7 Best Citrus Tree Fertilizer Review and Application Guide

Are you looking for the best citrus tree fertilizer? Let this review and buying guide help!

Citrus trees are loved by many gardeners and plant enthusiasts due to the delicious, Vitamin C enriched fruits they produce. If you have such trees on your property, you’re probably aware of how hungry for nutrients these trees always are. Citrus trees need to be healthy to produce a delicious, sizeable yield.

Along with obtaining nutrients from the soil, your citrus trees can benefit from a good citrus tree fertilizer. To help you out, this review article will look at the top 7 citrus tree fertilizers for your orchard.

We also discuss the proper usage, correct application time, and dosage of such fertilizers. Reading this review guide will assist you with you getting your hands on some delicious limes, lemons, oranges, and grapefruits. Let’s get started!

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OUR FAVORITES

7 Best Citrus Tree Fertilizers

Here, we will look closely at the 7 best citrus tree fertilizers in the market. These fertilizers have been picked out based on the quality of produce, ease of use, and effectiveness. Let us delve right into it!

1. Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed Plant Food – Top Pick

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This granular formula is rich in sulfur, iron, magnesium, and potassium.

The Miracle-Gro fertilizer is a continuous release formula. It slowly and gradually supplies nutrients to the plants over a long period. The microorganisms in the soil break down these granules into simpler nutrients which can then be easily absorbed. In turn, this promotes a strong root system with effective water absorption.

The best part about this citrus tree fertilizer is that it can be used on plants in the garden and on those that are indoors in pots or containers. Moreover, the plants can be newly planted ones or ones that are a bit older. A single application will continually supply fertilizer to the plants for up to 3 months.

To ensure that your plants grow healthy and do not end up burning, you must carefully follow the usage instructions on the packing.

Item Weight: 4.5 pounds

Product Size: ‎4.12 x 7.5 x 9.8 inches

Fertilizer Type: Granular

Application: Dry sprinkling

You can fertilize your soil and garden plants by sprinkling the fertilizer onto the dry soil. Make sure to add the granules within the drip line. Each plant will require approximately 1 and ¾ tablespoons of fertilizer for every 4 square feet.

You should always mix the granules into the soil at a depth between 1 and 3 inches. Watering the plants will cause the formula to start releasing nutrients.

For newer plants growing in a container, place them in soil that has already been prepped up with fertilizer. Meanwhile, mature plants can be fertilized by sprinkling the fertilizer onto the top layer of the potting soil.

This fertilizer needs to be applied dry and reapplied every 3 months. Make sure to water afterward.

Pros

• Revives trees in poor condition.
• Helps produce bigger fruits.
• Easy application.
• Value for money.

2. Jobe’s Organics, Fertilizer Spikes For Fruit & Citrus – Best Organic Formula

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Biozome is a micronutrient. It is a vital ingredient as it helps provide other essential nutrients to your plants. These include Boron, Cobalt, Copper, Iron, Magnesium, Manganese, Molybdenum, Sulfur, and Zinc.

The spikes contain a premeasured amount of product that eliminates the need to measure fertilizer before application. Your plants will not be under-fertilized, will not burn, and no product will be wasted.

Also, the OMRI certification ensures the product is an excellent citrus tree fertilizer for those that want nothing to do with inorganic or chemical formulas.

You can apply the spikes along the container boundaries for fully grown plants. However, for newer plants, make sure to add the spikes before potting. The packaging has a detailed chart to help you determine the number of spikes needed. This coincides with the size of your pot.

Furthermore, when applying two or more spikes, you should ensure they are correctly spaced along the boundaries.

Item Weight: 0.63 pounds

Product Size: ‎6 x 2 x 9 inches

Fertilizer Type: Spikes

Application: Place in soil along pot boundary

This citrus tree fertilizer helps increase the production of good microorganisms in the soil. The formula contains good bacteria such as Mycorrhizal fungi and Archaea to help with this. Due to these, the soil quality improves in the long term.

Moreover, the plants will garner a robust root system, absorb water efficiently, fight off diseases, resist pests and survive unfavorable weather conditions.

It is recommended to use this product every 4 to 6 weeks for the best results. You will need 2, 3, 4, or 6spikes for a plant diameter of 12, 18, 24, or 30 inches consequently.

Pros

• Non-synthetic formula.
• Strengthens the plant root system.
• Promotes absorption of nutrients and water.
• Non-toxic to children and pets.

3. Miracle-Gro Fruit & Citrus Plant Food Spikes – Best For Simple Application

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Due to the simple application procedure, it is possible to add even more trees and plants to your collection. The fertilizer will care for them equally without requiring tons of maintenance on your part.

These spikes are perfect for new plants, mature trees, and even those in pots or containers. Adequate fertilization of this product will ensure that your trees produce a bountiful crop year upon year.

You can use the Miracle-Gro Fruit & Citrus Plant Food Spikes on regular citrus trees, dwarf citrus trees, shrubs, palm trees, fruit trees, and evergreen plantations. Moreover, this gradual release formula will care for your plants all year round.

To place a spike correctly into the soil, you must add the plastic cap to its top. These caps are already included in the package. The spikes need to be damp if your soil is completely dry. Once you figure out your plant’s drip line, you can place the spikes into the soil.

Item Weight: 0.3 pounds

Product Size: ‎8.75 x 5.5 x 2.13 inches

Fertilizer Type: Spikes

Application: Place damp spikes 2 feet away

To quickly identify the drip line, just look at the broadest circumference of the branches on the trees.

Place the spikes at least 2 feet in radius from the center of the drip line is less than 2 feet. Younger plants will have smaller drip lines. You should also make sure that the distance between them should be at least 3 feet for multiple spikes.

Once all measurements and identification procedures are complete, you will need to push the spike 2 inches deep into the soil. You can use the caps as a base to hammer them in and later remove them. They can be stored for further use as well.

Pros

• Cap makes pounding into the soil easier.
• An organic formula that is eco-friendly.
• Simple application with lasting results.

4. Down to Earth Organic Citrus Fertilizer Mix – Best 6-3-3 Formula

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Without utilizing any chemical ingredients, this raw matter formula will boost plant growth and revive plants in poor condition.

You will notice better yields, blooming flowers, and lush foliage within a single application. Moreover, the micronutrients in the mix promote a strong root system that can efficiently absorb water, minerals, and nutrients.

Apart from citrus trees, this fertilizer is also excellent for various fruit-bearing trees, vines, shrubs, and ornamentals. Younger trees only 1 to 3 years old need the most nourishment. Plants in their growth phase are hungry feeders and will not thrive well if you do not provide adequate food and nutrition to them.

Creating a transplantation hole in the soil is recommended to fertilize immature plants. The soil removed from the transplantation hole should be mixed with a half or one cup of fertilizer as per need. Add this mix back to the existing soil, and cover up the hole. Once this procedure is complete, you can go ahead and water the soil.

The application method varies slightly for mature citrus trees. You will need a cup of fertilizer for every half inch of the trunk radius. This is one inch in case of the diameter. Make sure to pack the tree’s base well while slowly moving towards the drip line. Once the fertilizer is applied, you need to mix it well with the soil before watering.

Item Weight: 5.3 pounds

Product Size: ‎3.5 x 8 x 10.7 inches

Fertilizer Type: Granular

Application: Dry mixing followed by watering

Down To Earth is also OMRI certified, which means it has completely organic ingredients. These include kelp, feather, fishbone, alfalfa, greensand, langbeinite, basalt, potash sulfate of potash, and zinc sulfate.

Other nutrients present in this mix include zinc, iron, sulfur, calcium, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. The 6-3-3 ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium is responsible for greener foliage, colorful flowers, and bountiful fruit yield.

You can apply this citrus tree fertilizer to trees 3 to 4 times every year. You should make applications during winters, early autumn, and towards the end of spring.

Younger plants need to be fed half to 1 tablespoon of fertilizer mixed with a gallon of soil. Increase the quantity to 1 or 2 tablespoons for mature trees.

Pros

• Organic Formula, which makes it eco-friendly.
• Revives trees in poor condition.
• Great for new plants.
• Easy to use.

5. EZ-gro Citrus Tree Fertilizer, Liquid Plant Food – Best Liquid Citrus Tree Fertilizer 

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The N-P-K ratio of this fertilizer is 20-3-19 for a blooming yield. These nutrients help prevent nutritional deficiencies in citrus trees while promoting healthy growth. Whether it is plants rooted in garden soil or those thriving in pots, this liquid formula is the perfect nutrient solution for all.

The liquid formula is pretty concentrated, which means you can make one bottle last a long time. You need to dilute the fertilizer before application for younger plants or those planted in the garden. Other nutrients present in this fertilizer include potassium, magnesium, and iron, which further help plant growth.

Item Weight: 2.35 pounds

Product Size: ‎5 x 2 x 8 inches

Fertilizer Type: Liquid

Application: Dilute with water for treatment

The package includes a measuring cup to help the user accurately measure the liquid fertilizer required per application. 7 ounces of this citrus tree fertilizer mixed in a gallon of water is adequate for outdoor plants.

You need to mix 2 and a half ounces of this liquid fertilizer with a gallon of water for indoor plants. The fertilizer can be applied weekly or bi-weekly, depending on the need.

Since it’s a liquid, it acts fast and provides nutrients to the plants instantaneously. However, it is also easy to wash away with water. Therefore, make sure you reapply with a sprayer for optimal results.

Pros

• Diluted solution can be sprayed easily.
• Measuring cup included.
• Immediate positive results soon after application.

6. Dr. Earth 708P Organic 9 Fruit Tree Fertilizer – Best GMO-Free Fertilizer

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The Dr. Earth 9 fruit tree fertilizer is a completely organic formula. It is completely biodegradable and very eco-friendly. Moreover, the ingredients of this citrus tree fertilizer have explicitly been picked out to promote a healthy and robust root system.

A strong root system ensures the proper absorption of minerals, water, and nutrients. This, in turn, helps the plant grow stronger and greener. It will also produce more prominent blooms and better fruit.

The formula is 100% organic; it is free from GMOs, sewage sludge, and chicken manure. Furthermore, it is a slow-release formula that works effectively for a couple of months.

This fertilizer further boosts root strength with probiotics and 7 kinds of microbes, including ectomycorrhizal and endomycorrhizal. This will make the plant being fed healthier and produce healthier crops.

Dr. Earth fertilizer eliminates the need for applying chemical fertilizers by helping plants grow constantly but gradually. Also, the plants will not show sudden growth spurts and grow at a more natural pace.

Item Weight: 4 pounds

Product Size: ‎2.5 x 7.3 x 10 inches

Fertilizer Type: Granular

Application: Dry sprinkling followed by watering

The fertilizer comes in a 4-pound poly bag which you can reseal after use. This granular formula needs to be applied in one cup increments depending on the total diameter of the trunk. Make sure to measure the trunk at least 6 inches above the soil.

After dry sprinkling this citrus tree fertilizer, you can go ahead and water the soil. The micronutrients present in the mix include nitrogen, phosphate, calcium, and sulfur. These are known for their growth-boosting properties.

The organic ingredients of the mix are feather meal, fishbone, cottonseed, kelp, alfalfa, soft rock phosphate, potassium sulfate, and seaweed. They provide adequate nutrition to the plant without causing adverse effects to the environment.

Pros

• Helps revive outdoor plants.
• Resealable poly bag.
• Value for money.
• Organic formula without GMOs, pathogens, and chicken manure.

7. J R Peters Inc Jacks Classic Citrus Food Fertilizer – Professional Quality Citrus Tree Fertilizer

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Adequate micronutrients ensure that the plants grow a strong root system, better blooms, and lush foliage. Moreover, they eliminate any risk of deficiencies.

The exciting thing about this fertilizer is the easy absorption of the formula via both leaves and roots. To make this happen, it is crucial to follow the exact instructions on the packaging.

It is an excellent fertilizer for use on all kinds of dwarf citrus trees like Meyer lemons, limes, oranges, mangoes, kumquats, and even grapefruits.

Although granular, this citrus tree fertilizer is water-soluble. Once dissolved in water, the solution quickly provides nutrition and minerals to the plants. Since it is a quick-release formula, reapplication may be required weekly or bi-weekly. The recommended dosage is a single tablespoon of fertilizer in a gallon of water.

Item Weight: 1 pound

Product Size: ‎1 x 1 x 1 inch

Fertilizer Type: Granular

Application: Dissolve granules in water to create a solution

If you intend to feed your plants consistently throughout the day, you can reduce the granule quantity to a single teaspoon in a gallon of water.

Remember not to overwater or underwater your plants as this may affect fertilizer function. We recommend using a backpack sprayer for larger gardens and more plants instead.

Also, make sure you fertilize well in the growing season and summers. Move potted plants indoors during winters to protect them from the harsh weather.

Pros

• Helps revive dying and sick plants.
• Instant results due to the fast action formula.
• Easy application due to water solubility.
• Value for money.

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What Kind Of Fertilizer For Citrus Trees?

As mentioned earlier in the article, citrus trees are hungry feeders that require loads of nutrients and minerals to thrive. The best citrus tree fertilizer is one with an N-P-K ratio of 6-6-6. Along with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, the fertilizer should also contain micronutrients such as copper, iron, manganese, zinc, and boron.

Citrus trees love soil with a lower pH level, so a fertilizer that helps make the soil acidic is necessary. Moreover, this will also help the trees absorb the nutrients properly.

Potted plants require more nitrogen, whereas garden plants love a balanced formula. This could be a ratio of 10-10-10 or even 12-6-5.

Fertilizers can be divided into two basic types: organic and inorganic. They are available in various forms, including liquids, granules, spikes, and even sprays. Plus, the formula can be a slow-release or a quick-release one.

So, how do you decide which kind is best for your citrus trees? Let’s take a look at each type below:

Liquid Fertilizer Spray Or Concentrates

They are also known as concentrates as they have a concentrated formula that usually needs to be diluted before application. Liquid fertilizer bottles last longer as you get more product in a single package.

Always read product labels, user guides and check the manufacturer’s website for product information. This will help you determine how much product is required for the plants, how you should prepare it, and the correct application procedure.

Liquid fertilizer is ideal for indoor or potted plants. Moreover, you can easily use them to fertilize plants during winters. You can check out our list above to get your hands on one of the best liquid citrus tree fertilizers.

Citrus Fertilizer Granules

Granules usually do not require any prepping. They only need dry sprinkling, proper mixing into the soil, followed by water. However, some formulas may require dilution in water to form a solution.

It is always a good idea to read product packaging and labels before purchasing and applying. The amount of fertilizer used on your plants should always coincide with the measurements provided on product packaging. This will either be in cups or tablespoons.

Fertilizer Spikes Or Sticks

Spikes stand out from other application methods due to their ease of use. You only need to apply them to the soil directly. No measurements are involved since each spike contains the proper dosage of fertilizer required in a specific area.

However, they are less affordable than other types of fertilizers. On the plus side, though, spikes eliminate the need for purchasing added equipment such as sprayers or measuring tools. Moreover, they are an excellent choice for people who enjoy planting as a side hobby.

Spikes reduce the effort and time you need to care for your plants. This fertilizer type is sometimes regarded as the best citrus tree fertilizer. Furthermore, the spikes can be washed and reused.

How To Fertilizer Citrus Trees – Step By Step

Now that we’ve covered what best citrus tree fertilizers are and their various types, it is time to look at the application procedure. Correctly applying fertilizer will help boost plant growth and prevent burning caused by over-fertilization.

Also, you will be able to reap the benefits of the fertilizer to the maximum by preventing under-fertilization. Almost all fertilizers come with clear instructions on proper dosage and fertilization techniques. It is essential to follow them closely as they are specific to each brand and type of citrus tree fertilizers.

Regardless of the fertilizer you pick, you only need to follow a few simple steps to fertilize citrus trees. These are listed below:

Step 1

Picking out an organic fertilizer is always a brilliant idea if you have immature citrus trees. An organic formula has all-natural ingredients that will prevent burning.

Step 2

Make sure to measure the dosage of fertilizer required accurately. This will be dependent on product guidelines, age, and size of the tree. To get correct measurements, follow the steps below:

• Use an inch tape to measure the diameter of your tree’s trunk.
• Multiply 0.10 pounds (a reference to nitrogen quantity) by the diameter obtained.
• Read the product labels to figure out the nitrogen ratio of the fertilizer. This will be the N of the N-P-K ratio.
• Divide the multiplication answer by the amount of nitrogen in the fertilizer. Make sure to use the nitrogen fertilizer numbers for a pound.
• The final answer will help you deduce the quantity of fertilizer required by your tree.

Step 3

Once you have figured out the exact amount of fertilizer required, you can begin fertilization. Always start a foot away from the trunk and fertilize within the drip line. Furthermore, you can use a raking tool to create holes in the soil. These will enable even distribution of the product.

Step 4

Once all the fertilizer has been added to the soil, you can add compost around the trunk for added nutrient flow. Make sure to water the soil after this.

Pro Tip

• You should fertilize immature citrus trees with a product that has an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10. This fertilizer should be used for an entire year.
• Always use a fertilizer that is specifically made for citrus trees.
• Mature citrus trees should be fertilized with product measurements (in pounds) coinciding with their age. This means that if your tree is two years old, you will need 2 pounds of fertilizer, whereas if it is 4 years old, you will require 4 pounds of product.

When To Fertilize Citrus Trees?

Although citrus trees love a good flow of nutrients regularly, fertilizing at the correct time can help the tree bear a better yield. It is recommended to fertilize citrus trees in the spring and summer seasons. This is when they go through their growing stage and need maximum nutrition.

You will still need to fertilize dormant plants in autumn and spring, but not as frequently. Skipping these seasons will cause the trees to be unprepared for their growing season, and they will end up bearing less fruit.

Therefore, fertilizing throughout the year in varying required amounts is crucial. Although under-fertilized trees will grow flowers, these will be less in number. These flowers will not be as fragrant, large, or colorful and will produce less delicious, smaller fruit.

An exciting thing about citrus trees is that mature trees will not need to be fertilized in their dormant period after a certain age. Older trees require less citrus tree fertilizer in the spring and summer seasons. You will know your tree is old enough once it grows a sturdy trunk and can bear the weight of its fruit.

Using intuition is always a good idea. If you notice your trees are healthy, green, and blossoming, you should automatically use less fertilizer. On the other hand, if the tree appears to be in poor condition or is dying off, you will need to fertilize it often. This can be deduced through yellow leaves, fewer blooms, and poor fruit.

How Often Should You Use Citrus Tree Fertilizer?

Along with knowing the correct quantity and timing for fertilization, it is crucial to know how often a citrus tree fertilizer needs to be used. This is important to prevent burning from over-fertilization and unsatisfactory results due to under-fertilization.

Always read product labels, user guides, and brand websites to learn about the correct application procedure. You can also make use of some of the tips below to deduce the correct frequency for fertilization:

• Apply organic fertilizer in February when new buds appear on your baby citrus trees.
• Immature plants should be fertilized every month for about a year. This can be reduced to every two months in the autumn and winter seasons.
• Granular fertilizer or liquid formula should be applied to potted or indoor plants. The fertilizer application should be repeated every 14 to 21 days from March to August. Avoid fertilizing during the winter season to prevent new buds.
• Citrus trees older than 3 years need to be fertilized during the growing season. You only need to fertilize mature trees in February, May, and October.

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Verdict: Best Fertilizers For Citrus Trees

With the information above, we hope that you were able to learn more about citrus tree fertilizers. With the products on our list, you can easily pick a type best suited for your plant. We recommend Miracle-Gro fertilizers.

These are available in both granular form and spikes. Not only are they easy to apply, but you can also use them for both indoor and outdoor plants.

If you are interested in a liquid formula, you can opt for the EZ-Gro fertilizer. However, this will need to be diluted down before use. On the other hand, granular formulas and spikes can be applied directly and need to be followed with watering.

No matter what you choose, we hope you end up with juicy, fragrant, and abundant fruit! To make this possible, you will not only have to pick the correct fertilizer, but you also need to follow the correct application procedure.

So stop wondering, and get to fertilizing your citrus trees. Go ahead and own a great product from our list today!

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