How Do You Fertilize Citrus Trees

Citrus, like other plants, require nutrients to thrive and yield an abundant supply of fruit. But, how do you fertilize citrus trees?

The fertilization method depends on what fertilizer you are using. You can apply some tips to bring out the best of your crop, such as determining the quantity of fertilizer for each time.

Today, Swipe Garden will share with you some tips and tricks about how to feed your citrus fruit tree and when to do so. Let’s read on to learn!

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How Do You Fertilize Your Citrus Tree?

The way you fertilize your citrus plants depends on what kind of fertilizers you use. Some ask you to spray on the leaves, while others require the fertilizers to be applied in the soil.

The best method for fertilizing is to follow the guidelines on the fertilizer package. Here are some common tips to can try for the best result:

Don’t apply fertilizers to the newly grown citrus fruit tree. You need to wait one year for newly planted trees after planting in the soil.
Water the soil before and after you fertilize.
Reduce the yearly quantity of fertilizer your plant requires by three. Don’t apply it all at once!
If you’re unsure about the quantity, use a little less fertilizer than you think you’ll need. Over-fertilizing can cause fertilizer burn.
Feed the smaller citrus tree less than the bigger ones.
Distribute powdered fertilizer all around the tree’s base, slightly beyond the drip line. Then, drag the top several inches of dirt using a rake.

The best method for fertilizing orange trees is to follow the guidelines on the package

What Kind Of Citrus Fertilizer Does Your Citrus Tree Need?

Mixed N-P-K treatment with micronutrients is essential for your crop. The nutrients include copper, zinc, boron, iron, and manganese.

Citrus prefers mildly acidic soil. Hence, make sure the fertilizer you choose is appropriate for your plant to guarantee a balanced diet.

There are many fertilizers for your citrus tree in the market. You can have a look at some best products via this video.

Fertilizers for your crop are available in a variety of types, such as organic and chemical. They come in sprays, granules, and spikes.

Sprays

The concentrates are usually intense. You have to mix them with water before use. Remember to read the label for directions on how to dilute the solution and apply it. They’re great for houseplants and perfect for miniature fruit trees planted in cooler areas.

Granules

There is no need to dilute or combine granules with anything else. You can sprinkle them on the topsoil or dig in.

Depending on the size of the citrus tree, the directions on the product’s label will inform you how many sprinkles you’ll need.

Spikes

These treatments are the handiest for busy gardeners. They help save a lot of time and effort. However, the price is somehow higher than the others.

The spikes are pre-measured. All you have to do is to stick them into the soil.

When To Fertilize Citrus Trees In Pots?

So, what month do you fertilize citrus trees? It would be best to fertilize once every one or two months during the active development (often spring and summer) and once every two or three months during the dormant times (often fall and winter).

During this time, citrus trees need additional nitrogen, so try to find products that add this doubled nutrient. As a result, you need to fertilize your citrus three times a year.

More to read: How To Fertilize Potted Meyer Lemon Tree? Here’s The Answer!

When Should You Not Fertilize The Citrus Trees?

You may skip fertilizer during the dormant period as the citrus tree grows older. You can also extend the duration between active growing fertilization to every three months.

To determine the ideal time frame for fertilizing, you need to consider your plant’s growth and physical appearance.

This kind of citrus tree is most nutrient-hungry when it blooms. It would help if you fed it well until it had solidly set fruits.

No matter how healthy your citrus tree is, apply fertilizer when it is in bloom.

Limiting fertilization is necessary for these cases:

Healthy citrus trees.
Trees are holding onto fruits.

When citrus trees look robust, feeding them too much can cause them to yield poor fruit.

Timing is also important

How Do You Naturally Fertilize The Citrus Trees?

Try using organic fertilizer to enrich both your soil and citrus trees instead of synthetic ones.

Here are some steps to naturally fertilize your citrus trees:

Add some grass trimmings to provide nitrogen to the soil.
Remove any debris from the tree’s bottom and scatter the clippings on the topsoil.
Put compost over the topsoil around your citrus trees for more nutrients.
Sprinkle about 2 inches of citrus fertilizers around the citrus trees, but keep it about two inches away from the stem to prevent bark erosion.

You may make compost by yourself by putting leaves, clippings, tiny twigs, and mulch in a specified spot and allowing them to break down.

Fertilizing is good for your crop

Conclusion

We can’t deny the significance of fertilizing. If you are cultivating citrus, consider thoroughly when and how to feed your crop. Otherwise, it will suffer some illnesses and fail to produce a plentiful yield.

Hopefully, you will find this article helpful. If you need any further information, please feel free to ask. Thank you for reading!

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