Citrus Limetta, Indian Sweet Lime, Mausammi - 0.5 kg Seeds

Citrus limetta, the Sweet Lime or Mosambi (Mausambi), is a small, spiny, evergreen citrus tree with a rounded crown of glossy aromatic leaves and fragrant white blossom, bearing smooth greenish-yellow fruits with mild, low-acid, sweet juice.

It is grown principally as a commercial and home fruit tree for its popular juice, one of the most widely consumed fresh citrus juices in India; the fragrant flowers and evergreen habit also make it an attractive garden and container plant. It is cultivated extensively in Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana, Punjab and Gujarat, favouring deep, well-drained loamy soils and a warm subtropical climate. Commercial trees are budded, so seedlings serve mainly for rootstock and home growing.

• Family: Rutaceae
• Native region: South and Southeast Asia
• Mature height: 5-8 m
• Growth rate: Moderate

Sow fresh seed taken straight from ripe fruit, as citrus seed does not store. Wash off the pulp, soak the seeds for 12-24 hours and peel the outer coat to hasten germination, then sow about 1 cm deep in a well-drained tray or polybag kept warm and evenly moist. Germination takes about 14-21 days, frequently producing more than one seedling per seed; pot on the strongest and transplant once 15-25 cm tall.