Fertilization is an important component of small and large scale citrus production. By applying the correct amount of fertilizer at the proper time of year homeowners can produce a high quality citrus crop. Proper fertilization results in healthy plant growth, increased yield and good size fruit.
Recently planted trees should
not be fertilized until they show signs of new growth. Never fertilize citrus or any tree at planting, instead allow the tree to establish
a healthy root system first. In mid-March, apply a half pound of
13-13-13 or 8-8-8 fertilizer to first year trees planted in January and February.
Second year trees should be fertilized in late January or early February by applying one pound of 13-13-13 or one and a half pounds of 8-8-8.  Increase this rate by one pound each year until the tree reaches year 12. After year 12 the rate of fertilizer applied will remain constant, between 12 to 18 pounds each year for the remainder of the tree’s life.
If you have not already fertilized your citrus trees now is the time to do it.
Avoid late and excess fertilization. Fertilizing citrus after the month of June will decrease cold hardiness and delay fruit ripening. Excess fertilization will result in similar symptoms, as vigorous new growth is easily damaged during even moderate freezes.
A general rule when fertilizing trees is to put your left shoulder near the outer branches and hold the fertilizer in your right hand. Simply walk around the tree and evenly spread the fertilizer in a 12-to-18-inch band on the ground beneath the outer branches. This method ensures that fertilizer is placed a safe distance from the trunk and that feeder roots are reached.
A free Homeowner Citrus Symposium will be held at 2:30
p.m., Tuesday, March 26, at the LaPlace Branch Library, located
on U.S. Highway 51. Topics to be
covered include: tree selection and care, insect identification and control and common citrus diseases. Copies of the LSU AgCenter Louisiana Home Citrus Production Guide will be available to those who attend.
For more information contact the St. John Parish LSU AgCenter Extension Office at 985-497-3261 or visit www.lsuagcenter.com.
Mariah Bock is the LSU AgCenter County Agent for St. John Parish. She can be reached by email at mbock@agcenter.lsu.edu.