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Fertilizing Schedule for Citrus Trees

Fertilization is best done in small quantities throughout the year. If we time our fertilizer application according to the plant's cycle, we get the best return on our investment. Just keep in mind, if your tree is growing and fruiting well, you don't need to fertilize. If you are fertilizing every season, make sure that the quantity of fertilizer put on the trees is small. We don't want to change the PH of the soil by over fertilizing. So, here are the seasons and what you can do at the time for fertilization:


Winter season (December to February)


At this time, use two things interchangeably: an organic fertilizer (choose a slow-release, even-number fertilizer such as 5-5-5 that contains mycorrhizal fungi and bacteria; I like to use All Purpose E. B. Stone Plant Food ) and epsom salt  (yes! The one you get at the drug store - I recommend using an unscented one).

Start in December with the fertilizer, adding the amount recommended on the package. (Note: if you are using All Purpose E. B. Stone Plant Food use 1 lb. = 3 cups for every 50 sq ft. for plants in the ground, and a tablespoon for every six inches of pot diameter for potted citrus. )


In January and February use the epsom salt. If you have a mature citrus tree that is 5 feet tall, use 2 cups per month; for citrus  10+ feet tall, use 4 cups per month.  For small citrus trees 1 to 2 feet tall, or citrus in containers, use ¼ cup of epsom salt per month. Best practice is to dissolve the epsom salt in a 5-gallon bucket of  water and add it to the plant. If your tree grows great but it is not producing, add epsom salt for the full winter season following the ratios according to its size. This is also a good time to enrich the soil with compost.



Spring season


At this time you can fertilize your tree with any citrus fertilizer (my favorites are Down to earth Citrus Mix ratio 6-3-3 or E.B. Stone Organic citrus and fruit tree food ratio 7-3-3). Add the amount recommended on the package. Try to fertilize in small doses during the 3 months of spring.


Summer season


All citrus trees are fruitting at this time of the year. When fruit trees are in full fruit production, we do not want to fertilize with manure of any kind. Manure changes the flavor of the fruit. If we are fertilizing the citrus tree when they are in full fruit production, we want to use fertilizers with micronutrients and small numbers, such as 3-1-2. If your tree is happy (growing well), healthy, and flowering or fruiting well, this will be the season you can skip in the fertilizing schedule.


Fall season (Sept, Oct, Nov)


This is one of the most important moments to fertilize your citrus trees. This will prepare trees for the winter ahead and for next year's growth and production. At this time, use two things alternately: an organic fertilizer (I use E. B. Stone Azalea Camellia and Gardenia fertilizer ratio 5-5-3)  and epsom salt.

Start in September with epsom salt.  If you have a mature citrus tree, 5 feet tall, use 2 cups. If you have  plants 10+ feet tall, you can do 4 cups a month for the season. For small citrus trees, or in container trees, use ¼ cup of epsom salt every month. If your tree grows great but it is not producing, add some epsom salt for the full winter season. Best practice is to dissolve the epsom salt in a 5-gallon bucket and water the plant with it.


In October add fertilizer following the recommended amount on the package. ( If you are using the  E. B. Stone Azalea Camellia and Gardenia fertilizer apply ¼ cup for 1 to 2-foot-tall plants, ½ cup for 3-foot-tall plants, 2 cups for 5-foot-tall plants, or 3 cups for plants over 5 feet tall.)


In November, add again epsom salt using the suggestions above.

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