How to Fertilize Citrus Trees

Fertilizing your orange, lemon and grapefruit trees will keep them healthy, green and productive.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Garden Hoses
• High-nitrogen Fertilizers

1. Purchase a high-nitrogen liquid or granular fertilizer. Liquid fertilizers are easiest to use on citrus trees that grow in containers. Use granular fertilizer on trees planted in the ground.

2. Water the tree before applying the fertilizer.

3. Apply fertilizer evenly to the soil beneath the tree's canopy, at rates recommended on the label.

4. Water the tree after fertilizing to wash nutrients into soil.

5. Repeat the process every four to six weeks from February through August for trees growing in the ground. Repeat every two weeks for container trees.

Tips & Warnings

• Apply liquid fertilizers to foliage and roots. Leaves absorb nutrients quickly.
• Fertilizers applied later than August may force late, frost-sensitive growth.
• Hose-end sprayers simplify using liquid fertilizers.
• Applying too much fertilizer or fertilizing dry trees can burn foliage.
• Wear gloves when handling dry fertilizers.

[gloriar]

on 3/24/2009 My grandchildren and I planted a lemon seed 3 years ago and now have a tree that is about 4 feet tall with a couple of blossoms on it. What do we use to repel insects? This is the varity that grows to the size of grapefruit, I do not know its name but do know that the fruit and juice is great.

[flgirl1967]

on 3/13/2009 If it doesnt get below 28 you will be fine 40 is nothing. IF it does get below that cover with blankes not sheets LOL I learned the hard way. Hoep that helps.

[francione]

on 12/11/2008 I planted a lime and a tangerine tree last summer. I wantered them once a week through the summer. It is now dec. and the temp. is in low 40s. How often should I water through the winter? Should I cover them if we have a freeze?