10 Best Citrus Tree Fertilizers

Fertilizer is not only important for plants but trees as well.

If you grow citrus trees or are planning to grow citrus trees then making sure you feed it plenty of fertilizer will help to boost its chances of thriving and producing bountiful fruits while also helping the tree to fight against disease.

However, before you purchase your fertilizer, there is a lot that you need to know about what citrus trees need to thrive as well as the best citrus tree fertilizers on the market so you can make a well informed decision with confidence.

We’ve also included the ways to achieve the best results and an FAQ where we answer the most commonly asked questions so you can know what to look out for when conducting your research.

What Fertilizer Do Citrus Trees Need?

The first thing that you need to understand is what kind of fertilizer citrus tree need.

The general rule of thumb is that citrus trees need a balanced 6-6-6 fertilizer made up of N-P-K. The N-P-K are the macronutrients that go into the fertilizer and consists of Nitrogen (N), Phosphorus (P), and Potassium (K) that also incorporates plenty of micronutrients which includes boron, copper, iron, manganese, and zinc.

Make sure that the soil that the citrus trees are planted in is slightly acidic as this will help to encourage the fertilizer to activate the nutrients faster.

When growing a citrus tree in a container, always make sure that the fertilizer you use has a higher nitrogen content while balanced fertilizers are required for trees that are planted directly in the ground in an open space.

There are a variety of different citrus tree fertilizers that you can choose from including chemical based formulas that incorporate synthetic ingredients or an all natural and organic fertilizer which includes natural ingredients.

There are pros and cons with each as chemical based formulas are more harmful to the tree but they work faster while organic fertilizers take more time to generate results but will not harm the tree.

Here are the different kinds of citrus tree fertilizer that you can purchase:

Concentrates And Liquid Fertilizer Spray

The first kind of fertilizer that you should consider and the most commonly found is a concentrate or liquid spray. This is the cheapest option which makes it ideal for those who are working on a budget.

The way that this solution works is by diluting it and mixing it with water to ensure that the macro and micronutrients are not as concentrated when they are applied to the soil.

The great thing about concentrates and liquid fertilizer spray is that it is versatile for all kinds of plants and there are solutions for different species of trees and plants meaning that you are sure to find the perfect product for you.

Granules

The second option you can consider is using fertilizer granules which are highly convenient as you don’t have to worry about diluting or mixing them with anything before using.

They are simple to apply as you sprinkle them across the top of your soil or dig them beneath the surface using a scoop.

The great thing about using granules is that you can look at the instructions on the packaging to inform you on how much to use depending on the size of your tree.

Spikes And Sticks

Lastly, another form of citrus tree fertilizer are spikes and sticks. These are best for those who don’t have a lot of time to fuss around their garden as they work differently to the previous options.

Fertilizer spikes and sticks work by simply inserting them into the ground where they will then distribute the nutrients to each part of the tree.

Spikes and sticks are usually more expensive than other methods but they are cheaper in the long run as you don’t need to apply them as much compared to sprays and granules where you would have to purchase more units.

Quick Comparison: Top Picks For Citrus Tree Fertilizers

[wptb id="507855" not found ]

AT A GLANCE: Our Top Picks for Citrus Tree Fertilizers

Now that you know the basics of what to look out for in citrus tree fertilizers, you’re in a position where you will know what to expect when conducting your research.

However, there are so many options on the market which can be overwhelming so we have gathered the top ten citrus tree fertilizers that are available on the market that you should consider.

Whether you are new to growing citrus trees or have been growing them for years, you’re bound to find the right option for you.

Here are the top ten citrus tree fertilizers:

Best Overall: Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed Citrus

Our first recommendation is the Miracle-Gro Shake ‘N Feed Citrus which is great for using on new or existing citrus trees making it versatile for use in any garden.

This fertilizer contains an array of ingredients including iron, magnesium, potassium, and sulfur which helps to improve all kinds of common nutrient deficiencies.

It provides your tree with all the nutrients it needs to thrive for three months while also preventing any overfeeding or burning when it is used as directed. This means that you can take the guesswork out of feeding your tree.

Pros

Great for using on new or existing citrus trees making it versatile for use in any garden
Contains an array of ingredients including iron, magnesium, potassium, and sulfur which helps to improve all kinds of common nutrient deficiencies
Provides your tree with all the nutrients it needs to thrive for three months while also preventing any overfeeding or burning when it is used as directed

Cons

The spout is large so extra care is needed

Runner Up: Espoma CT4 4-Pound Citrus-tone 5-2-6 Plant Food

Our second selection is the Espoma CT4 4-Pound Citrus-tone 5-2-6 Plant Food which is an all natural and organic plant food that has been enhanced with thousands of living microbes and has been approved for organic gardening.

This fertilizer is great for all kinds of trees including, citrus, fruit, and nut as it provides safe, continuous, and completely balanced feeding which helps the development of the entire tree.

This all natural organic fertilizer has been formulated to produce abundant and flavorful citrus fruit.

The formula has been based on university recommendations and the four pound bag means that you will have plenty of fertilizer for your trees.

Pros

Is an all natural and organic plant food that has been enhanced with thousands of living microbes and has been approved for organic gardening
Great for all kinds of trees including, citrus, fruit, and nut as it provides safe, continuous, and completely balanced feeding which helps the development of the entire tree
Has been formulated to produce abundant and flavorful citrus fruit

Cons

Has a strong odor

Alternative: J R Peters Inc 52524 Jacks Classic No.1.5 20-10-20 Citrus Food Fertilizer

Our third choice is the J R Peters Inc 52524 Jacks Classic No.1.5 20-10-20 Citrus Food Fertilizer which has been designed to provide the optimum combination of nutrients that are needed by plants specifically in the citrus group.

The formula has been enhanced with micronutrient levels which helps to produce vibrant green leaves, strong branches, and more fruit.

The advanced formulation has been made using the highest quality nutrients available thus delivering professional results to your garden.

This fertilizer will allow your plants to uptake the nutrients through the entire tree when used as directed. It can be used on a variety of fruiting plants including citrus trees making it great for those who want to grow all kinds of fruits.

Pros

Has been designed to provide the optimum combination of nutrients that are needed by plants specifically in the citrus group
Has been enhanced with micronutrient levels which helps to produce vibrant green leaves, strong branches, and more fruit
The advanced formulation has been made using the highest quality nutrients available thus delivering professional results to your garden

Cons

High price point

Alternative: Miracle-Gro Fruit & Citrus Plant Food Spikes

Our fourth recommendation is the Miracle-Gro Fruit & Citrus Plant Food Spikes which help to promote more fruit and foliage when compared to unfed plants and trees.

This fertilizer has been made with natural ingredients and only has to be fed to the plant once per season in the Spring and Fall.

It is incredibly versatile as it can also be used on palm trees making it great for those who want to grow exotic trees or plants.

The spikes are easy to use as they release the nutrients directly into the root zone which helps to promote strong fruit, citrus, and palm trees.

Pros

Has been made with natural ingredients and only has to be fed to the plant once per season in the Spring and Fall
Is incredibly versatile as it can also be used on palm trees making it great for those who want to grow exotic trees or plants
Are easy to use as they release the nutrients directly into the root zone which helps to promote strong fruit, citrus, and palm trees

Cons

The cap can be hard to remove

Alternative: Jobe’s 1612 Fruit & Citrus Tree Spikes

Our fifth selection is the Jobe’s 1612 Fruit & Citrus Tree Spikes which requires no mixing or measuring making them the perfect choice for those who want a quick and easy solution.

There is no chemical runoff and it will not burn the plants when it is applied as directed.

This fertilizer provides a continuous supply of nutrients below the surface where the active roots are growing while the slow release formula lasts all season without any mess, hazard, or smells.

Insert the spikes in early spring and late fall so you don’t have to worry about feeding the tree on a frequent basis and the spikes are formulated for fruit, citrus, and nut trees making them extremely versatile in use.

Pros

Requires no mixing or measuring making them the perfect choice for those who want a quick and easy solution
Provides a continuous supply of nutrients below the surface where the active roots are growing while the slow release formula lasts all season without any mess, hazard, or smells
Insert the spikes in early spring and late fall so you don’t have to worry about feeding the tree on a frequent basis and the spikes are formulated for fruit, citrus, and nut trees making them extremely versatile in use

Cons

Not easy to insert

Alternative: Dr. Earth 708P Organic 9 Fruit Tree Fertilizer In Poly Bag

Our sixth choice is the Dr. Earth 708P Organic 9 Fruit Tree Fertilizer In Poly Bag which stimulates healthy root development for healthier fruit.

This fertilizer has been made with 100% organic and natural ingredients and contains no GMOs, chicken manure, or sewage sludge so you can be assured that the fertilizer is friendly towards all trees and plants.

It feeds for several months so you don’t have to worry about frequent maintenance and contains pro-biotic, seven champion strains of beneficial soil microbes plus ecto and endo mycorrihizae stimulate hearty root development.

This fertilizer will help to develop more nutritious fruits, stable and consistent plant growth, and no spike growth while ensuring a 100% natural and organic ingredient list for more abundant sets.

Exceptional results are guaranteed as the nutrients are released quickly while feeding the plant or tree for everal months with consistent premium quality.

Pros

Has been made with 100% organic and natural ingredients and contains no GMOs, chicken manure, or sewage sludge so you can be assured that the fertilizer is friendly towards all trees and plants
It feeds for several months so you don’t have to worry about frequent maintenance and contains pro-biotic, seven champion strains of beneficial soil microbes plus ecto and endo mycorrihizae stimulate hearty root development
Will help to develop more nutritious fruits, stable and consistent plant growth, and no spike growth while ensuring a 100% natural and organic ingredient list for more abundant sets

Cons

Not suitable for those who have dogs as the fertilizer is toxic

Alternative: Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food Spikes

Our seventh recommendation is the Miracle-Gro Indoor Plant Food Spikes which feeds all flowering and foliage houseplants as well as citrus trees making it versatile for all kinds of use.

This fertilizer is great for those who don’t want to fuss over their plants and trees as it can feed them for up to two months. It is safe for all plants and trees when it is used as directed.

This fertilizer has been made with a formula containing micronutrients that has been specially formulated for versatile use so you can get the best results.

Pros

Feeds all flowering and foliage houseplants as well as citrus trees making it versatile for all kinds of use
Great for those who don’t want to fuss over their plants and trees as it can feed them for up to two months. It is safe for all plants and trees when it is used as directed
Has been made with a formula containing micronutrients that has been specially formulated for versatile use so you can get the best results

Cons

The spikes can break very easily