- 1). Apply a mixture of equal parts nitrogen and potassium to the soil three times a year, during the growing season. Natural nitrogen fertilizers include blood meal and cottonseed meal. Natural potassium fertilizer is made from potash or kelp meal. Apply 4 to 10 lbs. of the mix to each tree from mid-November through April by spreading it around the tree and watering it in. Start by applying 4 lbs. to young trees and work up to 10 lbs. for trees up to 50 years old. This formula works well for citrus trees in Florida.
- 2). Add a high-nitrogen fertilizer to citrus trees in Texas on a monthly basis starting when the tree becomes active in the spring and continuing through October. Sprinkle the nitrogen fertilizer, such as blood meal, on the ground and water it into the soil. Use 1 cup per tree in the first year, 2 cups in the second year and 4 cups in the third year and beyond if the nitrogen concentration is between 8 and 13 percent. Different nitrogen concentration levels in the fertilizer will require more or less nitrogen. Follow the manufacturer's instructions when buying packaged fertilizer.
- 3). Spray urea on the tree's foliage to increase the level of nitrogen. Spray 1 to 2 lbs. of urea on the foliage three times a year, in February, July and September. Fertilize the soil with phosphorus, such as bone meal, when the tree is planted and at a rate of 1 lb. per tree every four years. Work the phosphorus into the top 1 inch of soil after applying it. This formula works for citrus trees in California.
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