How to Fertilize Your Grapefruit Tree

The grapefruit tree is the signature tree of the south. They are frequently used in landscaping for beauty and the delicious fruit they bear. Growing and maintaining a grapefruit tree is fairly easy. There is one element, however, that cannot be ignored: proper fertilization. If under or over fertilized, grapefruit trees will not look as beautiful as they should and will not be as fruitful. Fertilizing a grapefruit tree properly is simple; you just have to know the right steps to follow.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Ammonium phosphate fertilizer
• Garden rake

1. Water the grapefruit tree with a half gallon of water before fertilization.

2. Sprinkle ammonium phosphate fertilizer evenly near the base of the tree.

3. Continue evenly spreading the fertilizer around the grapefruit tree until you get three feet beyond where the branches reach.

4. Rake gently about a quarter inch into the soil to work in the fertilizer.

5. Water the tree and soil again with another 1/2 gallon of water.

Tips & Warnings

• Fertilize a grapefruit tree in February, May and August.
• If your grapefruit tree is healthy and has dark green leaves, do not fertilize. Over-fertilized trees will produce thick peels on your grapefruits.

Resources

• Arid-Southwestern Gardening Information