Soil Test Information Sheet No. F540

Prepared by Extension Horticulturist James Boudreaux

Homeowners Citrus Fertilization Recommendations

     Citrus trees require annual fertilization for good growth and high yields of good size, high quality fruit.  In late January or February, apply 1 to 1 2 pound of 13-13-13, 8-8-8, 8-12-8 or 6-12-6 per year of tree age up to 12 years.
        
        Example:
           1 year old tree       1 pound of fertilizer
           5 year old tree       5 pounds of fertilizer
         12 year old tree     12 pounds of fertilizer

     Broadcast the fertilizer in a 12 to 18 inch band on the outer branches of the tree.  This is where most of the feeder roots of the tree are located.  Homeowners are caution to avoid applying fertilizer close to the trunk of the tree.

Commercial Citrus

       Bearing trees (4 years and older)

     1.  Apply in late January to early February, 1-2 pounds of 8-8-8, 13-13-13, 8-12-8 or 6-12-6 per tree                per year of age up to 12 years.  Apply fertilizer in late January or early February.

     2.  Apply in early June, 1/3 pound of AmSO4 or 1/4 pound of AmNO3 (0.4 pound of nitrogen) per tree             per year of tree ages up to 12 years. 

     3.  Never fertilizer bearing citrus trees after the last week of June.  Late applications of fertilizer will                  delay fruit maturity and encourage a late flush of growth that is susceptible to winter injury.  

     4.  Growers are encouraged to take foliar samples (mature leaves of the last flush) of bearing citrus                 trees to monitor the levels of nutrients in the trees.  The results of the foliar samples can be used
           to adjust the fertility program in the orchard.  Contact your county agent for instructions on taking                foliar samples. 

     5.  Citrus soils should be maintained at a pH of 6.0 -6.5.

     Non Bearing Trees

     1.  New set trees should not be fertilized until they show visual signs of growth.  This is usually from 4
          to 6 weeks after planting.   The year of transplanting, apply 2 to 1/3 pounds 8-8-8, 13-13-13, 
          8-12-8 or 6-12-6 per tree in mid March, early May and early June.  These multiple applications of               fertilizer on young trees enhanced growth and development.  

     2.  Second year apply 1-1 2 pounds of 8-8-8, 13-13-13, 8-12-8 or 6-12-6 per tree in late January or                 early February, Mid March, Early May and Early June.  Multiple applications of fertilizer enhanced               the growth and development of young trees. 

     3.  Third year apply 1-1/2 pounds of 8-8-8, 13-13-13, 8-12-8 or 6-12-6 per tree in late January or early             February and again in mid March.  Apply 3/4 pound of AMSO4 or 1/3 pound of AMNO3 per tree                 in early May and early June. 

     4.  Never fertilize citrus trees later that the last week of June.  Late applications of fertilizer encourage             a late flush of growth which is susceptible to winter injury.

     5.  Citrus soils should be maintained at a pH of 6.0 -6.5.

     6.  Contact your county agent for additional information and help in your fertilization program.  The                  agent also receives a copy of this report for the parish office files.