Gardening in South Florida: Fertilizing Your Citrus Trees

Proper Fertilization of Citrus Trees for Optimum Growth and Production

Citrus grow and thrive in South Florida with proper care. The most common mistake home gardeners make is not fertilizing their citrus trees enough, either by not fertilizing regularly, or not using proper amounts of fertilizer when they do.

Using the proper fertilizer is also very important. Citrus trees need a balance of micronutrients that are only available in fertilizers specified for citrus and fruit trees. Using a basic 10-10-10 fertilizer won't give them the micronutrients that they need for optimal growth and production ability.

It is important to keep all grass removed from the citrus tree trunk out to one foot past the drip line. Mulching is not recommended, but if you must, you need to keep mulch at least a foot away from the citrus tree trunk. Mulching around the trunk can lead to damage from insect and disease that can kill your citrus tree.

Fertilizing Young Citrus Trees

Newly planted citrus trees need to be fed eight times in the first year, at the rate of one pound per tree per month. This is extremely important in helping the tree establish a healthy root system, so that it becomes well established in it's environment. You should start fertilizing in March and end in October. For our winter visitors, this may involve enlisting the aid of a neighbor or friend, or paying a company to fertilize your young citrus trees.


Fertilizing Bearing Citrus Trees

One very important thing to know is that you never heavily fertilize a citrus tree that is in bloom. A heavy application of fertilizer will cause the buds to drop from the tree. All citrus fertilization should take place before the trees are in bloom (early March) or after the fruit has reached at least the size of a large pea. If you miss your scheduled March citrus fertilization, don't fertilize until the fruit is the proper size, usually around mid-May.