Calamansi is a popular citrus fruit grown in the Philippines, it is also calamondin, Philippine lime, calamandarin, golden lime, and Philippine lemon. The yield of the calamansi tree is usually improved by supplementing the existing soil nutrients through the application of fertilizers. Fertilizer is a source of nutrients; it is a carrier of plant food.
Calamansi tree, like other citrus trees, grows well to attain its genetic potential when the right fertilizers are applied at the right time. Calamansi trees primarily need nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium as well as other micronutrients like calcium, magnesium, sulfur, zinc, iron, and boron. These nutrients make up a fertilizer, the nutrients are available in different proportions to suit the plant and soil conditions. Any fertilizer chosen for calamansi tree must contain these nutrients.
The best way to ensure your calamansi tree receives adequate nutrients from the fertilizer applied is to first carry out a soil test to ascertain the nutrients present in the soil and what nutrients you need to add. For instance, if you test your soil and find out that the soil contains more nitrogen than other nutrients, the fertilizer you will be applying must contain less nitrogen and more of the other nutrients. This is to give you a mental guide on how to apply fertilizer to calamansi or just any plant.
Before we start selecting fertilizers for calamansi trees, you need to know the role of each nutrient so that you will know the type of outcome or result to expect after applying the fertilizer. Each nutrient has a role it plays in making a plant productive. You need to pay rapt attention here.
Nitrogen supports the growth of the vegetative parts of calamansi plants. What is the vegetative part of the calamansi tree? The leaves or foliage. Nitrogen enhances the rapid growth of leaves; it impacts the lush green leaves. With the presence of abundant leaves, calamansi tree carries out more photosynthesis and makes the tree grow fast and healthy. When nitrogen is not enough, calamansi leaves start to turn yellow, and growth becomes stunted.
Phosphorus supports the root development and flowering of calamansi plants. Adequate phosphorus facilitates rapid and strong root development. The density of the root determines how much nutrients the calamansi plant will tap from the soil. With more strong roots, the calamansi plant can tap more nutrients and grow well. Fast growth means fast and early flowering and fruit. A deficiency of phosphorus is observed when the calamansi leaves start to turn purple.
Potassium improves fruiting and fruit size of calamansi fruits. Potassium, alongside calcium and magnesium, also strengthens the calamansi plant and protects it from various plant diseases and pest attacks.
As the calamansi plant grows, the nutrient demand changes. At planting and a younger age, calamansi tree needs more nitrogen and phosphorus for leaves and root development. When the calamansi tree starts to flower, it needs more phosphorus and potassium, and when it starts fruiting, feed it more potassium. Do not apply nitrogen fertilizer when calamansi tree is flowering, as it will delay flowering and fruiting.
Now you have understood the role each nutrient plays and what nutrients the calamansi tree needs at a certain growth stage. Now let’s select the fertilizers. We will look at the NPK fertilizers and organic fertilizers; these two fertilizers are good for calamansi trees. I have selected some top fertilizers for calamansi trees.
- 3-in-1 Citrus Tree Fertilizer Kit for Growth & Fruit: Best fertilizer for calamansi tree
- Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Citrus Tree Fertilizer Spikes: Best slow-release fertilizer for calamansi tree
- Citrus Tree Fertilizer Mist for Healthy Growth: Best fertilizer for indoor calamansi tree
- MicroLife Citrus & Fruit Fertilizer: Best fertilizer for calamansi to bear fruit
These fertilizers contain the required nutrients to make calamansi tree grow healthy and produce abundant fruits.
1. 3-in-1 Citrus Tree Fertilizer Kit for Growth & Fruit: Best fertilizer for calamansi tree
The 3-in-1 Citrus Tree Fertilizer and Nutrition Care Kit is a complete nutritional solution for potted and outdoor citrus trees. This 3-in-1 kit contains slow-release granules, liquid micronutrients, and calcium to promote rapid vegetative growth, flowering, and fruit development of all citrus trees, including calamansi, orange, lemon, lime, and others. This fertilizer kit contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium at a ratio of 18-6-12 NPK; this composition is rich enough to supply the required nutrients for all citrus tree varieties and eliminate all forms of nutritional deficiencies during the growing period.
Characteristics:
– Complete 3-in-1 solution for citrus tree care
– Balanced, long-term nutrition
– Slow-release granular fertilizer
– Liquid micronutrient spray
- Liquid calcium feed
– Suitable for container-grown, raised bed, or outdoor citrus trees
– Supports root development, foliage vibrancy, and fruit production
– Prevents yellowing leaves and weak fruit
– Easy-to-use application method
– Safe for home gardens, pets, and the environment
Formulation Details:
– Slow-release fertilizer (18-6-12) feeds for up to six months
- Liquid micronutrient spray replenishes magnesium, iron, and zinc
– Liquid calcium feed strengthens fruit structure
- NPK 18-6-12 (6-8) Fertilizer: Net Cont: 4.0-TBSP; Net Wt: 2.0 oz. (56.6 g.) Max Cvr: 3.6 Sq. Ft.
– Essential Trace Elements & Calcium Nutrient Spray EACH: Net Cont: 8.0-mL; Net Wt: 0.2 oz. (5.66 g.) Max Cvr: 78 Sq. Ft.
Additional Information:
– Manufacturer: GrowScripts
– Date First Available: February 24, 2025
– Country of Origin: USA
Application Guide
Target Plants: Typically formulated for lemon, calamansi, lime, and other citrus tree varieties.
Application Forms: The 3-in-1 Citrus Tree Fertilizer is available as slow-release granules and liquid fertilizer
How to Apply: For the slow-release granules, evenly spread the fertilizer at the base of the calamansi plant in the field or pots, slightly work the fertilizer into the soil with a garden fork or rake, then water immediately after application. For the liquid micronutrients and Calclim spray, dilute the solution in water and apply directly to the leaves and fruits using a knapsack sprayer or garden spray bottle.
When to Apply: Apply the 3-in-1 Citrus Tree Fertilizer twice per year (every 6 months) starting from spring when the citrus trees are actively growing.
2. Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Citrus Tree Fertilizer Spikes: Best slow-release fertilizer for calamansi tree
Jobe’s Organics Fruit and Citrus Tree Fertilizer Spikes is a time-release fertilizer designed for all citrus tree varieties, including orange, lime, lemon, calamansi, etc., planted in a container or indoors. The fertilizer spike contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium at a ratio of 3-5-5 alongside other micronutrients to support lush foliage, juicy and flavorful fruits, strong root development, and stunning blooms.
The Jobes citrus tree fertilizer spikes decompose slowly over a long period to feed the citrus trees over a long time. Aside from feeding the citrus tree, the Jobes fertilizer spikes also contain beneficial soil microorganisms that improve the soil conditions, help resist disease, insects, and drought during the growing season. This fertilizer is suitable for indoor and outdoor application.
Characteristics:
– Organic fertilizer spikes for in-ground trees
– Pre-measured time-release fertilizer provides nourishment at the roots
– OMRI listed for organic gardening by USDA
– Contains Jobe’s Biozome, a proprietary microorganism that breaks down material for faster results
– Helps resist disease, insects, and drought during the growing season
- No mess, easy-to-use spikes
– Guaranteed analysis: (3-5-5)
– 6 spikes per package
Formulation Details:
– Contains a unique blend of beneficial microorganisms Archaea, Mycorrhizal fungi, and healthy bacteria
– Archaea breaks down complex hydrocarbons and minerals into basic nutrients and trace elements
– Mycorrhizal fungi expands the surface-absorbing area of the roots
– Healthy bacterial strain in Biozome improves soil structure and quality
Additional Information:
– Can be used on all container fruit and citrus trees and plants
– Delivers long-term benefits without chemicals
– Can be used in certified organic food production
– Available as an organic granular fertilizer for all fruit and citrus trees
– Safe for use around children and pets
Customers Say:
– Customers find the fertilizer effective and easy to use
– Enhances citrus plants’ growth and color
– Some customers mention that their plants produce more blooms after using the product
Application Guide
Target Plants: The Jobe’s Organics Fruit and Citrus Tree Fertilizer Spikes are typically formulated for all citrus tree varieties, including orange, lime, lemon, calamansi, etc.
Application Forms: It is available in premeasured sticks
How to Apply: Place the Jobe’s Citrus Tree Fertilizer Spikes at the edge of the planting container when planting the citrus seeds or seedlings. If you are planting directly on the field, make a hole about 6 inches deep close to the seeds or seedlings and bury the fertilizer spike. Water immediately after planting to dissolve and activate the fertilizer spike.
When to Apply: For best results, apply the Jobe’s citrus fertilizer spikes every 4-6 weeks throughout the growing season.
3. Citrus Tree Fertilizer Mist for Healthy Growth: Best Fertilizer for indoor calamansi tree
Citrus Tree Fertilizer Mist is a ready-to-use balanced plant food for citrus trees, including lime, calamansi, lemon, orange, and others. This fertilizer contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium at a ratio of 3-1-2, and other micronutrients to promote healthy leaf growth, rapid root development, abundant fruit production, and overall Calamansi tree health. The Citrus Tree Fertilizer Mist is organic, made from natural ingredients, which makes it safe for regular use without any fear of burning the tree roots. It is suitable for indoor and outdoor applications.
Characteristics:
– Formulated specifically for Citrus trees
– Promotes lush foliage, juicy fruits, strong roots, and stunning blooms
– Ready mixed plant mister for easy application
– NPK 3-1-2 formulation
– Organic and pure, free from harsh chemicals
– Enhances resistance against diseases
– Made in the USA
– Suitable for indoor and outdoor Citrus tree cultivation
Formulation Details:
– Date First Available: October 11, 2023
– Manufacturer: Gardenera
Additional Information:
– Customers are satisfied with the fertilizer’s functionality, growth rate, and flower quality
– Easy application with mist spray bottle
– Some variations in opinions regarding plant health and spray quality
Application Guide
Target Plants: Typically formulated for calamansi, oranges, lemons, limes, or other citrus tree varieties.
Application Forms: Available as a liquid fertilizer
How to Apply: Shake the Citrus Tree Fertilizer bottle well and spray the mist on the leaves, soil, and around the root zone of the calamansi tree.
When to Apply: Apply the Citrus Tree Fertilizer during spring at the beginning of new growth and reapply weekly.
4. MicroLife Citrus & Fruit Fertilizer: Best fertilizer for calamansi to bear fruit
The MicroLife Citrus and Fruit Granular Organic Fertilizer is a nutrient-rich blend designed specifically to promote healthy growth and abundant fruit production of citrus trees, including lemon, lime, calamansi, orange, and other fruit trees. This organic granular fertilizer contains essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus. and potassium at a 6-2-4 NPK ratio, alongside micronutrients, plant hormones, and growth boosters. This fertilizer is made from natural ingredients, it is safe for regular use, and does not burn the plant roots. It is safe around children, animals, and soil. Apply the MicroLife Citrus and Fruit Granular Organic Fertilizer when the calamansi tree starts fruiting to increase yield and fruit size.
Characteristics:
– Contains over 100 + nutrients, minerals, vitamins, natural plant hormones, natural plant stimulators, essential sugars/amino acids/carbon/ protein, and billions of beneficials
– Designed for all citrus and fruit trees
– Completely natural and 100% organic
– Slow release, 2% iron, will not burn, and easy to use
– Promotes larger root systems and enhances plant health
– Manufactured for over 30 years by MicroLife
Formulation Details:
– Ingredients include Fish, Kelp, Emery Humates, Molasses, Rock Phosphate, Wheat Middling’s’, Soy Meal, Cottonseed Meal, Alfalfa, Corn Meal, Kmag, Potassium Sulfate, Iron Sulfate, 18 select Amino Acids, Folic Acid, Vitamins, and the MicroGro Supreme Bio-Inoculant package
Additional Information:
– Package Dimensions: 30 x 16.4 x 4.2 inches; 40.3 Pounds
– Date First Available: February 21, 2021
– Manufacturer: MicroLife
– ASIN: B08X3XLBZ7
– Favored by organic growers, co-ops, landscape professionals, and universities
Application Guide
Target plants: The MicroLife Citrus and Fruit Granular Organic Fertilizer is typically formulated for citrus tree varieties, including orange, lime, lemon, calamansi, and other fruit trees.
Application Forms: It is a granular fertilizer.
Application Rate: For field application, apply 40 pounds of the MicroLife Citrus and Fruit Granular Organic Fertilizer per 1,000 sq ft. For calamansi or other citrus planted in pots, apply 4 tablespoons of the fertilizer per plant or per pot.
How to Apply: Evenly spread the fertilizer at the base of the calamansi plant or other citrus trees. You can incorporate the fertilizers lightly into the soil before watering.
When to Apply: Apply the MicroLife Citrus and Fruit Granular Organic Fertilizer after planting and every 4 months throughout the growing season.
Organic Fertilizers for Calamansi Trees
Organic fertilizers such as poultry manure, cow manure, compost, bone meal, and blood meal are good for calamansi trees. These fertilizers are slow-release; they decompose slowly and can feed calamansi tree for a very long time. The good side of applying organic fertilizer to calamansi trees is, they are safe for the environment, children, and do not leach into the soil to pollute water bodies.
Poultry manure and bloodmeal are rich in nitrogen. Cow manure and bone meal are rich in phosphorus, calcium, magnesium, and little potassium. If you can get banana peel compost, it is very rich in potassium. The good part is, these organic manures can be used together to make a balanced fertilizer for the calamansi tree.
How to Apply: The best time to apply organic fertilizers to calamansi tree is during preparation, before planting in spring. The fertilizers are incorporated into the soil to slowly decompose at 2 weeks before planting. This initial fertilization is to give the plant a good start. Organic fertilizers can be applied at the base of calamansi tree during flowering.
How To Care For Calamansi Plant
- Evaluate the tree’s location by ensuring that it is in a south-facing position. Any nearby trees that shade the calamansi should be removed. Even partial shade hinders citrus fruit production.
- The topsoil surrounding the calamansi should be watered with a garden hose. By watching the moisture move into the ground, ensure that the tree’s soil absorbs water. In general, 1 inch of water should penetrate the ground completely after one hour.
- The soil should be tilled with a garden hoe if the soil does not absorb water well. The topsoil should be amended with compost and perlite, using the garden hoe to create a nutrient-rich but well-drained soil structure.
- Nitrogen-rich citrus fertilizer should be applied to calamansi three times during the growing season. Hand-spread the fertilizer out to, and slightly beyond, the drip line before and after the tree flowers, as well as after harvesting.
- Using drip irrigation, the calamansi plant should be watered until the soil is moist down to 3 feet deep every one to two weeks. A moisture meter can be used to ascertain the moisture depth. An essential key to consistent fruiting is water. Be sure not to over-water the plant, as soggy roots cause die-back from suffocation within the ground.
- Organic mulch should be hand-spread around the calamansi. 12 inches of space needs to be maintained between the mulch and the tree trunk. Mulching covers exposed roots and prevents fungal diseases that hinder fruiting.
Conclusion
Calamansi tree thrives well with the right fertilizers. The NPK fertilizers are good for quick results, especially when you notice any deficiency symptoms you want to treat. The 3-in-1 Citrus Tree Fertilizer and Nutrition Care Kit is ideal for calamansi trees; its high nitrogen and potassium content supports rapid vegetative growth as well as the production of abundant calamansi fruit of larger sizes. The poultry manure is the best organic option for calamansi trees; it contains an appreciable NPK ratio that can sustain the plant for a long period.