Citrus trees are heavy feeders. They will rapidly exhaust nutrients in the soil around them, especially for those that are grown in containers. And, fertilizing is one of the easiest solutions to keep them growing well without discoloring the soil.
Below is our list of the best fertilizer for citrus trees in containers for you, a non-experienced gardening enthusiast.
Here are the best fertilizers for citrus trees in containers you can buy in 2023:
- Best For Bigger Fruits: Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed
- Fast Acting: Jobe’s Organics 09226 FBA_B0030EK5JE
- Easy To Apply: EarthPods Premium Citrus Plant Food
- Best For Abundant Crop: Espoma CT4
- Best For Flavorful Fruits: Lilly Miller Citrus Food
- Best For Root Strength: FoxFarm Citrus Organic Plant Fertilizer
| 6 Best Fertilizers For Citrus Trees In Containers | ||
|---|---|---|
Best For Bigger Fruits | Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed | |
Fast Acting | Jobe’s Organics 09226 FBA_B0030EK5JE | |
Easy To Apply | EarthPods Premium Citrus Plant Food | |
Best For Abundant Crop | Espoma CT4 | |
Best For Flavorful Fruits | Lilly Miller Citrus Food | |
Best For Root Strength | FoxFarm Citrus Organic Plant Fertilizer | |
Best For Bigger Fruits: Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed
- Give the best results in fruit size increase – contain 13% nitrogen, also the highest proportion out there
- Affordable & efficient – last up to 3 months before reapplying
- Easy to use – feature a hard plastic bottle with a lid and a handle
- Wish the lid was sturdier
- A bit struggling to be applied on plants that have been planted already
If you want your citrus trees to produce bigger fruits, feed them with a rich-nitrogen fertilizer. This is a vital substance that helps with both plant and fruit growth; the higher the nitrogen content, the bigger the fruit size.
In our tests, the Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed provides the highest nitrogen proportion of its formula, up to 13% (while its competing models averagely deliver just around 5% to 10%).
According to the manufacturer, once being fed to the soil, it will constantly nourish the soil within 12 weeks, giving you noticeable results.
One thing we really like about the Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed series is their packaging which is a hard plastic bottle with a flip-up lid and a wide, large handle. It’s user-friendlier than soft waterproof bags.
| Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 8 lb. |
Fertilizer Analysis | 13-7-13 |
Highlight Features | contain 13% nitrogen, also the highest proportion out there last up to 3 months before reapplying feature a hard plastic bottle with a lid and a handle |
Containing the highest nitrogen proportion, the Miracle-Gro Shake 'N Feed is the strongest contender for citrus trees in containers to produce bigger fruits
Fast Acting: Jobe’s Organics 09226 FBA_B0030EK5JE
- Perfect for seedlings and young plant growth – rich in potassium and phosphate
- Fast-acting – contain Jobe Biozome
- Dependable and safe to use - OMRI-listed by USDA
- Its smell might attract animals, like dogs and raccoons
Citrus plant seeds are known for taking quite a long time to sprout in the soil, commonly 2-3 weeks.
If you want to speed up this stage, the organic, OMRI-listed fertilizer is worth a try.
It has a high content of potassium and phosphate – the two vital substances involved in some important functions of plants, like enzyme activation, photosynthesis, energy transfer, etc.
It helps seeds establish faster then, keeps young plants growing healthier with capabilities of resisting drought, insects, and disease.
But what truly sets it apart from other fertilizers is the addition of Jobe Biozome, the exclusive aggressive microorganism archaea known for faster acting results.
| Jobe’s Organics 09226 FBA_B0030EK5JE Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 4 lbs. |
Fertilizer Analysis | 3-5-5 |
Highlight Features | rich in potassium and phosphate contain Jobe Biozome OMRI-listed by USDA |
Highlighting the most aggressive microorganism archaea, the Jobe’s Organics 09226 FBA_B0030EK5JE is obviously the best fast-acting fertilizer for citrus trees during their seedlings.
Easy To Apply: EarthPods Premium Citrus Plant Food
- Easy to apply – capsule design
- Credible and eco-friendly – USA-made with high-quality organic ingredients
- Stylish and simple to store – feature a sturdy bottle with a twist-and-open lid
- The manual instructions need improvement
- The price is higher than usual
For avid gardeners or pet owners who want something pet-friendly and easy to apply to their citrus trees, the EarthPods is our recommendation.
Made in a form of capsules, it eliminates the hassles of stinky smells, complicated measurement, and mess of mixing. For use, just push one capsule into the soil, 6”-8” away from the plant stem, then water it thoroughly.
The EarthPods is an organic fertilizer made in the USA so, we feel rest assured that it doesn’t contain any harmful unknown substance probably to human or pet health. Plus, it’s eco-friendly.
Each capsule will last for two weeks in the soil before requiring reapplying. According to the manufacturer, each EarthPods bottle is enough to support one Meyers lemon tree within 4 years, which is extremely economical for the price.
| EarthPods Premium Citrus Plant Food Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 4.8 ounces |
Highlight Features | capsule design USA-made with high-quality organic ingredients feature a sturdy bottle with a twist-and-open lid |
The EarthPods includes 100 fertilizer spikes in its package, which helps eliminate thoroughly the hassles of animal-attracting smells, measuring, or mess during use. In other words, it’s the easiest to apply and the best choice for those gardeners who also have kids or pets around the house.
Best For Abundant Crop: Espoma CT4
- Dependable – developed due to university recommendations
- Easy to store – resealable packaging
- Encourage a more abundant crop production – rich in potassium and nitrogen
- Not pet-friendly because its strong odors attract dogs
- Take time to see the difference
The Espoma CT4’s exclusive slow-release bio-tone formula is developed based on famous university recommendations for the purpose of helping with healthier crop production.
It is the citrus-tone organic fertilizer that contains the highest proportion of nitrogen and potassium, therefore, doing well in encouraging strong stems and well-developed fruits.
The product lasts for months in the soil, compared to other brands, so that a 4-pound pack can be used quite long.
One often overlooked feature that we really like is its resealable package design, making it neat to use and store.
| Espoma CT4 Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 4 lb. |
Fertilizer Analysis | 5-2-6 |
Highlight Features | developed due to university recommendations resealable packaging rich in potassium and nitrogen |
Looking for the best citrus plant food for an abundant crop? Try the Espoma CT4
Best For Flavorful Fruits: Lilly Miller Citrus Food
- Help citrus plants grow healthier & set more delicious fruits – rich in nitrogen and phosphate
- Dependable – made in the USA
- Wish there were bigger bag sizes
Looking at the analysis of this fertilizer, it’s not difficult to guess that the product is specifically for the fruit set of citrus trees.
It contains a high amount of both nitrogen and phosphate – the two most important components to nourish soil, providing plants with enough energy to give a larger blossom set, then the bigger fruit size with a more flavorful taste.
You will see noticeable results after just 7-10 days of feeding it to the soil.
Using this fertilizer with peace in mind since it’s made in the USA.
| Lilly Miller Citrus Food Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 4 lbs. |
Fertilizer Analysis | 10-6-4 |
Highlight Features | rich in nitrogen and phosphate made in the USA |
By containing a decently high amount of nitrogen and phosphate, the Lilly Miller Citrus Food is our top pick for flavorful fruits
Best For Root Strength: FoxFarm Citrus Organic Plant Fertilizer
- Strengthen root system very well – high volume of nitrogen
- Help plant to uptake nutrients faster - various active soil microbes
- No complaint
Citrus trees that are planted in containers usually have weaker roots than those grown on the Earth ground, which partially affects their growth speeds and health.
If you want to improve this issue, use the FoxFarm Citrus Organic Plant Fertilizer.
It’s rich in nitrogen – the component known for not only boosting the fruit set of plants but also strengthening their branches and root system.
Its 7-3-3 organic formula also consists of various active soil microbes to enrich the soil so that your citrus trees can uptake more nutrients for their healthy growth. Besides, there are sulfur, calcium, and mycorrhizal fungi.
| FoxFarm Citrus Organic Plant Fertilizer Specifications | |
|---|---|
Size | 4 lbs. |
Fertilizer Analysis | 7-3-3 |
Highlight Features | the high volume of nitrogen various active soil microbes |
The FoxFarm Citrus Organic Plant Fertilizer’s formula is well-balanced in the content of nitrogen, active soil microbes, and many other ingredients, making it a good pick for root strength improvement.
How To Choose The Best Fertilizer For Citrus Trees In Containers?
Nitrogen-Rich
Out of the essential nutrients that citrus trees appreciate, nitrogen is the thing they need consistently during the entire growth, and the required amount will be more when they mature.
Make sure the fertilizer you choose for them should be nitrogen-rich. It’d be better if it includes both slow-release and fast-acting kinds of nitrogen. The fast-acting kind is to serve for instant nitrogen requirements of your plant while the slow-release one is for long-term feeding.
It is suitable for citrus trees in containers because extra watering might leach away the fast-acting nitrogen.
This kind, as the name implies, will slowly release the nutrient to provide to the soil and it can last up to one month before re-fertilizing. Therefore, there will be fewer feeding times while your citrus trees still have enough nutrients to thrive happily.
Other Nutrients
Different soil types will require different nutrient ratios and ingredients.
For healthy soils, a multi-purpose fertilizer is the best bet. Such as 10-10-10 NPK ratio models. For the soil with phosphate or potassium deficiency, you should choose a special fertilizer containing an ultra-high amount of these nutrients to nourish the soil.
Aside from nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, citrus trees need various trace minerals, such as manganese, zinc, and iron.
Which Brands Make The Best Fertilizer For Citrus Trees In Containers?
Micracle-Gro
Micracle-Gro produces one of the best all-purpose slow-release organic fertilizers that can be used on all plants without burning their leaves. Their plant food lines contain rich nitrogen for plants to grow green, big, and fast.
Jobe’s Organics
Jobe’s Organics is currently one of the most reliable fertilizer manufacturers in the United States. They were originally known for the signature plant food spikes, then, the lines have been enhanced up to 200 up to now.
Earthworm Technologies
The brand builds a reputation on unique, top-quality organic plant food products. Their fertilizers are 100% directly made in the USA and guaranteed to be environment-friendly, pet-safe, and kid-safe while providing consistent top-tier results on plants.
Espoma
One of the oldest US fertilizer manufacturers – Espoma, since 1929. They are the brand that created Holly Tone, a fertilizer specifically designed for acid-loving plants. With rich expertise, it’s no strange that Espoma is now the leader in organic fertilizers for the retail lawn and garden industry.
FoxFarm
This 1984-founded company is well-known for providing the finest micro-brewed liquid plant foods, fertilizers, and soil mix, along with exceptional customer service. Their formulas are separately tested to guarantee high consistency and quality.
FAQs
When should I fertilize my potted lemon tree?
The best time to fertilize a potted lemon tree is from March to early August – or during their growing season.
How often should you feed citrus trees in pots?
You should feed potted citrus trees every other month.
Can you over-fertilize citrus trees?
No, you can’t. Over-fertilizing a citrus tree equals that you’re killing it. The most common consequence of over-fertilizing is burnt roots or burnt leaves.
How do you fertilize a lime tree?
The right way to feed a lime tree is by fertilizing it every other month using a nitrogen-rich fertilizer or compost. Remember to provide it with good warmth and watering as well.
Why are lemon tree leaves turning yellow?
Lemon tree leaves are turning yellow with green veins, the main cause is an iron or zinc deficiency. If the leaves are a yellowish-green blotch at the leaf base that spreads outward, the plant is lacking magnesium.
If leaves of the whole lemon tree are turning yellow, it is a sign of lacking nitrogen or nutrients.
Conclusion
One fertilizer does not fit all the potted citrus trees’ needs. And, that explains why there are so many options in the market at different NPK ratios. It is important to figure out the nutritional requirements of the soil and the tree before going shopping.
Hope that through this article, you’ve got an idea of how to choose the best fertilizer for citrus trees in containers. Thanks for reading!
