Looking for key lime seeds

[Drvanger]

Hi,
I'd like to grow key limes from seed, but I had no luck finding key lime or seeds in Hungary. I've thought about buying seeds in eBay, but I don't know if I can trust the sellers there (I'm afraid of getting other type of seeds or dried, unviable seeds), and I've read somewhere that it's not advisable to buy seeds from Asia because of the citrus greening disease. I'm also interested in limequat seeds if someone has them.
Is there any  trustworthy place where I can buy the mentioned seeds? If someone could send me seeds, I would pay happily of course.

[brian]

Can you buy key lime fruit there?  It is common in grocery stores in the US. 

Also, I think the greening disease is spread by insects and would not be a risk from imported seed. 

[Millet]

I believe the only diseases that can be transmitted by seed are psoriasis, citrus leaf blotch virus, and variegated chlorosis.  As Brian asked, have you looked in the food stores.  Key Limes are extremely common in the supermarkets.  Key limes are among the fastest to produce fruit from a planted seed.  When yo plant a Key Lime seed you can expect fruit in the second year. - Millet

[Drvanger]

Yes, I've looked in several supermakets, but I've only found seedless limes (I believe persian limes) in every store I've been.

[Millet]

I'll look in our supermarket for some Key Limes.  I'll post tomorrow and let you know if the supermarket has any, I don't think it should be a problem.  If so I'll buy some and send you the seeds.  If every thing turns out, you can send me you address tomorrow. - Millet

[Drvanger]

Thank you, Millet, I'd really appreciate it.

[Millet]

Davenger I decided to wait until Monday.  If I send them today, they will just set in the Post Office over the week end.  Send me your address on my personal E-mail.   Millet@netecin.net - Regards, Millet

[sugar land dave]

Are there import restrictions on shipping seeds to Europe?  I ask because I noticed the U.S.D.A. had a document about importing seeds and mentioned citrus greening and citrus variegated chlorosis as being carried within seeds.  It made me wonder about other country's rules.

http://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=7&cad=rja&uact=8&ved=0CF8QFjAG&url=http%3A%2F%2Fwww.aphis.usda.gov%2Fplant_health%2Fpermits%2Fdownloads%2Fseedweb.pdf&ei=2rd2U-TWDNaiqAbkz4LwDA&usg=AFQjCNE8v_MDGQONjnePIFWCeHYKqbawUA&bvm=bv.66917471,d.b2k

If this is considered an of-topic or inappropriate question, moderators please feel free to delete.

[Millet]

I  have found no restriction for shipping citrus seed to the country of Hungary.  Not surprising since Hungary is not a citrus producing country. - Millet

[sugar land dave]

Good to know.  With all the regulations in life, it is easy to miss one, which is but one of the reasons why I come to this forum.  With well-read people like you around, it makes it easier.

[Millet]

Drvanger, Your Key Lime seeds sent today via U.S. Mail. The best of luck for your new tree.- Millet

[Drvanger]

Thank you very much, Millet!

[Drvanger]

I've planted the seeds 13 days ago, and 4 of them are already sprouting. Interestingly (at least for me... ) they all came up with the seeds:



Is this normal for key limes? All of my other citrus seedlings came up without the seeds.
When they're big enough, I'm planning to separate them, then transplant them into CHC/Coir medium.

Also, so far all seeds seems to be polyembryonic, as expected from key limes. What I don't know if both of the seedlings coming from the same seed are clones of the mother plant, or one is zygotic and only the other is clone.

[Millet]

I would not say it is common, but it does happen to all citrus varieties from time to time, and not just with Key limes. After a few days if the cotyledons do not discard the seed cover carefully remove it.  Just be careful not to damage the seedling. - Millet