Editing Key lime (section)

=== Propagation ===
{{See also|Fruit tree propagation}}[[File:keylime-flower.jpg|thumb|right|Flowers of the Key lime plant]]
There are various approaches to the cultivation of Key limes. This variety of [[citrus]] can be propagated from seed and will grow true to the parent. The seeds must be kept moist until they can be planted, as they will not germinate if allowed to dry out. {{Citation needed|date=May 2011}} If the plants are propagated from seed, the seeds should be stored at least 5–6 months before planting.<ref name="CRC handbook">Duke J.A., duCellier J.L. (1993): ''CRC handbook of alternative cash crops'' (page 139-145)</ref> Alternatively, vegetative propagation from cuttings or by [[layering|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|date=May 2011}} Clones are often bud grafted<ref>{{cite web|url=http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/propagation/budding/budding.html|title=T or Shield Budding|work=tamu.edu|access-date=2010-04-12|archive-date=2010-03-05|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20100305092048/http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/propagation/budding/budding.html|url-status=dead}}</ref> 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. Useful rootstocks include wild grapefruit, [[cleopatra mandarin]] and [[Persian lime|tahiti limes]].<ref name="CRC handbook" /> [[Citrus macrophylla|''C. macrophylla'']] is also sometimes used as a rootstock in Florida to add vigor.

Climatic conditions and fruit maturation are crucial in cultivation of the lime tree. 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,<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.hort.purdue.edu/newcrop/morton/mexican_lime.html|title=Mexican Lime|year= 1987|pages= 168–172|work= Fruits of warm climates|first=Julia F.|last=Morton|publisher=Purdue}}</ref><ref>{{cite web|url=http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/citrus/limes.htm|title=Home Fruit Production|work=tamu.edu}}</ref> good air circulation, and protection from cold wind. Because its root system is shallow, the Key lime is planted in trenches or into prepared and broken rocky soil to give the roots a better anchorage and improve the trees' wind resistance. Pruning and topping should be planned to maximise the circulation of air and provide plenty of sunlight. This keeps the crown healthily dry, improves accessibility for harvesting, and discourages the organisms that cause gummosis.<ref name="CRC handbook" />