When Do You Fertilize Citrus Trees

If you’re wondering when do you fertilize citrus trees, you’re asking the most important question for their health. Getting the timing right is the key to lush leaves, strong branches, and a heavy harvest of fruit. This guide will walk you through the simple schedule and methods that keep your trees thriving.

The main feeding season for citrus aligns with its active growing period. In most climates, this means you should start fertilizing in late winter or early spring. A good rule is to begin when you see the first signs of new growth, like swelling buds or fresh leaves.

Continue feeding through the summer to support fruit development. You should stop applying fertilizer in late summer or early fall. This allows the tree to harden off new growth before any winter chill arrives.

The Ideal Fertilizing Schedule by Season

Following a seasonal calender takes the guesswork out of feeding. Here is a simple, effective plan for the year.

Late Winter/Early Spring (February/March): Apply the first dose of fertilizer as the tree wakes up. This fuels the initial flush of growth and flower production.
Late Spring (May/June): Give a second application to support the developing young fruit and the tree’s ongoing growth.
Late Summer (August/September): A third and final feeding helps bulk up the fruit. Do not fertilize after this point in the year.

For young, non-bearing trees, you might feed a little more frequently to encourage growth, like every 4-6 weeks during the growing season. Mature, fruiting trees do best with the three-time schedule outlined above.

Choosing the Right Citrus Fertilizer

Not all plant food is created equal. Citrus trees have specific nutritional needs. Look for a fertilizer labeled specifically for citrus or citrus and avocado. The label’s three-number ratio (N-P-K) tells you everything.

A good citrus fertilizer will have a ratio like 2-1-1 or 3-1-1. This means it’s higher in nitrogen (N) for leaf and branch growth, with less phosphorus (P) and potassium (K). Many also contain crucial micronutrients like iron, zinc, and manganese, which prevent yellowing leaves.

Granular vs. Liquid vs. Slow-Release

You have a few options for fertilizer types, each with pros and cons.

Granular: Easy to spread around the drip line. Water it in thoroughly. It’s a cost-effective choice for established trees.
Liquid: Fast-acting and great for potted citrus or a quick nutrient boost. You usually apply it when you water.
Slow-Release: Coated pellets feed the tree gradually over 3-6 months. This is very convenient and reduces the risk of over-fertilizing.

How to Apply Fertilizer Correctly

Where you put the fertilizer is just as important as what you use. The feeder roots that take up nutrients are located out near the edge of the canopy, not right at the trunk.

Calculate the right amount. Read the fertilizer bag’s instructions based on your tree’s age or size. When in doubt, use a little less.
Spread the fertilizer evenly on the soil starting a foot away from the trunk. Extend it all the way out to just beyond the drip line (where the branches end).
Gently scratch it into the top inch of soil with a rake. This prevents it from washing away.
Water deeply immediately after application. This helps dissolve the nutrients and carries them down to the roots.

Special Considerations for Potted Citrus Trees

Citrus in containers need more frequent feeding because nutrients leach out with every watering. Use a liquid or slow-release formula designed for pots.

During the main growing season, you may need to feed your potted tree every 4-6 weeks. Always follow the product’s label for container-specific dosing. Reduce feeding completely during the winter months when the tree is dormant.

Signs Your Tree Needs Fertilizer (Or Has Too Much)

Your tree will tell you if it’s hungry. Look for pale green or yellow leaves, especially on new growth. Sparse foliage, little to no new branches, and very small fruit are other clues.

However, more is not always better. Over-fertilizing can harm your tree and even kill it. Signs of excess include a crust of fertilizer on the soil surface, leaf burn (brown, scorched leaf edges), and sudden leaf drop. If you suspect overfeeding, flood the area with water to help dilute and flush away the excess.

Other Tips for Healthy Citrus Growth

Fertilizer is vital, but it’s only one part of the picture. For truly healthy trees, combine feeding with these practises.

Consistent Watering: Citrus like deep, infrequent watering. Let the soil dry slightly between sessions.
Sunlight: They need at least 6-8 hours of full, direct sun each day to produce sweet fruit.
Soil pH: Citrus prefer slightly acidic soil, between 6.0 and 7.0. If your leaves are yellowing with green veins, the soil might be too alkaline, locking up nutrients.
Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch like wood chips around the base. It conserves moisture and regulates soil temperature.

Common Fertilizing Mistakes to Avoid

Even experienced gardeners can make a few common errors. Here’s what to steer clear of.

Fertilizing at the wrong time: Avoid late fall and winter feeding, as it promotes tender growth that can be damaged by frost.
Placing fertilizer at the trunk: This can burn the trunk and doesn’t reach the active roots.
Using the wrong ratio: A high-phosphorus lawn or bloom booster fertilizer is not ideal for citrus foliage growth.
Forgetting to water it in: Dry fertilizer sitting on the surface won’t benefit the tree and can runoff.

FAQ: Your Citrus Fertilizing Questions Answered

Q: Can I use homemade compost to fertilize my citrus tree?
A: Yes, compost is an excellent soil amendment that adds organic matter and some nutrients. It’s best used as a supplement alongside a balanced citrus fertilizer to ensure all micronutrient needs are met.

Q: How often should I fertilize a lemon tree?
A: Lemon trees follow the same general rule as other citrus: three times a year in late winter, late spring, and late summer. The frequency is the same for oranges, limes, and grapefruits too.

Q: Is it okay to fertilize citrus when they are flowering?
A: Yes, the late spring feeding often coincides with flowering or just after fruit set. This provides energy for the tree to hold onto and develop its young fruit.

Q: What’s the best citrus tree fertilizer for yellow leaves?
A: Yellow leaves can mean a nitrogen deficiency. A good citrus fertilizer with nitrogen will help. If the leaves are yellow with green veins, it’s likely an iron deficiency caused by high soil pH; a chelated iron supplement is needed.

Q: Should I fertilize a newly planted citrus tree?
A: Wait until you see new growth after planting, usually in 4-6 weeks. The root ball often contains some starter fertilizer, and you want the tree to focus on establishing roots first.

By following this seasonal schedule and choosing the right product, you give your trees the foundation they need. Paying attention to your tree’s signals and combining feeding with good overall care will result in a robust, productive citrus tree that rewards you with plenty of fruit for years to come.