7 Best Citrus Tree Fertilizers – A Buyers Guide [2023]

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You are reading this guide to find the best citrus tree fertilizer for your citrus trees.

Citrus trees are quite versatile in their growth; you can grow them in pots or garden soil. They can also tolerate both indoor and outdoor growing conditions. 

The best part about growing Citrus trees is their many varieties.

But as the refreshing Citrus trees are heavy feeders, they need plenty of fertilizer. 

But what are the best citrus tree fertilizers?

Fertilizing Citrus Trees

Citrus trees have the highest nutrient demand from their blooming phase up to the fruiting phase and are heavy feeders, according to the Department of Primary Industries.

The correct feeding will keep your tree healthy and enhance crop production.

Whereas the lack of nutrients can lead to no fruits or flavorless fruits.

Having a soil pH between 5.5 to 6.5 is also necessary for the healthy growth of Citrus trees. 

If you are struggling with all the options in the market for Citrus fertilizer, we have prepared this detailed guide with pros and cons for the best Citrus tree fertilizer. 

We get commissions for purchases made through links in this post.

Best Citrus Tree Fertilizers

The best citrus tree fertilizers have an NPK ratio of around 13-7-13. They are high in nitrogen (N) as nitrogen and Potassium (K). Phosphorus (P) is important for flower and fruit development, whereas Potassium (K) is used for protein, fats, carbohydrates, and chlorophyll formation and functioning. It also maintains salts and water levels in the plant cells.

The best Citrus Tree Fertilizers are:

• Best Overall Citrus Tree Fertilizer – Citrus-tone by Espoma
• Best Granular Citrus Fertilizer – Citrus, Mango, and Avocado Plant Food by Miracle-Gro
• Best Watersoluble Citrus Tree Fertilizer – Citrus FeED by JR Peters

Best Fertilizers for Citrus Trees

Citrus-tone by Espoma – Best Overall Citrus Tree Fertilizer

If you want to experience abundant fruits and growth on your Citrus trees, this is a must-try fertilizer. 

The Citrus-tone is organic and contains live soil microbes to treat and improve the soil. 

The Biotone microbes maintain a steady supply of nutrients and improve the absorption of these plant nutrients. This fertilizer is created using humic acids and feather meal. 

This fertilizer is designed to help every part of the Citrus tree, contributing to the growth of flowers, leaves, stems, and fruits on the tree. 

If you apply it according to instructions, you will never have to deal with fertilizer burns, and you can enjoy big, tasty Citrus fruits. 

This fertilizer is guaranteed to provide long-lasting results with an NPK of 5-2-6. 

This is a low nutrient ratio, so you must reapply the fertilizer several times, but the manufacturer recommends repeating the application after three months. 

In my opinion, this fertilizer helps you experience the true essence of gardening because you will have homegrown fruits in an environmentally friendly method. 

Pros

• A perfect fertilizer for fruit trees like Citrus
• Organic fertilizer
• Shows results quickly compared to other Citrus fertilizers
• 100% Natural

Cons

• It makes the tree vulnerable to mold and mites
• Has a bad scent

You can now buy this citrus tree fertilizer here.

Citrus, Mango, and Avocado Plant Food by Miracle-Gro – Best Granular Citrus Fertilizer

This fertilizer is the top recommendation for Citrus fruit trees in a garden.

In addition to the macronutrients, this plant food boosts magnesium and iron to your Citrus trees. These extra nutrients will reward you with a bountiful fruit crop. 

This is for every gardener that wants the fertilizer nutrients to last for several weeks because one feed with this plant food will ensure nutrients for up to 6 weeks. 

It can fulfill the nutritional needs of any Citrus tree variety. 

I always recommend this fertilizer to new fruit growers because Miracle-Gro has designed this product with slow-release nitrogen to minimize the risk of burning. 

Your Citrus trees will yield more fruits after feeding with this plant food. 

This package gives several feedings, so even if you have many trees growing in your garden, a single purchase will last a long time. 

To apply the fertilizer, mix it in the top 3 inches of the soil or mulch if the ground is mulched in your garden. Water thoroughly to activate the fertilizer. 

To ensure adequate nutrients for the root zone, spread the fertilizer towards the end of the tree canopy. 

The fertilizer analysis for this Citrus plant food is 6-4-6. With this quality product, gardeners have noticed an improvement in their tree health within three days. 

This is a must-have fertilizer for fruit production of Citrus, Mango, and Avocado trees. 

You can buy it in 1, 4.5, and 8 lbs. packaging. 

Pros

• For young and mature Citrus trees
• It contains essential micronutrients like sulfur, magnesium, and iron
• Simple to use
• Revives dying or wilted Citrus trees
• Has clear directions about the application
• Improves the overall water efficiency
• It can also be used for container-grown Citrus trees.

Cons

• Customers have received fertilizer with broken seals
• It might be too strong for young Citrus plants.
• Grows mold after mixing in soil
• Gardeners have reported fungus gnats after applying this product

Buy this product by clicking here.

Citrus FeED by JR Peters – Best Water-soluble Citrus Tree Fertilizer

This fertilizer gives the perfect dose of nutrients to all the plants in the Citrus family, with an NPK of 20-10-20. 

With micronutrients like boron, copper, manganese, and iron, this fertilizer helps your tree produce strong branches, lush green leaves, and plenty of tasty Citrus fruits. 

You can feed your trees through their roots and leaves if used properly. It is a proven formula to bring back the greenery on yellowing trees or add nutritional value to new trees.

Although it’s a home garden product, the nutrients are formulated for commercial-grade results. You can use it for other tropical fruiting plants like mangoes and kumquats. 

Since it’s a water-soluble fertilizer, you can apply it easily after diluting it in water. But make sure you reapply every one or two weeks in the growing months of the Citrus tree. 

The only drawback of this Jack’s Classic fertilizer is that it’s not an organic product. 

But its benefits for Citrus trees outweigh everything else because it can provide instant nutrients to hungry trees. 

Since liquid-based fertilizers are washed away easily by rain or watering, you must apply this fertilizer more frequently. 

Pros

• Provides nutrients for new, old, and dying Citrus trees
• It comes with a spoon for measurement.
• Explicitly designed for Citrus varieties, therefore safe to use on potted plants.
• It helps produce more blooms and fruits.
• Has beneficial micronutrients to prevent trace element deficiency in fruit trees
• Shows instant results with new lush green growth

Cons

• Expensive option if you have several trees
• Cannot feed hydroponically growing Citrus trees
• Sometimes the fertilizer granules are hard and difficult to absorb in water.

Purchase this wonderful citrus tree fertilizer here.

Fruit Tree Fertilizer Spikes by Jobe’s Organics – Best Potted Citrus Tree Fertilizer

Fertilizer spikes are an efficient way to provide nutrients for fruit trees. 

Try these spikes if you are confused about how much fertilizer your potted Citrus tree requires. They offer the fastest and easiest method of fertilizing houseplants or trees. 

The Jobe’s fertilizer spikes are great for any fruit tree growing in a container, so now you can feed those indoor lemons and oranges with minimum effort. 

This pack has six spikes; each is pre-measured to help you feed the right amount of nutrients. 

The NPK ratio is 3-5-3. They also contain Jobe’s Biozome, a rich blend of microorganisms. 

These spikes are not only rich in nutrients but are also organic. 

So without any doubt, you can use them for organic gardening as they are also certified by OMRI for the organic production of edible plants like fruit trees. 

Apply the spikes while transplanting for maximal nutrient intake. The number of spikes needed for each pot will depend on the overall plant size, but you can use the growth chart for reference. 

If you are burying more than one spike in the same container, space them evenly. Do not place the spikes too close to the trunk of the tree.

I prefer placing the fertilizer spikes at the edge of the pot. Repeating the application every four to six weeks in the growing seasons is best.

Make sure you push the spike a few inches into the soil to provide a continuous supply of nutrients throughout the season.  

Another benefit of using these spikes is that they’re safe for pets and kids. This is a major concern for gardeners with children or dogs in their homes. 

Pros

• Has a resealable bag to ensure the spikes remain fresh 
• Helps the fruit and leaves flourish on potted plants
• With continuous use, your potted tree will develop resistance to most diseases.
• No fertilizer runoff
• Mess-free application 
• Works for any fruit or Citrus tree variety
• It gives long-term results by improving the soil quality. 
• Free from harmful chemicals that might harm the fruit on the Citrus trees

Cons

• Mold  and fungus growth
• It can be harmful to pets if consumed

Don’t forget to buy this citrus tree fertilizer here.

Citrus Mix by Down to Earth – Best Organic Citrus Fertilizer

This fertilizer contains everything an organic gardener needs. 

It’s rich in natural ingredients and formulated for Citrus fruit trees. It has high nitrogen content, and the NPK ratio is 6-3-3. 

This fertilizer has a long list of natural products, but the most prominent ones are alfalfa, feather, kelp, and fishbone. 

It also contains all the essential micronutrients needed for the healthy growth of a Citrus tree; some of them are iron, calcium, zinc, and sulfur. 

This organic fertilizer is the best alternative to synthetic fertilizer. It can be used for a Citrus tree orchard or potted Citrus fruit trees growing inside your house and in your garden. 

The perfect blend of primary and secondary nutrients ensures lush green new growth, healthy fruit, and even fragrant blooms.

Fill the transplant hole with fertilizer for trees younger than three years old. You must use 1 cup of fertilizer for mature Citrus trees for each 1-inch (2.5 cm) trunk diameter. 

For healthy fruit production, repeat application 3 or 4 times every year. 

I like the old-school cardboard package of this fertilizer that can be composted once you have finished, so you are not creating any waste with this fertilizer. 

Pros

• OMRI listed for organic production 
• Everything about this fertilizer is environmentally friendly. Even the box can be recycled as compost.
• In addition to Citrus plants, you can use it for other vines and ornamental plants.

Cons

• It can cause fungus flies and mold growth.
• It has a strong, unpleasant fragrance.

Have a look at this product here.

Citrus Fertilizer by EZ-Gro- Best Liquid Citrus Fertilizer

This fertilizer is recommended for the fast supply of nutrients to heavy feeders like Citrus trees. 

With over 40 years of experience, EZ-Gro- has formulated this special liquid food for tangy Citrus plants. 

It is a concentrated liquid food that requires water dilution before application. 

It comes with clear instructions about the dosage printed on the back of the bottle. You should apply it while watering your Citrus tree or after one to two weeks.

The nutrient ratio is 20-3-19, an excellent fertilizer for outdoor Citrus trees. 

This liquid mixture also has chelated zinc, iron, water-soluble magnesium, and chelated manganese to optimize the growth of Citrus varieties.

The manufacturer also provides a measuring cup for exact measurement. 

Pros

• For potted or in-ground orange, lime, and other Citrus plants
• Rich in iron and other micronutrients
• A well-balanced concentrated liquid mixture

Cons

• Expensive for large applications
• The measuring cup can damage in transit 

Don’t forget to buy this fertilizer here.

Citrus and Avocado Food by Lilly Miller – Best for Budget Citrus Fertilizer

Most gardeners seek inexpensive plant fertilizers that provide promising nutrient value and quality results. 

Therefore, it is important to include a budget-friendly option in this list of fertilizers.

The NPK ratio for this Citrus plant food is 10-6-4, and the 4 lbs package retails for US$ 14.63 only. 

It has been enriched with several essential nutrients to optimize the growth of any Citrus plant. 

The most needed nutrient for this type of tree is nitrogen. Lilly Miller has used nitrogen from five sources to ensure the perfect supply within the soil. 

All the nutrients are available instantly, so it’s a great option for new and mature plants. 

This fertilizer uses natural ingredients for delicious lemons, grapefruits, and oranges. 

It also improves the look of the glossy leaves of the Citrus trees. If the leaves on your tree are dull and yellow, this fertilizer can revive the greenery with regular feeding. 

Depending on your growing variety, the first dose should be given in February or March. Later repeat the application every six weeks. 

The application rates depend on the tree’s height, but the details are printed on the package for convenience. 

Sprinkle this plant food on the soil near the drip line. Watering the entire soil area is important to start the feeding. 

Pros

• Good for Citrus and Avocado trees
• Easy application
• Nutrients last for six weeks
• Has water-soluble and insoluble nitrogen

Cons

• Can take time to show results

Buy this fertilizer on Amazon. 

Types of Fertilizer for Citrus Trees

Fertilizer Spikes

This type of plant food is ready to use, and you do not have to measure anything. Just hammer the spikes into the ground near the base of the tree. 

This type of fertilizer is the best for gardeners with limited time and budget but needs something convenient for Citrus trees growing in their gardens. 

Deciding dosage for individual trees is also easy; therefore, I prefer these for potted Citrus trees. 

Winner: Fruit Tree Fertilizer Spikes by Jobe’s Organics

Granular Fertilizer

If you do not like the hassle of mixing or diluting plant food, the granular Citrus tree fertilizers are made for you. You can bury them in the soil or apply them as a top dressing. 

The application is also easy; you can use a scoop or sprinkle by hand. But make sure you adhere to the manufacturer’s instructions regarding dosage. 

Generally, the quantity of fertilizer varies depending on the size of your Citrus tree. 

Winner: Citrus, Mango, and Avocado Plant Food by Miracle-Gro

Liquid Fertilizer

Some liquid fertilizers are ready to use, while others are sold in concentrated forms. The concentrated ones require dilution in water according to the packaging’s instructions.

I prefer liquid fertilizers for Citrus trees growing indoors or in greenhouses in cold weather. 

But you can also use them for outdoor trees if you have few trees to fertilize. 

Simply dilute the fertilizer in water and pour it near the tree’s base. 

Liquid fertilizers are great for hydroponic gardening of Citrus plants. 

Winner: Citrus Fertilizer by EZ-Gro

Fertilizing a Citrus Tree

The best Citrus tree fertilizer balances nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and micronutrients such as magnesium, iron, zinc, and boron. 

Organic fertilizers are the best choice for young Citrus fruit trees.

Remember that the Citrus trees growing in pots or containers need more nitrogen than other nutrients. 

The three macronutrients play the following roles in the growth of the Citrus tree:

• Nitrogen will contribute to the overall tree and leaf growth. 
• Potassium produces strong blooms and even gives you big and tasty Citrus fruits. 
• Phosphorus aids in blooming and robust root growth. 

The amount and frequency of fertilizer depend on the age and size of the Citrus fruit tree. 

Measure the Citrus tree’s trunk diameter. Multiply this number by 0.1 pounds. This gives the amount of nitrogen required. 

Now find the nitrogen per pound mentioned on the package of fertilizer. To calculate the total fertilizer your tree needs, divide the amount required by the nitrogen per pound of the fertilizer. 

For the first year of growth, young Citrus trees require half-pound fertilizer. Once the tree is mature, you should add 1 pound for each year of age. 

It would be best if you began feeding the young tree in February when the buds on your Citrus tree start swelling. 

The plant is still young during the first year and needs extra help to reach maturity. 

Therefore, I recommend fertilizing every four weeks in active season and every eight weeks in dormancy for the first year. 

You can stop fertilizing your Citrus trees growing in pots in cold winter months to avoid weak growth. Once the tree is three or more years old, you should feed it three times per year. 

I usually fertilize my mature trees in February, May, and October. Each application serves a special purpose.

The winter application improves flowering, the spring application helps in fruit set, and the fall application will fulfill the nutrient demand in dormancy.

Fertilization is necessary for Citrus trees, but over-fertilization should be avoided. Inspect the growth of your tree carefully before adding anything to the soil. 

Citrus trees with healthy fruits and lush green foliage require less frequent feeding. Overfeeding them can reduce the quality of the Citrus fruit. 

For soil applications, do not apply the fertilizer too close to the trunk but spread it under the tree canopy. 

Extra Tips for Feeding Citrus Trees

• You should apply the fertilizer 12 inches (30 cm) from the tree trunk until the drip line. You can use a garden rake for mixing. Water the soil thoroughly.
• Citrus trees require regular feeding in summer and spring. Do not completely skip feeding in the dormant months. Your Citrus tree will benefit from fertilizers in dormancy as well. 
• If you stop fertilizing in cold months, your tree will delay fruit production and might grow slowly. Even the fruit size won’t be satisfactory. 
• Once your tree matures, you can reduce feeding in actively growing and dormant seasons. 
• Citrus trees can be fertilized by foliar or soil application. 
• Slow-release fertilizers release nutrients slowly. Therefore they require less application throughout the year. 
• Most liquid fertilizers are designed to release nutrients rapidly, so you must repeat the application several times throughout the year to ensure a steady supply of nutrients.
• Always fertilize your Citrus trees when the weather is cool in the morning or evening. Check the weather forecast before fertilizing because you do not want all the hard work to be wasted by rain. 

Conclusion

Feed your Citrus trees with a fertilizer or plant food designed specifically for Citrus fruit trees. 

This is important because these fruit trees prefer acidic soil conditions for optimum growth, and Citrus fertilizers are formulated to fulfill this requirement. 

These trees appreciate the fertilizer high in nitrogen and potassium but low in phosphorus. 

Fertilizing at the right time with the right quantity can make a lot of difference in the fruit yields of Citrus trees, so buy the best fertilizer for Citrus trees and start fertilizing.

Last update on 2024-12-19 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API