Organic Citrus Fertilizer

Citrus Nutritional Needs

Citrus trees are known to be heavy feeders that commonly suffer from nutrient deficiencies if not properly fertilized. Key nutrients necessary for the proper development of citrus trees include major elements such as:

• Nitrogen
• Phosphorus
• Potassium
• Magnesium

They also need minor, or trace elements, including:

• Iron
• Zinc
• Manganese
• Boron
• Sulfur
• Copper
• Molybdenum

Nitrogen

Nitrogen is the most important nutrient needed by citrus trees. A deficiency should be suspected if your citrus tree produces small, pale leaves as well as smaller fruits.

Too much nitrogen can also cause problems in citrus trees. Fruits getting too much nitrogen have a thick skin and less juice.

Phosphorus

Phosphorus is an important nutrient as well. It is essential for photosynthesis and in the production of flowers and fruit.

A deficiency can cause leaves to fall from the tree as well as poor-quality fruit that may be misshapen. Fruit is also more acidic and pulpy.

While these are the primary nutrients needed by citrus trees, other nutrients are needed in balanced amounts as well. The best way to achieve this balance is by using organic citrus fertilizer.

Finding Organic Citrus Fertilizer

Actually locating organic fertilizer for citrus can be somewhat challenging. While there are many organic fertilizers on the market today, relatively few are designed for the unique needs of citrus plants.

Often when citrus fertilizers cannot be located, palm fertilizers are substituted because the nutritional needs of palm and citrus are similar.

One of the most popular sources of organic citrus fertilizer is Dr. Earth Organic 9 Fruit Tree Fertilizer. Many home gardeners swear by its perfect blend of nutrients along with beneficial soil microbes. Try the store locator tool on their web site to find a dealer near you.

Espoma is another top brand to consider. Espoma has been offering safe, organic products for 75 years. With over 34 products to choose from, you can organically feed you citrus as well as all your other plants. A local dealer can be found by using the store locator tool on their web site.

Using Organic Fertilizer

Young fruit trees need to be fertilized every six weeks or so after they have had about two weeks to get established after planting. Fertilizer should be applied lightly and frequently. Container-grown citrus should be fertilized more frequently.

As your citrus becomes bigger, you will fertilize less often. A full-grown citrus tree needs to be fertilized three or four times a year. Typically this is done, evenly spaced, from February through August.

How Much to Use

Generally, you will want to follow the instructions on the organic fertilizer that you are using.

• A tree that is one to two years old will need from one quarter to one half pound of fertilizer, spread throughout the year.

• For trees two to three years old, you can expect to use from one half pound to three quarters of a pound.

• Three- to four-year-old trees need from three quarters of a pound to a pound and a half.

• Trees four to five years old use from one to two pounds of fertilizer.

• Five- to six-year-old trees need one pound and a quarter to two and a half pounds a year.

• Adult trees may use anywhere from one and a half pounds to three pounds.

All amounts are spread out over the year. Divide each amount by three and space fertilizer applications evenly throughout the season.

A Few More Tips

Citrus trees must have rich, well drained soil to be healthy. Be careful not to over water; they like moist soil but they do not like to be wet. If you choose to use organic gardening mulch such as leaves or grass clippings, do not mulch deeper than three to six inches. Also, be sure to keep mulch 12 to 24 inches away from the trunk of the tree to prevent diseases and fungal problems.