Arizona offers an ideal climate for growing citrus trees. In 2017 alone, farmers harvested over $55 million worth of citrus fruit.
So, whether you just purchased a home with citrus plants or you’re interested in planting these trees for the first time, below are must-know guidelines on when to fertilize them.
Types of Citrus Trees You Can Grow in Arizona
Below are the most popular types of citrus trees you can grow in Arizona:
- Orange trees
- Grapefruit trees
- Lemon trees
- Lime trees
- Mandarin trees
Keep in mind that you can grow several varieties within each of these citrus categories in Arizona. Although these trees will often produce fruit without fertilizer, keeping them on a fertilizer schedule will increase the quality and quantity of their yields.
Schedule for Fertilizing Citrus Trees in Arizona
You can fertilize most citrus trees at the same time in Arizona, except for lemons and limes. But regardless of the citrus tree, fertilizing them three times per year is ideal.
If you have orange, grapefruit, and tangerine trees, you should fertilize them during the following months:
- January or February
- March or April
- May or June
On the other hand, lemon and lime trees thrive by receiving fertilizer during the following months:
- January or February
- March or April
- August or September
Every fertilizer is different. Therefore, you’ll need to read the package to discover the total amount of fertilizer a plant should have per year. Then, divide that number by three, distributing it in three sessions as indicated for the trees above.
Factors Determining Fertilizer Needs for Citrus Trees
Some of the variables that impact how much fertilizer you should be giving your citrus trees in Arizona include:
- Age
- Size
- Species
For example, grapefruit trees that are at least five years old thrive by receiving 50% less fertilizer than other citrus species.
Make sure to read your fertilizer well or talk with staff at your local nursery to determine how much fertilizer you should give your citrus trees based on when you planted them, their height, and type.
When Not To Fertilize Arizona Citrus Trees
There’s typically no need to fertilize citrus trees for the first one to two years that you plant them in your backyard. That’s because citrus trees take time to grow large enough to produce fruit, which is the time when they require greater amounts of soil nutrient availability.
Although it’s unlikely that you’d harm your Arizona citrus tree by fertilizing it during months outside of our recommendations, it’s a waste of fertilizer.
That’s because the months we indicated are the target times when your citrus tree requires the greatest amount of nutrients for growth and fruit development.
Best Fertilizer for Citrus Trees in Arizona
Many types of fertilizer exist on the market, so choosing a variety that targets citrus trees is essential. Some of the best fertilizers for citrus trees in Arizona contain ingredients such as:
- Ammonium sulfate
- Ammonium phosphate
- Magnesium
- Manganese
- Nitrogen
- Iron
An all-purpose fertilizer for citrus trees will often contain these ingredients.
Are You Ready for Delicious Citrus Fruit?
There are fewer places better in the United States to grow citrus fruit than Arizona. However, given that Arizona’s desert climate makes much of its soil lack nutrients, fertilizing your citrus trees is vital to keep them from showing signs of nutrient deficiencies.
Although it can be tempting to give your citrus trees a little extra fertilizer or a more frequent dousing of nutrients than three times per year, it is discouraged. Too much fertilizer can kill citrus trees, especially if it contains high levels of quick-release nitrogen.