Dwarf varieties exist that can be grown indoors during winter months and in colder climates.

The flowers are 2.5 cm (1 in) in diameter, are yellowish white with a light purple tinge on the margins.

Its apparent path of introduction was through the Middle East to North Africa, then to Sicily and Andalucia and then, via Spanish explorers, to the West Indies, including the Florida Keys.

[15] From the Caribbean, lime cultivation spread to tropical and subtropical North America, including Mexico, Florida, and later California.

In California in the late 19th century, "Mexican" limes were more highly valued than lemons; however, in Florida, they were generally considered weeds.

[17] Alternatively, vegetative propagation from cuttings or by air layering may permit fruit production within one year, and from genetically more predictable lines of plants.

Another method, digging around a mature tree to sever roots, will encourage new sprouts that can be transplanted to another location.

[citation needed] Clones are often bud grafted[18] into rough lemon or bitter orange to obtain strong root stocks.

It is often advisable to graft the plants onto rootstocks with low susceptibility to gummosis because seedlings generally are highly vulnerable to the disease.

Under consistently warm conditions potted trees can be planted at any season, whereas in cooler temperate regions it is best to wait for the late winter or early spring.

The Key lime tree does best in sunny sites, well-drained soils,[19][20] good air circulation, and protection from cold wind.

When the fruit have grown to harvesting size and begin to turn yellow they are picked and not clipped.

In India most Key lime producers are small-scale farmers without access to such post-harvesting facilities, but makeshift expedients can be of value.

One successful procedure is a coating of coconut oil that improves shelf life, thereby achieving a constant market supply of Key limes.