6 Best Fertilizers for Peach Trees — A Buyers Guide

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The Peach tree originated from China, and the main reason for growing this is the juicy fruit in shades of orange, red, and yellow. 

Peaches can add a unique and refreshing taste to cupcakes, pies, or jams, especially if you have cultivated them yourself. 

But this delicious fruit tree needs regular maintenance and feeding to produce the healthiest fruit. 

If your Peach tree produces very few Peaches, has stunted growth and fruit size, you should evaluate the nutrients in the soil.  

Fertilization is an essential part of the annual care for Peach trees. 

Applying the best Peach tree fertilizer at the right time will enhance everything about the tree, the flower, fruit, and foliage. 

Expert gardeners recommend performing the leaf and soil analysis every year for the Peach tree. 

Did you know that the fertilization rate for Peach is higher than other types of fruit trees because it absorbs more minerals and nutrients from the soil? 

For this reason, the Peach fruit is rich in nutrients. 

 

 

Best Fertilizers for Peach Trees

 

Tomato, Fruit and Vegetables Plant Food by Miracle-Gro – Best Overall Peach Tree Fertilizer

This plant food is filled with natural materials that instantly act as food for the microbes living in the soil. The fertilizer analysis is 10-5-15. 

The extra micronutrients in this fertilizer are guaranteed to grow a strong Peach tree that will be loaded with fruits in the harvest season. 

It is a continuous release fertilizer, so the nutrients are available to the Peach tree for up to 3 months. This timeline suits the fertilization schedule of a mature Peach tree. 

The calcium found in this fertilizer not only strengthens the cell wall but also prevents certain disorders associated with edible plants. 

Do not mix this fertilizer in water before application—only water the soil after mixing the dry product to release the nutrients in the soil. 

You can use a garden shovel or spatula to mix the fertilizer in the top 3 inches of the soil. 

It can be used for Peach trees growing in garden soil and containers. 

You should also avoid applying it to moist leaves or the area near the trunk of the Peach tree. Use a half-cup of this Miracle-Gro fertilizer for every ten sq ft of area. 

You can easily store this fertilizer for long-term use since it comes with a lid and a sturdy bottle.

Miracle-Gro offers a 6-month satisfaction guarantee for this fertilizer. 

So, if you are not satisfied with the results of the fertilizer within this time, the manufacturer will refund the full price. 

 

Pros

• The soil microbes feed the soil and support root development 
• Increases water efficiency within the soil
• The application is easy with the lid bottle
• Will not burn the Peach tree if you follow the instructions

 

Cons

• Customers have complained about broken seal on the lid
• Might be too strong for new fruit trees
• The granules can develop mold after few days, especially if they are not mixed in the soil properly

Check out this fertilizer here.

 

Organic Fruit Tree Fertilizer by Down to Earth – Best Organic Peach Tree Fertilizer

Down to Earth fertilizers are a popular choice for backyard fruit gardening. They are formulated to help you grow nutritional and delicious fruits. 

This fruit tree fertilizer is the perfect plant food for young or non-bearing Peach trees. 

The nutrient content in this fertilizer is 6-2-4. This means it’s high in nitrogen but has a decent amount of potassium and phosphorus as well. 

You can use this product for organic gardening of any Peach variety. I have used it for all the newly planted trees in my garden, and they are showing excellent results.

Gardeners have reported up to 6 inches of tree growth within two weeks. 

This organic product also contains extra calcium that helps in fruit development, and your tree will produce more Peaches than those without this fertilizer. 

Several organic materials are added to this fertilizer, including fish bone meal, feather meal, kelp meal, and alfalfa meal. 

It comes in four different sizes, so you can choose any package depending on the number of Peach trees you are planning to fertilize. 

The detailed instructions about application for bearing and non-bearing Peach trees are printed on the package.

 

Pros

• OMRI certified for organic gardening
• Suitable for young Peach trees
• Contains calcium
• The humic acids improve soil health
• Biodegradable box
• Works on any Peach variety 

 

Cons

• Pets tend to eat the soil with this fertilizer 

Learn more about this organic fertilizer here.

 

Fruit and Nut Granular Fertilizer by Jobe’s Organics – Best Granular Peach Tree Fertilizer

This fast-acting fruit tree fertilizer can be used for both new and established Peach trees in your garden.

What makes this fertilizer special is the Biozome.

This is a unique combination of microorganisms that accelerate the speed of nutrient breakdown within the soil. 

For this reason, this granular fertilizer classifies as fast-acting plant food. 

I always recommend my fellow gardeners to buy fertilizers that are certified organic because they are guaranteed to contain no harmful chemicals. 

The United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) has listed this plant food for organic production.

This fertilizer is very economical if you keep planting new fruit trees every year because you will have both new and mature trees in the same year. 

Buying separate fertilizers for them can be expensive, especially if you have a huge collection of Peach trees. 

This organic fertilizer has several benefits over other fertilizers. 

The top features are soil improvement, disease, and pest resistance. It also prepares your Peach tree for drought or water stress.  

The resealable bag ensures easy pouring, and the fertilizer will be safe from moisture and environmental exposure. I prefer dissolving in water before applying it to the soil. 

The NPK ratio for this fruit and nut fertilizer is 2-5-3.

If you want to use this fertilizer for mature Peach trees, make sure you feed them at the drip line. Repeat the dose every 2 or 3 months in the growing seasons. 

This fertilizer is available in three sizes for the convenience of different gardeners. 

Keep this fertilizer away from the reach of dogs since they are attracted to the smell but eating the fertilizer is dangerous for them. 

 

Pros

• Organic and environment friendly  
• Can be used for other fruit trees growing in your garden, even the nut trees
• Prepares the fruit tree against unfavorable growing conditions
• Helps deal with water stress
• Will not cause fertilizer burn if applied according to instructions
• OMRI certified

 

Cons

• The dosage instructions on the package should be improved
• Has a strong odor
• Customers reported having fungus and worms in the soil after applying this fertilizer

Buy this fertilizer here. 

 

Citrus-Tone by Espoma – Best Balanced Peach Tree Fertilizer

Although the name suggests citrus, this fertilizer is suitable for any type of fruit tree. 

This organic fertilizer is a balanced combination of macronutrients and microbes. 

All the fertilizers within this line are created with 100% natural ingredients, and they are free from sludges or fillers.

It contains organic materials like bone meal, alfalfa meal, and feather meal. 

The NPK ratio is 5-2-6, which ensures continuous feeding for your Peach tree in the growing season. 

This fertilizer is safe for the organic gardening of edible fruits and vegetables.  

I highly recommend this fertilizer for Peach trees with stunted growth because it helps in the entire development of the tree. 

While other fertilizers mostly focus on the fruit, this one encourages root and foliage growth as well. 

Another advantage of this fertilizer is its slow-release nature. This ensures that your fruit tree never burns from fertilizer. 

I would recommend applying this fertilizer before blooming to improve flowers on the Peach tree. 

You should also apply it after blooming to have better fruits. Some gardeners repeat application in the fall to have a steady supply of nutrients. 

For new plantings, you have to mix this fertilizer in the amended soil and for established trees, spread it around the outer edges. 

 

Pros

• Natural ingredients for food gardening
• Improves the flavor and quantity of fruits growing on the tree
• Contains Bio-tone microbes
• For in-ground and potted trees

 

Cons

• Mold grows on the soil within few days of application
• Has an unpleasant odor
• Customers have reported about mite infestation 

Take a look at this product here.

 

Fruit Tree Fertilizer by Dr. Earth – Best for Budget Peach Fertilizer

This budget-friendly product is great for the root and fruit growth of Peach trees. 

This 4 lb. package retails for US$ 14.40.

If you are looking for a fertilizer that lasts for several months, provides all the nutrients, and is free from harmful ingredients, this is our top recommendation. 

This fertilizer releases the nutrients in such a way that it never causes growth spikes. 

This is beneficial for the growth of fruit trees because they do not appreciate overfeeding but, at the same time, need instant nutrients. 

You can use this fertilizer during all growth stages of the Peach tree. The nutrient analysis is 5-5-2.

The pro-biotic, beneficial microbes and mycorrhizae are the secret elements for a strong root system. 

Your fruit tree will perform better under stress because mycorrhizae improve the tolerance for drought and the distribution of nutrients in the soil.

It also enhances fruit’s nutritional value. Your Peach tree receives consistent nutrients for stable growth throughout the year. 

I have used it for my Peach tree that was dry and withered due to harsh weather to provide an instant boost of nutrients. 

The tree started showing signs of recovery within few days. It even grew several new leaves. 

If you have dogs, I highly recommend protecting the fertilized soil from them. 

Dogs like the smell of this fertilizer and can destroy your trees by digging into the soil. 

 

Pros

• Does not overfeed your fruit trees
• A single package lasts for months
• Natural plus organic
• The nutrients are available for longer periods
• Does not require chemical feeding

 

Cons

• Can cause fruit flies or fungus gnats infection
• Has a horrible smell
• Customers complained about mold growth on the soil surface

Don’t forget to buy this product here.

 

Citrus Fertilizer by EZ-gro – Best Liquid Peach Tree Fertilizer

If you want more fruits on your Peach tree, feed it with this liquid fertilizer. 

EZ-gro has been in the horticulture market for almost 40 years. They have developed several fertilizer solutions for houseplants. 

This is a concentrated liquid fertilizer, so you have to add water for easy application. 

This is a strong fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20-3-19. Therefore, I would recommend using it for established Peach trees. 

It will supply all the necessary nutrients immediately but make sure you repeat application every 1 or 2 weeks for maximum fruit growth. 

The manufacturer has also added a decent amount of magnesium and iron to eliminate nutrient deficiencies. 

 

Pros

• Provides good nutrition with micro and macronutrients
• Easy application 
• Can be stored easily in the bottle
• Has a measuring cup for accurate measurement 
• Results start to show in 7 days
• Can revive dying fruit trees

 

Cons

• Expensive fruit tree fertilizer if you have several trees in your garden
• Customer complaints about broken measuring cups

Find out more and purchase this product here.

 

Organic Fertilizer

The main purpose of adding fertilizers is to provide nutrients for your fruit trees or houseplants. 

But now, gardeners and horticulture experts are focusing on enhancing the soil itself. Thus, more brands are coming up with organic fertilizers. 

These fertilizers are designed to feed microorganisms living in the potting or garden soil. Continuous use of organic fertilizer can improve the soil’s overall health. 

They also improve the soil’s air circulation.

Organic fertilizers distribute nutrients slowly, so you do not have to worry much about overfeeding or fertilizer burns.

Winner: Organic Fruit Tree Fertilizer by Down to Earth

 

Fertilizing Peach Trees

If you want plump, juicy Peaches, you have to follow the instructions about the timing and rate of fertilization. 

If the soil tests indicate nutrient-rich, fertile soil, you might not have to add any fertilizer until the fruit production begins. 

The average Peach tree starts bearing fruit between the age of 2 to 4 years. 

So, they do not need much feeding during the initial years. 

But if you decide to feed the young Peach trees, know that they require less fertilizer than mature fruit-bearing trees.

 

Newly Planted Peach Trees

Wait for at least one week before adding plant food to newly transplanted Peach trees. 

Give the 2nd dose a month after the first one. Make sure you water the soil deeply after adding fertilizer. 

 

Young Peach Trees

Require feeding in March and May. 

 

Mature Peach Trees

If your tree is older than four years, it falls in the category of a mature Peach tree. 

They also require two applications, but you will have to increase the amount of fertilizer per application. 

You can start the fertilization after blooming but before the flower petals start falling. 

You should also add relevant plant food when the tree is growing in May. 

Post-harvest fertilization is also necessary if your tree produced fruits this season. 

You should stop feeding the Peach after mid-August. 

If your Peach tree is growing plenty of new foliage, you can reduce the application to once a year only. 

Vigorous leaf growth means that the tree is dedicating most of its energy to leaf growth. 

To balance this, either reduce the fertilization or feed with a fertilizer that focuses on fruit growth.

 

Everything About Peach Tree Nutrients

The leaf analysis is used to test the nutritional status of the mature Peach tree. 

A fruit-bearing established Peach tree needs to be fed twice per year. Most Peach growers add a feed in the early parts of spring and summer, as well as during late spring.

The two most important nutrients for fruit-bearing Peach trees are nitrogen and potassium. 

This is because these two are present in high concentrations in the Peach compared to other plant nutrients. 

Potassium is responsible for developing the disease resistance capabilities of the Peach tree. 

A young Peach tree needs plenty of phosphorus because it encourages healthy, strong roots and blossoms. 

Do not ignore the importance of other micronutrients. 

These are also needed for the overall health of the Peach tree. The most critical ones for this fruit tree are magnesium, sulfur, and calcium.

The first thing that is affected by the lack of nutrients is the appearance of leaves on the Peach tree. 

The leaves will be narrow or shrunken with a red tint. The leaves can also turn pale and develop dead spots on several areas. 

Both fruit-bearing and non-bearing trees need a regular supply of nitrogen. It contributes to fruit size, production, and overall Peach tree vigor.

The exact quantity of nitrogen needed varies depending on the age of your fruit tree, the overall fruit production, and the weed growth near the tree. 

However, avoid adding too much nitrogen as it might impact the fruit color and flower buds.

In some cases, nitrogen increases the risk of winter damage and extra leafy growth. 

The application time of nitrogen greatly varies on the soil type:

• Sandy soil (around bud breaking or in spring)
• Heavy soil (in early spring or winter before the swelling of buds)

Do not skip nitrogen feeding for non-bearing trees, or else, you’ll have a weak tree instead.

If your soil has sufficient nitrogen, the skin, flavor, and color of the Peaches will be better.

The ideal soil pH for this fruit tree is around 6.5. 

In addition to fertilizers, peat moss and compost also enhance the drainage, fertility, and water retention of the soil. These should also be added regularly for better growth of the tree. 

 

Tips for Fertilizing Peach Trees

• Avoid placing the fertilizer close to the trunk of the Peach tree as it prevents the distribution of the nutrients to the roots and can damage the tree by causing fertilizer burns. 
• I would recommend placing the fertilizer 8-12 inches away from the trunk of your fruit tree. This is the ideal range for the even distribution of nutrients throughout the soil near the root zone. 
• The Peach tree prefers a dry summer for healthy growth, and they grow fruits on the branches from last year. Therefore, do not trim or damage the old branches. 
• Generally, new trees require half a cup of fertilizer for the initial year. You can gradually increase this to 1 lb. once the tree starts maturing. Continue this rate until your tree is five years old. 
• Once fully mature, a single Peach tree in your garden can consume up to 5 pounds of fruit tree fertilizer in a single application. 
• A healthy Peach tree is identified by measuring tree growth every year. 12-18 inches of growth is the best for all Peach tree varieties. If the average growth on your Peach tree is less than 8 inches, you should immediately consider adding fertilizer in spring. 
• If you are growing Peach in a frost-sensitive area, you should stop feeding two months before the first frost. 
• Testing the soil is the most important step for fertilizing a Peach tree. It is important to understand that the number of elements in the soil can vary depending on the location and soil type. Always buy a fertilizer that feeds the soil with the nutrient that is missing. 
• Avoid adding fertilizer to the planting hole for newly planted Peach trees. Fertilizer should be spread in the soil around the trunk. The best approach is to start a few inches away from the tree trunk and gradually move towards the drip line. 

 

Conclusion

Fertilizers can surely help you grow the best, home-grown Peaches. 

The fertilization for Peach trees will depend on the garden soil analysis and the growth rate of your tree. However, I would recommend focusing on the age and the tree’s location as well. 

A balanced fruit tree fertilizer ensures a steady supply of all three nutrients, nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. 

Buy the best Peach tree fertilizers recommended in this guide and start the fertilization journey of your Peach tree.