15 Best Fertilizers for Citrus Tree: Homemade, Organic, Liquid, NPK, Schedule, and Prices

Citrus trees require meticulous care when it comes to their nutritional needs, and the question that usually comes up is what is the best fertilizer for citrus trees? Whether you’re eyeing the best organic fertilizer for citrus trees or are on the lookout for fertilizer for lemon trees in pots, there is a range of options available in the market.

In India, citrus, especially lemon trees, are quite popular, and having the best fertilizer for lemon trees can make a huge difference in terms of yield and quality. Generally, fertilizers contain a blend of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, commonly referred to as NPK. The best NPK ratio for citrus trees is often considered to be 2:1:1 or 3:1:1, although this can vary depending on soil conditions and specific tree needs.

The article aims to cover some of the most trusted commercial fertilizers, namely Espoma CT4 Citrus-tone, Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer Spikes, Miracle-Gro Shake ‘n Feed Continuous Release Citrus Plant Food, Dr. Earth Organic 9 Fruit Tree Fertilizer, and Scotts Turf Builder Citrus Tree Food. We will also discuss how to make natural citrus fertilizer at home using everyday items such as eggshells.

15 Best Fertilizers for Citrus Tree

Espoma CT4 Citrus-tone

Espoma CT4 Citrus-tone is a widely preferred choice among gardeners, offering a balanced NPK ratio that supports the robust growth and development of citrus trees. Retailing at approximately $14 for a 4-pound bag, this organic fertilizer is both affordable and effective. It includes a variety of micronutrients and beneficial microbes. It has been formulated without synthetic ingredients, making it ideal for those prioritizing organic and sustainable gardening, particularly if you’re searching for the best organic fertilizer for lemon plants.

Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer Spikes

Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer Spikes come in at about $10 for a pack of six and offer a straightforward, mess-free solution for fertilizing your citrus trees. This organic product releases its nutrients slowly directly into the soil, reducing the risk of nutrient burn and making it convenient and easy to use. The spikes are also packed with beneficial soil microbes to aid nutrient absorption, making them particularly useful for lemon trees in pots.

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Miracle-Gro Shake ‘n Feed Continuous Release Citrus Plant Food

Miracle-Gro Shake ‘n Feed Continuous Release Citrus Plant Food is a synthetic fertilizer option with a balanced nutrient profile and a time-release formula. At around $14 for a 4.5-pound container, this fertilizer is ideal for those who may not have the time to adhere to a strict fertilization schedule. However, since it is not organic, it may not be suitable for those looking for the best organic fertilizer for citrus trees.

Dr. Earth Organic 9 Fruit Tree Fertilizer

Priced at approximately $25 for a 12-pound bag, Dr. Earth Organic 9 Fruit Tree Fertilizer focuses on holistic tree health and sustainability. It offers a broad range of nutrients and includes beneficial soil microbes and mycorrhizae, making it an excellent option for those prioritizing organic, sustainable practices. The product is also OMRI-listed and GMO-free, fulfilling the criteria for being among the best organic fertilizers for lemon plants and other citrus trees.

Scotts Turf Builder Citrus Tree Food

Retailing at around $20 for an 8-pound bag, Scotts Turf Builder Citrus Tree Food is a synthetic fertilizer to enhance the health and productivity of your citrus trees. It offers a balanced NPK ratio and includes essential micronutrients like magnesium, which is crucial for citrus tree health. Although not organic, it’s an effective, comprehensive nutrient package for your citrus trees, including an easy-to-use granular application method that won’t burn your plants if used correctly.

Southern Ag Citrus Nutritional Spray

Southern Ag Citrus Nutritional Spray is a different product focused primarily on foliar application rather than soil enrichment. Priced around $15 for a quart-sized bottle, it’s a blend of essential micronutrients such as zinc, manganese, and magnesium, designed to rectify nutrient deficiencies quickly.

Being a spray allows for immediate absorption through the leaves, which can be particularly useful when you notice signs of deficiency like yellowing or curling leaves. Though it’s not a complete fertilizer in the traditional sense, it complements soil-based fertilizers well and is an excellent quick-fix solution for nutrient-deficient citrus trees.

Jobe’s Organics 09226 FBA_B0030EK5JE Citrus Fertilizer with Biozome

Retailing at approximately $20 for a 4-pound bag, Jobe’s Organics 09226 Citrus Fertilizer with Biozome is an organic, granular fertilizer infused with a unique blend of beneficial microorganisms known as Biozome. These microbes assist in breaking down organic matter and improving soil structure, leading to enhanced nutrient absorption. It offers a balanced nutrient profile suitable for all citrus trees, from lemon to orange and lime. The unique Biozome formula also helps ward off soil-borne diseases, making it a two-in-one solution for health and nutrition.

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Farmer spraying fertilizer on orange tree field

Bayer Advanced 701710 2-in-1 Insect Control Plus Fertilizer Plant Spikes

Bayer Advanced 701710 2-in-1 Insect Control Plus Fertilizer Plant Spikes bring a dual benefit to your citrus trees, offering essential nutrients and insect control. Priced at approximately $15 for a pack of 10 spikes, this product releases its ingredients slowly into the soil, providing nutrition while keeping common pests like aphids and whiteflies at bay. This could be an effective solution if you want to consolidate your pest control and fertilization steps, although it is not an organic option.

Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus Outdoor & Indoor

At around $25 for a 2-pound container, Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus Outdoor & Indoor is a versatile, synthetic fertilizer suitable for various plants, including citrus trees. The product features a unique coating technology that allows for the slow release of nutrients, ensuring that your trees get a continuous supply over an extended period. While not designed exclusively for citrus trees, its balanced nutrient profile makes it a good all-around choice if you have multiple types of plants to care for.

Jobe’s Organics 09224 Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer

Another product from Jobe’s, the Organics 09224 Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer, is priced around $10 for a 1.5-pound bag and aims to serve as an organic, environmentally friendly option for citrus tree care. Similar to its counterpart, this fertilizer also includes the Biozome formula, enriching the soil with beneficial microbes. It’s an ideal choice if you’re looking for a smaller, more economical package of organic fertilizer with the reliability of a trusted brand.

Bonide 56428 Citrus Fruit & Nut Orchard Spray Concentrate

Priced at roughly $20 for a quart-sized bottle, Bonide 56428 Citrus Fruit & Nut Orchard Spray Concentrate is an insecticide and fungicide offering a comprehensive solution for citrus tree care. Not only does it deal with common citrus pests like aphids, but it also addresses several types of fungal infections that may afflict the trees. It’s a convenient, multi-purpose product for gardeners facing nutritional and health challenges in their citrus orchards. Though it does not act as a fertilizer, it pairs well with one, ensuring your citrus trees remain well-fed and disease-free.

Down to Earth Organic Citrus Fertilizer Mix

Retailing at around $18 for a 5-pound box, Down to Earth Organic Citrus Fertilizer Mix is a specifically designed, organic option ideal for those seeking natural nourishment for their citrus trees. It offers a balanced blend of essential macro and micronutrients, and because it’s an organic product, it also improves soil structure and promotes microbial life. Suppose you’re searching for the best organic fertilizer for citrus trees. In that case, this product offers a harmonious blend of essential nutrients, including a favorable NPK ratio, in an environmentally friendly package.

Jobe’s Organics 09226 Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer with Biozome

A popular organic option, Jobe’s Organics 09226 Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer with Biozome, is priced at about $20 for a 4-pound bag. This organic fertilizer offers a well-rounded nutrient package with the added benefit of Biozome—a proprietary blend of beneficial microbes that improve soil structure and assist in nutrient uptake. It serves the dual purpose of nourishing your trees while enriching the soil, making it a wise choice for those looking for immediate and long-term benefits for their citrus trees.

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Urban Farm Liquid Fertilizers for Citrus Trees

At approximately $25 for a quart-sized bottle, Urban Farm Liquid Fertilizers for Citrus Trees is a highly concentrated liquid formula that promises quick absorption and immediate results. Given that it’s in liquid form, it can be used both as a foliar spray and soil drench, offering flexibility in application. This has all the right nutrients for citrus trees, so it works well and gives quick results.

Homemade Fertilizer for Citrus Trees

While commercial fertilizers offer ease and precision, making a homemade fertilizer for citrus trees is an economical and sustainable choice. To create a natural citrus fertilizer, you can utilize common kitchen waste like eggshells, coffee grounds, and even fruit peels. For those who wonder what the best homemade fertilizer for citrus trees, a simple compost of these materials, fortified perhaps by bone meal or fish emulsion is, can provide an array of essential nutrients. While it may not offer the precise NPK ratio of commercial products, it’s a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative.

Citrus Fertilizer NPK (10-10-10 or 14-14-14)

Citrus Fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 10-10-10 or 14-14-14 offers a balanced approach to nourishing your citrus trees, supplying equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. This balanced NPK ratio is especially useful for gardeners who may not have access to soil tests and want to ensure they provide a broad spectrum of essential nutrients.

Available at approximately $15 to $20 for a 4-pound bag, these balanced fertilisers encourage overall growth, from root and leaf development to flowering and fruiting. While many experts recommend NPK ratios slightly higher in nitrogen for citrus trees, a balanced NPK fertiliser can be a safe and effective all-purpose choice, particularly for those new to citrus tree care or with various plants to tend to.

Best Fertilizer for Citrus Trees in Pots

When it comes to growing citrus trees in pots, the nutritional needs differ somewhat from in-ground planting, mainly because of the limited soil volume and the tendency for quicker nutrient depletion. Fertilizers designed for potted citrus trees often come in slow-release or liquid forms, allowing for gradual nutrient absorption and reducing the risk of over-fertilization. The best fertilizer for citrus trees in pots might include specialized time-release granules or liquid concentrates that can be diluted and applied with regular watering.

Prices range from $10 for smaller packages to $25 for more specialized or organic options. The key here is to choose a fertilizer rich in essential nutrients and designed to work well in the confined space and soil conditions that pots present. Organic options might include natural liquid fertilizers or homemade compost teas, which provide essential nutrients and beneficial microbes that enhance soil structure and nutrient absorption in potted conditions.

Citrus Fertilizer Schedule

Time of Year	Type of Fertilizer	Application Method	Notes
Late Winter	Balanced NPK (10-10-10)	Soil application	Prepare the tree for the upcoming growing season
Early Spring	High-Nitrogen Fertilizer	Soil application	Supports leaf and branch growth
Late Spring	Balanced or Specialized Citrus Fertilizer	Soil or foliar spray	Promotes flower and fruit development
Early Summer	Slow-release or Liquid Fertilizer	Soil or foliar spray	Provides sustained nutrition during fruiting
Late Summer	Potassium-rich Fertilizer	Soil application	Supports fruit ripening
Early Fall	Balanced NPK (10-10-10)	Soil application	Readies the tree for winter
Late Fall	None	None	Allow the tree to go dormant

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Citrus Fertilizer Price Comparision

Heading / Fertilizer Product	Type of Fertilizer	Price (not specific) (per unit)	Size of Unit	Organic/Inorganic
Espoma CT4 Citrus-tone	Granular	$20	4 lbs	Organic
Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer Spikes	Spike	$10	6 spikes	Organic
Miracle-Gro Shake ‘n Feed Continuous Release Citrus Plant Food	Granular	$14	4.5 lbs	Inorganic
Dr. Earth Organic 9 Fruit Tree Fertilizer	Granular	$25	4 lbs	Organic
Scotts Turf Builder Citrus Tree Food	Granular	$30	3.5 lbs	Inorganic
Southern Ag Citrus Nutritional Spray	Foliar Spray	$15	1 quart	Inorganic
Down to Earth Organic Citrus Fertilizer Mix	Granular	$18	5 lbs	Organic
Urban Farm Liquid Fertilizers for Citrus Trees	Liquid	$25	1 quart	Inorganic
Bayer Advanced 701710 2-in-1 Insect Control Plus Fertilizer Plant Spikes	Spike	$15	10 spikes	Inorganic
Osmocote Smart-Release Plant Food Plus Outdoor & Indoor	Granular	$25	2 lbs	Inorganic

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Conclusion

Selecting the right fertilizer for your citrus trees is crucial for optimal growth, fruit production, and overall tree health. From granular to liquid forms and from organic to inorganic options, there are many products to choose from, each with its advantages and drawbacks. Brands like Espoma CT4 Citrus-tone and Dr Earth Organic 9 Fruit Tree Fertilizer offer excellent organic options, while Miracle-Gro Shake ‘n Feed and Scotts Turf Builder provide effective inorganic choices.

Specialized products like Southern Ag Citrus Nutritional Spray and Urban Farm Liquid Fertilizers are geared towards specific needs like foliar feeding. Pricing varies, so balancing cost with your specific requirements and gardening philosophy is important. Whether you’re tending to potted lemon trees or a backyard orchard, understanding the best NPK ratio for citrus trees and what options exist for homemade or organic fertilizers will help you make an informed choice.