You can enjoy fresh, homegrown citrus fruits without sacrificing valuable outdoor space by planting the right citrus variety, using the right potting soil and fertilizers. Growing citrus trees in containers is an excellent space-saving solution for urban dwellers or those with small yards. Citrus trees grown in containers are suitable for balconies, patios, or even indoors near sunny windows because of their more compact root system.
If you are planning to grow citrus trees in containers, you must know the nutritional demands of citrus trees or any plants you intend to grow outside their natural environment. Citrus are naturally heavy feeders; they require a high dose of nutrients through the application of quality fertilizers to grow and produce healthy fruits. Considering this requirement, your focus will be on selecting the right fertilizers for your potted citrus and the growing medium
Citrus trees need quality potting soil and the right fertilizer to grow well in a container and produce bigger fruits. The potting soil is the growing medium that will provide structural support, while the fertilizer provides nutritional support. Citrus trees grown in containers will demand high nutrients, hence, the potting soil is a source of nutrients as well as fertilizers applied. Top fertilizers to consider for growing citrus trees in containers are:
- Jobe’s Fruit & Citrus Tree Spikes – 9 Packages
- Gardenera’s Citrus Tree Specific Organic Liquid Kelp Fertilizer
- Espoma Citrus-Tone 18 lb. Bag with Garden Pool Bundle
- TPS NUTRIENTS Citrus Fertilizer for Citrus Trees, 32 oz
- Premium Kelp Concentrate
1. Jobe’s Fruit & Citrus Tree Spikes NPK 9-12-12
The Jobe’s Fruit & Citrus Tree Spikes are premeasured fertilizer sticks designed with a 9-12-12 NPK formula to provide essential nutrients for fruit and citrus trees planted in containers or outdoors. The Jobe’s fruit & Citrus Tree Fertilizer Spikes is a slow-release fertilizer that can feed citrus trees steadily for a very long time. This citrus tree fertilizer spike is made from organic ingredients, making it safe for regular usage without any fear of burning the plant parts or being detrimental to the environment.
Characteristics:
– Quantity of (9) packages
– 9-12-12 formulation
– Fruit & Citrus Tree Fertilizer Spikes
– Feeds all season long without runoff
– Made in USA
- Cannot be sold or shipped into Florida
Formulation Details:
- 9-12-12 formulation
Additional Information:
– Manufacturer: Easy Gardener
– Date First Available: February 20, 2014
Application Guide
Target Plants: The Jobe’s Fruit and Citrus Tree Spikes are typically formulated for citrus trees planted in pots or outdoors.
Application Forms: Available in premeasured fertilizer sticks.
Application Rate: One stick per pot of citrus tree.
How To Apply: Simply insert one stick of the Jobe’s Fruit and Citrus Tree Spike close to the root of the citrus tree in the container. Water the citrus tree immediately to activate the fertilizer. Do not mix or dilute the fertilizer stick before inserting.
When to Apply: Apply the Jobe’s Fruit and Citrus Tree Spike in early spring and late fall.
2. Gardenera’s Citrus Tree Organic Liquid Kelp Fertilizer
The Gardenera’s Citrus Tree Organic Liquid Kelp Fertilizer is a natural plant food that contains essential nutrients to maximize citrus growth and fruit development. The Organic Liquid Kelp Fertilizer for Citrus Trees contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, alongside micronutrients like sulfur, manganese, magnesium, calcium, boron, iron, since, and copper to promote rapid root development and bigger fruits. Made from organic ingredients, Gardenera’s Citrus Tree Specific Organic Liquid Kelp Fertilizer is safe for regular use and without any fear of being detrimental or harmful to the citrus trees and the environment.
Characteristics:
– Premium organic fertilizer made in the USA
– Specifically formulated for citrus trees
– Contains essential nutrients for healthy growth and fruiting
– Harnesses the power of seaweed and kelp
– Stimulates vigorous growth and fruit production
– Enhances nutrient uptake efficiency
– Promotes root system development
– Contributes to overall soil health and fertility
Formulation Details:
– Derived from Ascophyllum Nodosum seaweed
– Contains a balanced blend of macro and micronutrients, trace elements, vitamins, and natural growth hormones
– Liquid concentrate formula
– Supports flower formation, fruit set, and fruit development
– Enhances photosynthesis and nutrient absorption
– Strengthens root system and overall tree vitality
– Made with care in the USA
Additional Information:
– Date First Available: July 23, 2023
– Manufacturer: Gardenera
– Country of Origin: USA
Application Guide
Target Plants: Typically formulated for all citrus trees and other fruiting crops.
Application Forms: Liquid
Application Rate: 2 ounces of the Organic Liquid Kelp Fertilizer per gallon of water.
How to Apply: Dilute 2 ounces of the Organic Liquid Kelp Fertilizer in 1 gallon of water and apply to citrus trees using a garden sprayer as root feeding or foliar feeding.
When to Apply: Apply daily as you water the plant.
3. Espoma Citrus-Tone NPK 5-2-6 with Garden Pool Bundle
The Espoma Citrus-Tone is an organic fertilizer specifically formulated with a 5-2-6 NPK ratio to enhance healthy growth and bigger fruit production of citrus trees. This fertilizer comes with a garden bundle consisting of soil test strips and gardening gloves to ensure your safety and ascertain the nutritional status of the soil before applying the fertilizer. The Espoma Citrus-Tone can be applied to citrus trees planted indoors in pots or those planted outdoors in the field. The Espoma Citrus-Tone fertilizer is slow-release, and it is capable of supplying essential nutrients to your citrus plants for a long time.
Characteristics:
1. Organic citrus fertilizer
2. Balanced nutrient composition (5-2-6 NPK ratio)
3. Long-lasting (18 lb. bag)
4. Includes soil test strips and gardening claw gloves
Formulation Details:
– Espoma CT18 Citrus-tone 5-2-6
– My Garden Pool PH Soil Test Strips 20 ct
– My Garden Pool Superior Gardening Claw Gloves
Additional Information:
– Provides essential nutrients for healthy growth and fruit production in citrus trees
– Soil test strips help monitor and adjust pH levels for optimal growing conditions
– Gardening claw gloves offer protection, grip, durability, and flexibility for comfortable gardening
Application Guide
Target Plants: The Espoma Citrus-Tone fertilizer is ideal for citrus trees and other fruit-bearing tree crops.
Application Forms: Available in granules
Application Rate: 1 cup of Espoma Citrus-Tone fertilizer per 1 square foot of soil or per container.
How to Apply: Apply 1 cup of the Espoma Citrus-Tone fertilizer in each container with the citrus tree and incorporate the fertilizer in the potting soil for even distribution. Then, water the citrus tree immediately after applying the fertilizer.
When to Apply: Apply the Espoma Citrus-Tone fertilizer every 6 weeks during the growing season.
4. TPS NUTRIENTS Citrus Fertilizer
The TPS NUTRIENTS Citrus Fertilizer is a liquid plant food designed for all citrus and fruiting trees. This fertilizer is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, alongside other micronutrients like magnesium, calcium, iron, sulfur, boron, and copper; these nutrients facilitate rapid root development, vibrant bloom, and abundant fruit production.
Characteristics:
– Simple mixing solution
– Nutrient support for strong roots and healthy foliage
– Boost growth and enhance fruit production
– Perfect for all growers
– Versatile application for indoor and outdoor citrus trees
Formulation Details:
– Mix 2 tbsp of liquid citrus tree fertilizer per 1 gallon of water
– Designed for easy application
– Balanced nutrition for citrus plants
Additional Information:
– Date First Available: June 5, 2023
– Manufacturer: TPS Nutrients
– Country of Origin: USA
Customers say:
– Effective and easy to apply
– Helps potted trees grow, especially lemon and orange trees
– Liquid formula is easy to mix with water
– Considered a reliable fertilizer that boosts fruit trees
Application Guide
Target Plants: The TPS NUTRIENTS Citrus Fertilizer is typically formulated for citrus trees
Application Forms: Liquid
Application Rate: 2 tablespoons of The TPS NUTRIENTS Citrus Fertilizer per gallon of water.
How To Apply: Add 2 tablespoons of the TPS NUTRIENTS Citrus Fertilizer in a gallon of water and spray on the leaves and root zone using a knapsack sprayer or watering can. Shake the bottle very well before application.
When to Apply: Apply the TPS NUTRIENTS Citrus Fertilizer every 2 weeks in spring and summer, and every 4 weeks in fall.
5. Premium Kelp Concentrate
The Premium Kelp Concentrate is a specially formulated organic fertilizer for citrus and fruit trees; this fertilizer contains essential nutrients like nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium alongside vitamins and natural growth hormones to promote healthy growth and abundant fruit production. The Premium Kelp Concentrate is made from organic ingredients like kelp meal and others, making it safe for regular use. The Premium Kelp Concentrate is slow-release, making it ideal for citrus trees planted indoors in a container or outdoors in the garden.
Characteristics:
– Premium organic fertilizer made in the USA
– Specifically formulated for citrus trees
– Contains essential nutrients for healthy growth and fruiting
– Made from seaweed and kelp
– Stimulates vigorous growth and fruit production
– Enhances nutrient uptake efficiency
– Promotes root system development
– Contributes to soil health and fertility
Formulation Details:
– Derived from Ascophyllum Nodosum seaweed
– Contains a balanced blend of macro and micronutrients, trace elements, vitamins, and natural growth hormones
– Liquid concentrate form
– Manufacturer: Gardenera
– Date First Available: July 23, 2023
– Country of Origin: USA
Additional Information:
– Suitable for a variety of citrus trees, including oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits
– Can be used for container-grown or ground-planted citrus trees
– Promotes overall health, vitality, and productivity of citrus trees
– Supports flower formation, fruit set, and fruit development
– Enhances soil conditions for greater nutrient absorption
– Made with care in the USA
Application Guide
Target Plants: The Premium Kelp Concentrate is specifically formulated for citrus trees like oranges, lemons, limes, and grapefruits planted in pots or in the field.
Application Forms: The Premium Kelp Concentrate is available in liquid form
Application Rate: 2 ounces of the Premium Kelp Concentrate per gallon of water.
How to Apply: Mix 2 ounces of the Premium Kelp Concentrate in a gallon of water and apply to the citrus tree leaves and root zone using a garden sprayer or watering can.
When to Apply: Apply the Premium Kelp Concentrate every week throughout the growing season.
Organic Fertilizers For Citrus Trees in Containers
You cannot underestimate the importance of organic fertilizers on the growth and fruit production of citrus trees. Organic fertilizers are best applied during land preparation where they are incorporated with the soil before planting. Planting citrus trees in containers does not mean organic fertilizers cannot be applied; you can apply organic fertilizers to citrus trees planted in pots and they will definitely come out well. There are lots of organic fertilizers that can help citrus trees grow well in containers, notable ones are:
- Compost or well-rotted manure
- Bone meal (for phosphorus)
- Blood meal (for nitrogen)
- Kelp meal (for micronutrients)
- Greensand (for potassium)
1. Compost
Compost or well-rotten manure from animal origin is a good organic fertilizer for citrus trees; it is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Compost contains humus that slowly releases nutrients to the citrus trees over time. Aside from the good nutrient composition, compost or well-rotten manure contains beneficial soil microorganisms that will help in improving the potting soil structure, improve the movement of air and nutrients for the beneficial use of the plant.
2. Bone meal
Bone meal is a good source of phosphorus required by the citrus trees for strong branches and root development. Applying bone meal to the citrus tree planted in a container provides additional phosphorus for a long time because bone meal is a slow-release fertilizer.
3. Blood meal
Blood meal is a nitrogen-rich organic fertilizer; blood meal contains up to 95 percent nitrogen that is readily available to improve the vegetative growth and root development of citrus trees in containers. Blood meal also contains an appreciable amount of iron that is crucial for chlorophyll production and photosynthesis. Blood meal is also a slow-release fertilizer that can steadily supply nitrogen for a long period to citrus grown in containers.
4. Kelp Meal
Kelp meal is a natural source of micronutrients like magnesium, manganese, sulfur, copper, boron, iron, zinc, and molybdenum. These micronutrients play significant roles in enzyme activation, chlorophyll formation, and photosynthesis; these biological processes aid rapid and healthy growth of citrus in containers.
5. Greensand
Greensand is a natural source of potassium that is crucial for disease prevention and fruit quality. Greensand is slow-release; it releases potassium slowly into the soil.
These organic fertilizers help citrus trees retain moisture, improve aeration, increase the humus content in the container, and help improve the potting soil structure for better anchorage of the citrus trees. These fertilizers can be applied alongside the aforementioned fertilizers.
How and When to Fertilize Citrus in Containers
Compost or aged manure, blood meal, bone meal, greensand, and kelp meal are best applied to citrus trees during soil preparation. They can be mixed with the potting soil before turning into the container and planting the citrus seedlings. The early application ensures the citrus tree has enough nutrients to facilitate rapid root development and vegetative growth. As the citrus tree grows, these organic fertilizers can be applied as top-dressing to enhance the overall growth of the citrus tree.
Generally, the aforementioned commercial NPK fertilizer can be applied to citrus trees every 4 weeks throughout the growing season. The best time to fertilize citrus trees in contains is during the spring, summer, and early fall months when the citrus tree is actively growing. Do not apply fertilizer to citrus trees in winter because the trees are dormant and not actively growing. Applying fertilizer in winter can lead to salt buildup and waste of resources because the fertilizer won’t be utilized by the citrus trees.
Safety Precautions
- Apply these fertilizers during the cooler part of the day in stable weather conditions.
- Use protective gear like gloves and a nose mask to prevent direct touch and inhalation.
- Store in a cool and dry place.
- Keep out of reach of children and pets
- Do not apply in harsh weather conditions
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the dosage and application for the best results.
Soil and Potting Mix for Citrus Trees
There is no how I would share insights on fertilization of citrus trees in containers without mentioning the soil and potting mix used in growing citrus trees in containers. Soil and potting mix are the growing medium and provide the anchorage citrus tree needs to survive in the container. Think of the soil mix as the normal garden soil where citrus trees are grown.
An ideal potting mix for citrus trees in containers is made of natural materials such as high-quality potting soil, pine bark or aged bark, and perlite or vermiculite. These natural materials ensure proper aeration, better drainage, water retention, and nutrient availability for healthy growth of the citrus trees. You can incorporate a small amount of compost or well-rotted manure to provide organic matter and beneficial microorganisms.
Citrus trees prefer a slightly acidic soil with a pH range of 6.0 to 6.5; hence, maintaining the proper soil pH is crucial for citrus trees. Check the label of the potting mix for information regarding the pH; if the potting mix is too alkaline, you can add sulfur or acidic amendments like peat moss or pine bark to lower the pH level.
As the citrus trees grow old, the potting soil slowly decomposes and the density also reduces, so as the citrus tree grows, you would need to repot occasionally. Fill the container with the prepared potting mix, gently firm it around the roots, and leave a few inches of space at the top for watering.
Best Citrus Varieties for Container Growing
Not all citrus trees can be grown in containers; only the dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties are ideal because they remain compact and manageable in size, making them perfect for limited space. Some excellent dwarf or semi-dwarf citrus varieties that can be grown in containers are:
- Calamondin Orange: A cross between a mandarin orange and a kumquat
- Improved Meyer Lemon
- Tahiti Lime.
- Satsuma Mandarin
- Kumquat
You can get these dwarf and semi-dwarf citrus varieties from a reputable plant breeder. Ensure you explain the purpose of the purchase to the breeder for recommendation and possible agronomic guides.
Conclusion and Recommendation
Growing citrus trees in containers is an innovation that has come to stay. What will bring more innovation like this in the global food production is doing it well. Citrus trees grown in containers need the right fertilizer and potting soil to thrive; these two entities are essential for healthy growth and fruit production. Ideally, the Gardenera’s Citrus Tree Specific Organic Liquid Kelp Fertilizer is good for citrus trees in containers; aside from its great nutrient composition, it contains natural growth hormones that enhance rapid root development.
You should consider adding blood meal, compost or aged animal manure, and either bone meal, kelp meal, or greensand to the potting soil during soil preparation. These organic fertilizers are rich in humus and will greatly benefit the citrus tree by creating an ideal environment for the healthy growth and fruit production of the citrus trees.