When to Fertilize Citrus Trees in California: A Guide

When To Fertilize Citrus Trees In California?

Citrus trees are a staple of the California landscape, and for good reason. They’re delicious, nutritious, and relatively easy to grow. But in order to produce their best fruit, citrus trees need to be fertilized regularly.

The best time to fertilize citrus trees in California is in the spring, just as the trees are starting to come out of dormancy. This will give them the nutrients they need to produce a bumper crop of fruit.

But how much fertilizer should you use? And what kind of fertilizer is best?

In this article, we’ll answer those questions and more, so you can fertilize your citrus trees like a pro.

We’ll also cover topics such as:

• The different types of fertilizer available for citrus trees
• How to apply fertilizer to your trees
• How often to fertilize your trees

So whether you’re a new citrus grower or you’re just looking to improve your citrus tree care, read on for all the information you need to know about fertilizing citrus trees in California.

Month	Fertilizer Type	Amount
January	Slow-release nitrogen	1 pound per 100 square feet
February	Water-soluble nitrogen	1/2 pound per 100 square feet
March	Slow-release nitrogen	1 pound per 100 square feet
April	Water-soluble nitrogen	1/2 pound per 100 square feet
May	Slow-release nitrogen	1 pound per 100 square feet
June	Water-soluble nitrogen	1/2 pound per 100 square feet
July	No fertilizer	–
August	No fertilizer	–
September	Water-soluble nitrogen	1/2 pound per 100 square feet
October	Slow-release nitrogen	1 pound per 100 square feet
November	Water-soluble nitrogen	1/2 pound per 100 square feet
December	Slow-release nitrogen	1 pound per 100 square feet

Citrus Tree Fertilization Basics

What is fertilizer and why do citrus trees need it?

Fertilizer is a substance that provides nutrients to plants. These nutrients are essential for plant growth and development. Citrus trees need a variety of nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, calcium, magnesium, and sulfur.

Nitrogen is essential for plant growth. It helps to produce new leaves and stems. Phosphorus is important for root development and flower production. Potassium helps to strengthen the plant’s immune system and resistance to pests and diseases. Calcium is important for cell division and growth. Magnesium is involved in photosynthesis. Sulfur is involved in the production of proteins and other essential compounds.

Citrus trees need these nutrients in different amounts at different stages of their growth. Young trees need more nitrogen than older trees. Fruiting trees need more phosphorus and potassium than non-fruiting trees.

When is the best time to fertilize citrus trees?

The best time to fertilize citrus trees depends on the climate. In general, citrus trees should be fertilized in the spring and summer. Spring fertilization helps to promote new growth, while summer fertilization helps to support fruit production.

In warm climates, citrus trees can be fertilized as early as February. In cooler climates, it is best to wait until the weather has warmed up and the trees have started to grow.

How much fertilizer should you use?

The amount of fertilizer you use will depend on the size of your tree and the type of fertilizer you are using. Follow the directions on the fertilizer label for specific instructions.

In general, citrus trees need about 1 pound of fertilizer per 100 square feet of root area. Young trees need less fertilizer than older trees. Fruiting trees need more fertilizer than non-fruiting trees.

What type of fertilizer should you use?

There are many different types of fertilizers available on the market. The best type of fertilizer for your citrus trees will depend on the soil conditions in your area.

Citrus trees do best in well-drained soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5. If your soil is acidic, you will need to add lime to raise the pH. If your soil is alkaline, you will need to add sulfur to lower the pH.

Citrus trees can be fertilized with organic fertilizers, such as compost or manure, or with inorganic fertilizers, such as ammonium nitrate or potassium sulfate. Organic fertilizers are slower-release than inorganic fertilizers, so they may need to be applied more frequently. Inorganic fertilizers are faster-release, so they may only need to be applied once or twice a year.

Fertilizing Citrus Trees in California

The different climate zones in California and how they affect citrus tree fertilization

California has a wide range of climates, from the hot and dry desert to the cool and moist mountains. The climate zone in which you live will affect the type of fertilizer you use and how often you apply it.

In general, citrus trees in California need to be fertilized more often in the spring and summer than in the fall and winter. This is because the trees are growing more actively during these months and need more nutrients.

The following is a general guide to fertilizing citrus trees in California:

• Desert climate: Citrus trees in the desert need to be fertilized more often than trees in other parts of California. Apply a light fertilizer application every 4-6 weeks during the spring and summer.
• Mediterranean climate: Citrus trees in the Mediterranean climate need to be fertilized less often than trees in the desert. Apply a moderate fertilizer application every 6-8 weeks during the spring and summer.
• Marine climate: Citrus trees in the marine climate need to be fertilized the least often of all. Apply a heavy fertilizer application once or twice a year during the spring and summer.

The best fertilizers for citrus trees in California

The best fertilizer for citrus trees in California will depend on the climate zone in which you live. In general, citrus trees in California do best with a fertilizer that is high in nitrogen and potassium.

Some of the best fertilizers for citrus trees in California include:

• Organic fertilizers: Compost, manure, and fish emulsion are all good organic fertilizers for citrus trees. These fertilizers are slow-release, so they will provide nutrients to the trees over a long period of time.
• Inorganic fertilizers: Ammonium nitrate, potassium sulfate, and muriate of potash are all good inorganic fertilizers for citrus trees. These fertilizers are fast-release, so they will provide nutrients to the trees quickly.

How to apply fertilizer

3. Common Citrus Tree Fertilizer Problems

Citrus trees are heavy feeders and require regular fertilization to produce a healthy crop of fruit. However, it is important to fertilize citrus trees correctly in order to avoid problems such as over-fertilization, under-fertilization, fertilizer burn, and nutrient deficiencies.

Over-fertilizing and under-fertilizing citrus trees

The most common citrus tree fertilizer problem is over-fertilization. This occurs when you apply too much fertilizer to your trees, which can damage the roots and cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown. Under-fertilization, on the other hand, can cause the leaves to turn pale green or yellow and the trees to produce fewer fruits.

Fertilizer burn

Fertilizer burn is another common problem that can occur when you apply fertilizer too close to the trunk of the tree. This can cause the bark to become damaged and the tree to become stressed.

Nutrient deficiencies

Citrus trees need a variety of nutrients in order to thrive. If your trees are not getting the nutrients they need, they may develop nutrient deficiencies. Common nutrient deficiencies in citrus trees include nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, magnesium, and calcium.

4. Troubleshooting Citrus Tree Fertilizer Problems

If you suspect that your citrus trees are suffering from a fertilizer problem, there are a few things you can do to diagnose the problem and correct it.

How to diagnose fertilizer problems in citrus trees

The first step is to identify the symptoms of the problem. Common symptoms of fertilizer problems in citrus trees include:

• Yellow or brown leaves
• Stunted growth
• Fewer fruits
• Wilting leaves
• Leaf drop
• Fertilizer burn

Once you have identified the symptoms, you can begin to troubleshoot the problem. Here are a few things to consider:

• How often are you fertilizing your trees? Citrus trees need to be fertilized regularly, but you should not fertilize them too often. Over-fertilizing can damage the roots and cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown.
• What type of fertilizer are you using? Citrus trees need a balanced fertilizer that provides a variety of nutrients. Avoid using fertilizers that are high in nitrogen or phosphorus, as these nutrients can leach out of the soil and damage the roots.
• How much fertilizer are you using? You should only use the amount of fertilizer recommended on the package. Using too much fertilizer can damage the roots and cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown.
• Are you applying fertilizer too close to the trunk of the tree? Fertilizer burn can occur when you apply fertilizer too close to the trunk of the tree. This can damage the bark and cause the tree to become stressed.
• Are your trees getting enough water? Citrus trees need regular watering, especially during the summer months. If your trees are not getting enough water, they may develop nutrient deficiencies.

How to correct fertilizer problems in citrus trees

Once you have diagnosed the problem, you can begin to correct it. Here are a few tips:

• Reduce the amount of fertilizer you are using. If you are over-fertilizing your trees, you should reduce the amount of fertilizer you are using. You can also try switching to a fertilizer that is lower in nitrogen or phosphorus.
• Apply fertilizer further away from the trunk of the tree. If you are applying fertilizer too close to the trunk of the tree, you should start applying it further away. This will help to prevent fertilizer burn.
• Water your trees regularly. Citrus trees need regular watering, especially during the summer months. Make sure to water your trees deeply and often.
• Add compost to the soil. Compost can help to improve the soil quality and provide your trees with the nutrients they need. You can add compost to the soil around your trees every few months.

By following these tips, you can help to correct fertilizer problems in your citrus trees and ensure that they are healthy and productive.

When should I fertilize my citrus trees in California?

Citrus trees in California should be fertilized in the spring, just as they begin to break dormancy. This will help them to produce a bumper crop of fruit.

What kind of fertilizer should I use for my citrus trees?

The best fertilizer for citrus trees is a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 12-12-12. You can also use a citrus-specific fertilizer, which will contain the nutrients that citrus trees need in the proper proportions.

How much fertilizer should I use for my citrus trees?

The amount of fertilizer you use will depend on the size of your tree. For a small tree, use about 1 pound of fertilizer per year. For a medium-sized tree, use about 2 pounds of fertilizer per year. For a large tree, use about 3 pounds of fertilizer per year.

When should I stop fertilizing my citrus trees?

You should stop fertilizing your citrus trees in the fall, after they have finished producing fruit. This will help them to go dormant for the winter.

What are the signs that my citrus tree needs fertilizer?

There are a few signs that your citrus tree may need fertilizer. These include:

• Yellowing leaves
• Slow growth
• Fewer flowers and fruit
• Poor quality fruit

If you see any of these signs, it’s a good idea to fertilize your tree.

What are the risks of over-fertilizing my citrus trees?

Over-fertilizing your citrus trees can damage them. The most common problem is that the leaves will turn yellow and the tree will stop producing fruit. In severe cases, over-fertilizing can kill the tree.

How can I avoid over-fertilizing my citrus trees?

To avoid over-fertilizing your citrus trees, follow these tips:

• Use a balanced fertilizer, such as 10-10-10 or 12-12-12.
• Only fertilize your trees when they need it.
• Follow the directions on the fertilizer label.
• Water your trees thoroughly after fertilizing them.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your citrus trees healthy and productive.

Citrus trees are a popular and delicious crop in California, but they do require some care to produce their best fruit. One of the most important aspects of citrus tree care is fertilization. Fertilizing citrus trees at the right time and with the right nutrients can help them to produce more fruit, larger fruit, and fruit with better flavor.

The best time to fertilize citrus trees in California is in the early spring, before the trees begin to bloom. This will help the trees to get the nutrients they need to produce a healthy crop of fruit. The type of fertilizer that you use will depend on the specific needs of your trees. You can consult with a local arborist or extension agent to determine the best fertilizer for your trees.

Fertilizing citrus trees is a relatively simple task, but it is one that can make a big difference in the health and productivity of your trees. By following these tips, you can help your citrus trees to produce delicious, nutritious fruit for years to come.

Key Takeaways:

• Citrus trees need to be fertilized in the early spring, before they begin to bloom.
• The type of fertilizer that you use will depend on the specific needs of your trees.
• Fertilizing citrus trees can help them to produce more fruit, larger fruit, and fruit with better flavor.