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.

Proper fertilization of citrus trees for optimum growth and production

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.

Citrus trees that are 4' or larger (bearing trees) should be fertilized three times a year (March, May and October), at a rate of one pound of fertilizer to every foot of limb spread. If you are fertilizing a tree that has been pruned, you must fertilize for the limb spread that existed
before the tree was pruned. For example, a tree with a 10 foot limb spread that is pruned back to 8 feet must still received 10 pounds of fertilizer.

How to fertilize citrus properly

2 cups of granular citrus fertilizer is roughly equal to one pound.

Fertilizer should be broadcast starting 10 inches away from the trunk, out to the drip line (where the longest limbs end). For example, a tree with a 10 foot limb spread should be given 10 lbs. (20 cups) of fertilizer.

It is also recommended to spray the trees with a good Citrus Nutrional Spray once a month, starting in February and ending in October. This delivers the correct balance of micronutrients in a foliar feed.

If you follow these guidelines, and use quality citrus fertilizer, you should have healthy, happy citrus trees that will provide a bountiful harvest for years to come.

More about Florida Gardening:

Planting in sandy soil

How to grow tomatoes in South Florida

How to choose a rose rootstock for South Florida

Sources:

Scrivner's Garden Center Website

Florida Extension Service Website

Photo Credit:  Marja Flick Buijs / sxc.hu