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Growing Lime in Knoxville

🇺🇸 Zone 5 Planting Guide · Humid subtropical climate

USDA Zone 5 215 frost-free days 365-730 days to harvest

Quick Answer: Growing Lime in Knoxville

Yes, you can grow Lime in Knoxville, US! Plant during Apr, May, Jun, Jul for best results. Knoxville is in USDA Zone 5 with a Humid subtropical climate, offering 215 frost-free days per year. The difficulty level is medium, and Lime takes 365-730 days to harvest. Lime needs full sun and regular watering.

Climate Match Analysis

Moderate Match Knoxville + Lime

Knoxville's climate requires careful timing. Winter lows (-2°C) drop below Lime's minimum (8°C), so avoid cold months. Follow the recommended planting months for success.

Lime tolerates 8°C to 38°C
Optimal: 20°C - 32°C
Knoxville range -2°C to 31°C

Knoxville Climate Data

USDA Zone
5
Frost-Free
215days
Winter Low
-2°C
Summer High
31°C
Rainfall
1245mm/yr
Climate
Cfa
Humid subtropical

Lime Planting Calendar for Knoxville

Green months show the best time to plant Lime in Knoxville

Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Plant Lime Not recommended

Lime Growing Requirements

☀️

Sunlight

Full Sun

6+ hours direct sunlight

💧

Water

Regular

Consistent moisture, 1-2 inches/week

📅

Days to Harvest

365-730

From planting to first harvest

📊

Difficulty

medium

Some experience helpful

💡 Growing Tips for Lime

More cold-sensitive than lemons. Excellent container plant. Wait until soil warms to at least 20°C before transplanting outdoors — cold soil stunts growth and can invite root rot. Aim for about 2.5 cm of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. Organic mulch around the base helps maintain even moisture.

Frost tolerance: Lime is NOT frost tolerant — wait until after the last frost in Knoxville.

How to Grow Lime in Knoxville

Knoxville, US is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5 with a Humid subtropical climate (Köppen Cfa). With winter lows of -2°C and summer highs of 31°C, the growing season spans approximately 215 frost-free days. Lime grows well with some gardening knowledge in this climate.

Lime thrives in temperatures between 20°C and 32°C, requiring full sun and regular watering. In Knoxville, the best months to plant Lime are April, May, June, July. Lime is not frost tolerant, so it's important to wait until after the last spring frost before transplanting outdoors. Expect to harvest in approximately 365-730 days after planting.

Knoxville receives 1245mm of annual rainfall, which provides good natural moisture for Lime. Supplement with additional watering during dry spells.

Other Plants That Grow in Knoxville

More plants you can grow alongside Lime in Knoxville

Keep Exploring

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I grow lime in Knoxville?

Yes! Lime can be successfully grown in Knoxville, US. Knoxville is in USDA Hardiness Zone 5 with a Humid subtropical climate. The difficulty level for growing Lime here is rated "medium". The best months to plant are April, May, June, July.

When should I plant lime in Knoxville?

In Knoxville, the recommended planting months for Lime are April, May, June, July. Knoxville has 215 frost-free days per year, with winter lows of -2°C and summer highs of 31°C. Since Lime is not frost tolerant, make sure to plant after the last frost date.

How long does lime take to grow in Knoxville?

Lime typically takes 365-730 days from planting to harvest. In Knoxville's Humid subtropical climate with 215 frost-free days, you have plenty of time to grow Lime to maturity. More cold-sensitive than lemons. Excellent container plant. Wait until soil warms to at least 20°C before transplanting outdoors — cold soil stunts growth and can invite root rot. Aim for about 2.5 cm of water per week, adjusting for rainfall. Organic mulch around the base helps maintain even moisture.

Can I grow lime indoors in Knoxville?

Lime can potentially be grown indoors in Knoxville with proper conditions. It requires full sun (6+ hours of direct light — a south-facing window or grow lights recommended). Indoor growing extends your season beyond the Apr, May, Jun, Jul outdoor planting window. Use containers with good drainage and regular watering.

What month do I plant lime in Knoxville?

Plant Lime in Knoxville during April, May, June, July. These are the optimal months based on Knoxville's USDA Zone 5 climate, 215 frost-free days, and temperature range of -2°C to 31°C.

Is lime hard to grow in Knoxville?

Lime is rated "medium" to grow in Knoxville. Some gardening experience is helpful. Pay attention to watering schedules and planting timing. The climate match for Lime in Knoxville is Moderate.

What grows well with lime in Knoxville?

In Knoxville, you can grow many companion plants alongside Lime. Good options from the same planting window include Tomato, Basil, Lettuce, Carrot and 2 more. These plants share similar planting months and thrive in Knoxville's Zone 5 climate.

Does lime need full sun in Knoxville?

Lime requires full sun. In Knoxville, provide at least 6 hours of direct sunlight daily. Most garden locations with southern exposure will work well.

Last updated: March 2026 · Climate data from NOAA, FAO, USDA

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