what to feed an orange tree

• Nitrogen and Micronutrients. A mature orange tree requires between 1 and 1 1/2 pounds of nitrogen per year. ...
• Phosphorus. Phosphate fertilizer is important for newly planted orange trees. The tree will need less once it becomes established.
• Complete Fertilizers. A complete fertilizer provides all the essential nutrients, including micronutrients, that your orange tree needs for optimal health.
• Composted Manure. Composted manure takes the place of chemical and liquid fertilizers if you prefer a natural, organic approach to fertilizing your orange tree.
• Applications. Yellowing leaves on an orange tree indicate malnutrition. Yellowing leaves also signifies lack of water, but if your tree receives regular water, improper fertilization is the likely cause.

Full Answer

What kind of fertilizer do you put on orange trees?

Fertilize orange trees with fruit-specific or phosphorous and potassium fertilizer at the start of the fruiting period to encourage better fruiting and ripening. Orange trees require additional resources to bear fruit, and will bear larger, sweeter fruit if the right nutrition is available.

Should I feed an orange tree before planting?

Unless using organic fertilizers, never feed a tree during its first growing season, as it can severely damage the root system and stunt the tree's development. Incorporate mycorrhizal fungi into the soil annually beginning two planting seasons before planting the orange tree.

How much water does an orange tree need?

When taking care of an orange tree, remember that water lowers the solid content of the fruit. Depth of planting also affects how much water you provide during orange tree care. Growing orange trees usually need between 1 and 1 ½ inches of water per week.

How do I get my orange tree to produce more fruit?

A good rule of thumb with orange trees is this: the more sunlight, the more flowers, and the more flowers, the more fruit, so make sure you keep your orange tree in a spot that sees at least six to eight hours of sun each day. Water. You want to keep your orange tree’s soil moist, but not soggy.

What is the best fertilizer for orange trees?

Orange farmers often provide 5,5 – 7,7 lbs (2,5-3,5 kg) P2O5 in every adult tree for 4-5 consecutive years. In many cases, they may also add 3,3-6,6 lbs. (1,5-3 kg) K2O in every adult tree for two consecutive years. The best time to apply fertilization is during spring.

How do you keep an orange tree healthy?

Four Tips for Orange Tree Plant CareGive your trees the water they need. Orange trees that have been recently planted will need the most water. ... Fertilize your plants. Different types of fertilizers exist, and the type you use will affect your crop. ... Prune your orange trees. ... Harvest at the right time.

When should I fertilize my orange tree?

Begin fertilizing potted citrus trees in early spring and stop in midsummer to allow your tree to prepare for winter. You can either use a slow-release fertilizer once a year in early spring or a liquid fertilizer every other week.

What nutrients do orange trees need?

Citrus trees require nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), as well as micronutrients like sulfur, iron, boron, magnesium, manganese, and copper. Citrus fertilizers may also include varying micronutrients, depending on the manufacturer.

Are coffee grounds good for citrus trees?

Coffee grounds change the nutrients available to soil in which the orange tree is planted, adding phosphorus, magnesium, nitrogen, copper and potassium. The Infinite Kitchen reports that adding coffee grounds to the soil improves the soil structure immediately and over time as the grounds break down.

How often should I water orange tree?

A young orange tree should be watered every few days, but a more mature tree can be watered anywhere from weekly to about once a month. If it's during the dry season, you should water your orange tree every few days or when the soil has dried up.

Is Epsom salt good for orange trees?

Orange trees are generally fondest of nitrogen fertilizers to boost growth and production, but may occasionally suffer from a lack of magnesium in their diet. When this happens, Epsom salts (MgSO4), also called magnesium sulfate, provides this essential micronutrient.

What is a good citrus fertilizer?

Most citrus growers in our area will use 13-13-13 fertilizer the first 3 years. The first 3 years the tree is to develop the root system. If fruit develops it is necessary to pick it off to allow for the root development. Trees 4 years and older can use 13-13-13 but 15-5-10 is the preferred fertilizer.

What fertilizer makes oranges sweeter?

Fertilize orange trees with fruit-specific or phosphorous and potassium fertilizer at the start of the fruiting period to encourage better fruiting and ripening. Orange trees require additional resources to bear fruit, and will bear larger, sweeter fruit if the right nutrition is available.

How do I fix yellow leaves on my orange tree?

Orange leaves turn yellow due to overwatering, iron deficiency, and fungal diseases such as root rot. Apply nitrogen fertilizer or urea to fix the yellowing foliage. If the soil is soggy, repot the tree in a fresh soil mix then water it 1-2 times a week while allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

How do I get my orange tree to produce fruit?

How to Get Fruit on Orange Trees. If the tree produces flowers but no fruit, it's possible that the flowers aren't getting pollinated. Give the branches a shake while the tree is in flower to shake loose the pollen and allow it to fall onto the pistil. You'll have to do this regularly over a period of several days.

What causes yellow leaves on orange trees?

Very often the yellow leaves or chlorosis on a citrus tree is caused by over watering or a nutrient deficiency. Citrus need regular water especially in the warm months but over watering can leach nutrients from the soil and cause root rot. If the roots are damaged they can't take up the nutrients the plant needs.

When do orange trees bloom?

The evergreen tree provides fragrant blossoms in spring, and then fruit in late fall, winter and early spring. Its glossy green foliage and orange fruits make it a bright focal point in a drab winter landscape. While orange trees thrive in the warm, subtropical regions of the U.S., they require consistent water and fertilizer to produce crops ...

Can orange trees grow in containers?

Container Trees. Select orange trees grafted onto dwarfing rootstock to grow in containers. Varieties available as dwarf trees include 'Washington Navel,' 'Troveta,' Valencia' and the pink-fleshed 'Cara Cara.'. Orange trees grown in containers must be kept consistently moist but not waterlogged. Add water when the soil is dry to a depth ...

Can orange trees survive drought?

Mature Trees. While mature orange trees can tolerate some drought, the dryness affects the blossoms and fruit quality. The flowers and developing fruit drop off a drought-stressed tree. The tree may also draw moisture from the developing fruit, making it dry and tasteless.

Do orange trees need fertilizer?

While orange trees thrive in the warm, subtropical regions of the U.S., they require consistent water and fertilizer to produce crops of sweet, juicy oranges year after year.

Temperature, Light and Humidity

Citrus plants are good to grow as a houseplant because they thrive in the stable warmth that is provided indoors. Citrus plants grow best with temperatures at 18°C during the day, and between 5°C and 10°C at night. In summer, these houseplants can be moved outdoors once the risk of frost has passed.

Watering

Citrus plants require a very similar watering regime as any other houseplant. In the winter, allow the soil to dry out between waterings, as they do not like overwatering. However, in the summer, they need to be watered more regularly, possibly once or twice a week. Ideally water with rainwater if available.

Feeding

Citrus plants are hungry plants and need regular feeding during the growing season (spring and summer). In this growing period it is best to feed the plants every second watering. They should be fed with a high potassium feed to produce good fruit. We advise Westland Citrus feed as it boosts fruit set.

Pruning

Citrus plants do not need a lot of attention when it comes to pruning. If the plant has overcrowded branches, thin these out in February. Throughout the growing season, cut back the tallest branches to encourage bushy growth.

How much water do orange trees need?

Growing orange trees usually need between 1 and 1 ½ inches (2.5-4 cm.) of water per week. Fertilization – Fertilization of growing orange trees depends on the use of the fruit. Extra nitrogen fertilizer results in more oil in the peel. Potassium fertilizer decreases oil in the peel.

How long does it take for a tree to produce fruit?

If seed grown trees survive, they do not produce fruit until maturity, which can take up to 15 years. Consequently, growing seedlings are best used as the scion of a graft union between them and a rootstock that tolerates adverse growing conditions. Fruit is produced from the scion and develops more quickly on grafted trees than on trees grown ...

Can you plant an orange tree from seed?

If you’ve not planted an orange tree yet, but are thinking of growing one, you may be thinking of starting one from orange tree seeds. Some orange varieties may come true from seeds, but most often commercial growers use trees that are grafted through a process called budding.

How to determine fertilizer to use for orange trees?

Soil pH. Test the soil pH and nutrient levels to determine which fertilizer to use and if the tree can absorb nutrients efficiently. When the soil pH is too high or too low orange trees are unable to absorb the nutrients even when they are in the soil. The soil should be tested before and after planting orange trees.

What is an orange tree?

Orange trees ( Citrus sinensis) are often grown as specimen trees. They provide showy, fragrant flowers in the spring followed by edible oranges in addition to evergreen foliage for shade. Orange trees are hardy in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 9 to 11. Native soil rarely contains enough nutrients for these trees.

What are the three numbers on an orange tree fertilizer bag?

**Test the soil for nutrient levels before selecting a fertilizer. ** The three numbers typically listed on the fertilizer bag represent nitrogen, phosphorous and potassium.

What is the pH of orange soil?

The soil should be tested before and after planting orange trees. They grow in acidic to alkaline soil with a pH between 6 and 7.5, but do best when the soil pH is 6.5. Soil pH and nutrient test kits are available at most garden centers. There are digital meters available as well as soil sample kits.

Do native trees need fertilizer?

Native soil rarely contains enough nutrients for these trees. They require nitrogen to set fruit, as well as other nutrients, which are often supplied with fertilizer. The fertilizer must be applied carefully, however, and at just the right time of year in order to supply these nutrients when the trees need them.

What nutrients do citrus trees need?

Citrus trees require nitrogen (N), phosphorus (P), potassium (K), as well as micronutrients like sulfur, iron, boron, magnesium, manganese, and copper. Citrus fertilizers may also include varying micronutrients, depending on the manufacturer.

Why do citrus trees need fertilizer?

Like all plants, citrus trees need nutrients to grow healthy and produce a large harvest. Because Citrus trees are heavy feeders, learning how to properly fertilize a citrus fruit tree is necessary in order to help your tree thrive. There’s nothing like a crop of sweet, tasty, and juicy citrus fruits.

How big do citrus trees grow?

A Standard sized Citrus Tree can grow somewhere between 18 to 22 feet, whereas dwarf citrus varieties only grow to about 8 to 12 feet. Most citrus varieties are self-fertile, meaning you can start producing fruits with only one tree. Grafted Citrus trees usually begin to bear fruit between 3 and 6 years old depending on the variety.

When do citrus trees drop their fruit?

Citrus Trees naturally drop a number of their immature fruit during late spring or early summer (called the “June drop”) Do not place fertilizers too near the trunk of the tree. Wait to apply fertilizer if the tree is lush and green and holding onto fruits.

Is a dwarf citrus tree the same as a standard citrus tree?

The fruit from a dwarf citrus tree is the same size and quality as that of the standard-sized tree. Incidentally, dwarf types produce a larger crop to size ratio than standard-sized trees. The nutritional requirement of dwarf and indoor citrus are the same as the citrus grown outdoors.

What to do if your orange tree isn't bearing fruit?

If your orange tree isn't bearing any fruit at all, you may need to plant a second orange tree as a pollinator, to fertilize the flowers and produce oranges. Advertisement. references. Purdue University: Orange.

How to grow an orange tree in spring?

Increase the orange tree's nutrition by amending the soil around its trunk with a mix of quick-draining soil and organic compost. Add a dose of fruit fertilizer to the orange tree's soil in early spring to promote growth and blooming.

How tall do orange trees grow?

Sweet oranges, or round oranges, are some of the most popular home orchard fruits in the country. These trees grow from 25 to 50 feet tall to provide dark green foliage, sweet orange blooms and a full fruit harvest over summer for gardeners who care for them.

Do orange trees bear fruit?

Orange trees require additional resources to bear fruit, and will bear larger, sweeter fruit if the right nutrition is available. Tip. Many orange trees are self-infertile, meaning that the flowers on the tree cannot pollinate other flowers on the tree. If your orange tree isn't bearing any fruit at all, you may need to plant a second orange tree ...

How to help orange trees grow?

The best times to feed your trees are the spring and summer. Pick a balanced, organic fertilizer. Keep an eye out for yellow leaves, which is an indicator that your fruit tree requires more nitrogen.

What kind of soil do oranges need?

Oranges, as well as most citrus trees, require warm, moist soil that is enriched with organic matter. You should mix compost with the potting soil that you use to give the necessary nutrients for proper growth.

What is a honeybell orange?

It’s hard not to enjoy these delicious fruits. Honeybells are one of the premium oranges that are mailed around the USA and only available for a short period. They’re a delicious hybrid of a tangerine and a super sweet grapefruit.

What are some good companion plants for orange trees?

Some possible companion plants for orange trees include: Lavender. Garlic. Dill.

Why do orange trees resent companion planting?

In most cases, oranges resent close company because they’re heavy feeders and want all of the nutrients.

How do aphids damage orange trees?

Aphids can cause severe damage to growing orange trees by sucking the sap out of the leaves. You can most easily see the symptoms of an aphid infestation on the lower leaves when the leaves have multiple puckered marks, as well as the twisting of the leaves.

Can you grow oranges straight off the tree?

I get it – there’s nothing better than a home-grown orange straight off the tree. Oranges are a citrus tree that grows in subtropical regions, but that doesn’t mean you’re out of luck if you live in a cooler area. You can grow oranges, as well as lemons and other citrus trees, in containers.

How to protect orange trees from freezing?

To protect orange trees from freezing weather, which can damage leaves, branches and even tree trunks , depending on the severity of the cold, cover the tree with blankets, sheets or frost blankets. Hold the fabric away from the plant with a framework of some sort so it doesn't touch the leaves.

When should I water an orange tree?

Watering Young Orange Trees. In the low desert, the best time to add an orange tree to your garden is in spring, after all danger of frost has passed. University of Arizona Extension recommends March and April as the best planting time. For the first month after planting, water the tree every two to three days, ...

What causes black growths under the bark of a tree?

The bark cracks and exudes a gummy substance. Prevent its occurrence by using orange trees grafted onto fungus-resistant rootstock and by keeping the tree's grafting union well above ground. Another fungus called sooty canker affects injured bark but not healthy bark. It causes black growths under bark.

What causes orange tree leaves to curl?

Less than 1/8 inch long, aphids cause leaves to curl or become distorted, and often sticky honeydew is present. Hose aphids off with a strong spray of water as soon as you see them. A more conspicuous feeder, gray, tan and cream orange dog caterpillars may eat orange tree leaves.

How often should I fertilize my trees?

After that, fertilize trees three times a year with equal amounts of a citrus fertilizer such as 6-4-6 plus minor elements. Apply 3 tablespoons per 9-square-foot area, scattering the granules under the branches out to the branch ends, keeping it away from the trunk. Immediately water it in. Months for fertilizer application are January or February, April or May and again in August or September.

How much water should I give my tree in the summer?

For instance, in July a 6-foot-wide tree uses 5.4 gallons a day, and a 14-foot-wide tree needs 29.5 gallons daily. You can basin-irrigate your tree or put it on drip irrigation, and the water should soak at least 2 feet into the soil at each watering. Avoid shallow, more frequent waterings.

How often should I water a tree in Arizona?

For the first month after planting, water the tree every two to three days, going to every three to five days for the second and third months. Thereafter, decide when to water according to weather as well as tree age and size. During Arizona's hot, dry summers, trees up to two years old may need watering every two to five days.