5 Best Fertilizers For Citrus Trees

In the right climate and with the right care, citrus trees are very prolific growers that can produce lots of fresh and juicy fruit. One of the keys to ensuring that your citrus trees produce a high yield is fertilizer. We've researched the best fertilizers for citrus trees which we'll share with you in this article.

You'll want to choose a fertilizer that is specifically designed for citrus trees to have the best results. Fertilizers meant for citrus trees are formulated with all the essential nutrients that citrus trees need to thrive in just the right concentrations. Here are some great options to consider:

  1. Miracle-Gro Shake 'n Feed
  2. Jobe's Organics Fertilizer Spikes
  3. Miracle-Gro Fruit and Citrus Fertilizer Spikes
  4. Down To Earth Organic Citrus Fertilizer
  5. Espoma Organic Citrus-tone

In this guide, we'll talk more about these fertilizers as well as their benefits and drawbacks so that you can decide which one is best for you. We've also provided some helpful tips on how to decide which fertilizer to choose. Continue reading to learn more.

Man watering potted houseplant Citrus calamondin using a elegant white metallic watering can with long thin spout, yellow thin circular handle, white background, 5 Best Fertilizers For Citrus Trees

5 Best Citrus Tree Fertilizers

When it comes to fertilizer, there are variations in how the product is made and how it functions. There are 100% natural and organic fertilizers as well as some that use chemical ingredients.

In addition, there are liquid fertilizers, granular fertilizers, and fertilizer spikes. Our list includes a sampling of each so that you can view the product as well as the benefits and drawbacks. 

Orange grove in Southern Spain. Daylight, no people

1. Miracle-Gro Shake 'n Feed

Miracle-Gro Shake 'n Feed is a popular choice. They have a version of this fertilizer that is designed just for citrus trees such as grapefruits, lemons, limes, and oranges. This fertilizer can also be used for avocado and mango trees as well.

Miracle-Gro Shake 'n Feed for citrus trees fertilizer contains iron, magnesium, potassium, and other nutrients that citrus trees need to thrive. It provides nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in an 8-2-10 ratio.

It is a granular fertilizer that is shaken on top of the soil, then raked into the soil. At that point, the granules begin to break down and last for about 3 to 4 months.

Benefits

  • A well-known brand
  • Easy to apply
  • Lasts for 3 months

Drawbacks

  • You have to apply throughout the year
  • Contains some chemical ingredients

Click here to see more on Amazon.

2. Jobe's Organics Fertilizer Spikes

If you're looking for an organic fertilizer for citrus trees, try these fertilizer spikes. Natural ingredients such as bone meal provide the essential nutrients of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium that citrus trees need in a 4-6-6 ratio without the use of chemicals.

These spikes are designed to be used with potted citrus trees because liquid fertilizer can wash out and granular fertilizer can be hard to apply to potted plants. You just simply insert the appropriate number of spikes into the soil based on the size of the pot.

These spikes supply nutrients to your citrus plants continuously for 4 to 6 weeks. But you have to be careful not to use too many of them or use them too frequently so that you don't over-fertilize your plant.

Benefits

  • Organic fertilizer 
  • Low maintenance plant care
  • Won't drain out like liquid fertilizers

Drawbacks

  • Only last about a month
  • May be more costly in the long run 

Click here to see more on Amazon.

3. Miracle-Gro Fruit and Citrus Fertilizer Spikes 

These fertilizer spikes are a great combination of the first two products on this list. They have similar ingredients as the Miracle-Gro Shake 'n Feed with the convenience of the Jobe's Organics Fertilizer Spikes. These citrus fertilizer spikes also provide nutrients in a 10-15-15 nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio.

They are great to use for your potted plants and are slow-release, which means they can last for several months. You only have to replace them in the fall and spring instead of every couple of months. These spikes are not 100% organic, but they do contain some natural ingredients such as bone meal.

Benefits

  • Slow-release 
  • Easy to use 
  • Replace only twice per year

Drawbacks

  • Not 100% organic
  • May cost more in the long run than granular fertilizers 

Click here to see more on Amazon.

4. Down To Earth Organic Citrus Fertilizer

This organic citrus fertilizer is a granular fertilizer made from ingredients such as bone meal, kelp meal, and feather meal. It provides nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium in a 6-3-3 ratio. 

You use this fertilizer in a way that is similar to other granular fertilizers. Just sprinkle it on top of the soil around the citrus tree, then work it into the soil. Reapply it every 3 to 4 months.

Benefits

  • Certified organic
  • Made with all-natural ingredients

Drawbacks

  • Must be reapplied throughout the year
  • More costly than other granular fertilizers

Click here to see more on Amazon.

5. Espoma Organic Citrus-tone

Espoma Citrus-tone is an organic granular fertilizer that is longer-lasting than the other granular fertilizers we've mentioned. It is a slow-release formula that can last at least a year in soil, if not longer.

The nitrogen-phosphorus-potassium ratio for this fertilizer is 5-2-6. Like other organic fertilizers, it contains bone meal and other natural ingredients to provide primary and secondary nutrients to your citrus trees.

Benefits

  • Organic fertilizer 
  • Can last a year or more 

Drawbacks

  • Requires more work to apply

Click here to see more on Amazon.

Things To Consider When Choosing Citrus Fertilizer 

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Now that we've covered 5 of the best fertilizers for citrus trees, how can you decide which one is best for you? Here is some information to help you decide.

Granular vs. Fertilizer Spikes vs. Liquid

While we didn't mention any specific liquid fertilizers for citrus, they do exist. You use them by simply spraying them onto the leaves in the correct amounts. 

However, granular fertilizer and fertilizer spikes are best to use for citrus, especially if the trees are large or potted. Liquid fertilizers can drain out of potted plants, and they can be hard to spray on really large trees due to the amount of fertilizer that you need.

For potted plants, fertilizer spikes work best because you can just stick them in the soil and leave them alone until it's time to reapply them. Granular fertilizers are best for trees planted in the ground because the amount that you use depends on the size of the tree, and they are easier to measure out.

See More: How Much Fertilizer Should You Use For Fruit Trees?

Organic vs. Inorganic

Farmer holding pile of arable soil

This is just a matter of personal preference and what you want for your citrus fruits. Organic fertilizers contain no synthetic chemicals for the most natural fruits.

They often contain plant or animal byproducts that provide essential nutrients and last longer than inorganic fertilizers, although they cost more.

Inorganic fertilizers tend to be cheaper and contain some chemicals that supply nutrients such as potassium, phosphorus, etc. While these chemicals are safe to use on plants, the fertilizer often doesn't last as long in the soil as organic fertilizers do. 

See More: How Long Does Fertilizer Last In Soil?

Is 666 Fertilizer Good For Citrus Trees?

The numbers on fertilizer refer to the percentage of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium (NPK) in the fertilizer. A good fertilizer to use for citrus trees, especially lemon trees, is one with a balanced NPK ratio such as 6-6-6.  

This type of fertilizer has a balanced amount of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, which are the three most important nutrients for plants. It should cause your trees to produce plentiful blooms that turn into fruit.

However, this ratio may not be right for you depending on your soil and the age of your citrus tree. Test your soil first to make sure that it isn't lacking in any of those three nutrients. 

If your soil is lacking in nitrogen, phosphorus, or potassium, you may want to look for a fertilizer with a higher concentration of the nutrient that is lacking, such as a 12-6-6 fertilizer, for example.

Are Eggshells Good For Citrus Trees?

Eggshell on a wooden backdrop

Eggshells are high in calcium, so they are great to use for citrus trees to promote healthy blooms and leaves. You can use eggshells in addition to a citrus fertilizer to provide additional calcium to your plants. 

 

Are Banana Peels Good For Lemon Trees?

many yellow banana peels just Peel to store organic waste

Banana peels are rich in potassium and magnesium, both of which are essential for plant growth. You can add them to the soil of your lemon trees and other citrus plants. Banana peels also produce nitrogen as they decompose. But as with the eggshells, you'll want to use them in addition to a citrus fertilizer.

Are Orange Peels Good For Plants?

peel from tangerines peeled on a wooden table, orange peel to throw in the trash

Like banana peels, orange peels contain potassium. They also produce nitrogen as they decompose, so they can make a great addition to plant soil when used in addition to another fertilizer.

In Closing

Citrus trees require the same nutrients as other plants. But you'll want to use a fertilizer formulated for citrus trees that contain specific concentrations of those nutrients. That way, your citrus trees will produce plenty of delicious fruits for you to enjoy. Thanks for reading!

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