Soil Type

• According to the California Rare Fruit Growers website, lime trees can be planted in any commercial-grade potting soil or a mixture of 1 part sand, 1 part peat and 1 part bark, perlite or vermiculite for optimum growth.
  
  

Drainage

• As lime trees are very intolerant of flooding, your soil should have plenty of internal and surface drainage, and heavy clay or poorly draining soils should be avoided. By using a commercial potting medium, you are ensuring that there is adequate, but not excessive, drainage.
  
  

Planting

• When planting or transplanting your outdoor lime tree, the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension website recommends using backfill soil only and avoiding the use of topsoil, compost or peat. Mulching is also unnecessary, as it may lead to fungal diseases such as foot rot. Lime trees should be planted in soil on the south or southeast side of the house, which will aid in the tree's cold protection.