One very common question among citrus tree growers is “How much and how often should I fertilize my citrus tree.”  John Panzarella, citrus tree expert, answered these questions and more at a seminar at the Kingwood Garden Center.

A timed release fertilizer is recommended for citrus trees such as Osmocote.  There are different options available, including some which are organic.  Using a three gallon pot as an example, John recommends, “peppering” the ground with a handful of the fertilizer granules.

To give the trees a jump start in the spring, supplement the time release fertilizer with one that is quick release and optimized for citrus trees in February

Q:  Some say to add a pound of fertilizer for every year of the tree.

A:   No.  Simply spread an adequate amount around the base of the tree

Helpful Tips:

• Don’t fertilize a tree after the primary growing season has ended.  In the Houston area, do not fertilizer after September/October.
• Begin fertilizing for the new growing season in late February.
• If you can’t find a fertilizer formulated specifically for citrus, use an azalea fertilizer instead.
• The more water soluble a fertilizer is, the better.

(Originally published February 11, 2014.)