity extend shelf life to 6-8 weeks.
Yield: heavy producer in winter to early spring. Bearss lime tree starts producing fruit 2-3 years from planting. With proper care, you can start expecting fruit regularly by year five.
Disease resistance: one of the most Huanglongbing (HLB)-tolerant citrus varieties, but the determinants associated with the tolerance are still unknown. Huanglongbing (HLB), also known as citrus greening, is a devastating bacterial disease of citrus trees. It's caused by a bacterium Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus and is primarily spread by the Asian citrus psyllid, a small insect. HLB has no known cure, and infected trees will eventually decline and die.
Frost resistance: cold and frost sensitive, a mature tree can tolerate frosts down to -2°C (Hardiness Zone 9, 10)
Planting and care: Bearss lime trees thrive in warm, tropical to subtropical climates. They require full sun to produce the best fruit, so choose a location in your garden or yard that receives at least 8-12 hours of sunlight each day. Bearss lime trees prefer well-draining, loose, slightly acidic to neutral soil (pH 6.0-7.0). Water thoroughly after planting. If you're planting your tree in a container, choose one with excellent drainage. It is very important that citrus tree roots do not sit in siggy or waterlogged soil. A starter pot is about 10-14", and you can expect to repot again as the tree outgrows its pot, usually after two more years. Keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Bearss lime trees do not tolerate standing water. Water deeply and regularly, especially during hot and dry periods. You know it's time to water when the top 1-2" of the potting mix is dry. Fertilize your lime tree with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer). Prune the tree to shape it and remove any dead or diseased branches. Pruning can help improve air circulation and fruit production.