February 3, 2001
My citrus trees still have some ripe and some green fruit and it’s time to apply fertilizer. Is it appropriate to do this considering the possible chances of cold weather, the extended drought and the current inability to apply adequate water? What should we do for trees with less than adequate foliage?
- Nordan, via e-mail
Answer: Now through March is an appropriate time of year to fertilize citrus trees. Response to fertilizer takes several weeks by which time we will have entered a period of continued warm weather with no danger of frost. However, if drought or disease has significantly defoliated your trees then normal application of fertilizer will be of little practical use. Without functional leaves, transpiration is minimal. Without transpiration, plants cannot move water, and consequently fertilizer, from soil to parts of plants. For a healthy tree, use approximately 15 pounds of citrus fertilizer now and again in early summer. For an unthrifty tree, apply a reduced amount of fertilizer and wait until sufficient leaves have emerged before application of a full fertilizer load. Apply less fertilizer for younger trees and always irrigate following fertilizer applications. By keeping your trees healthy and appropriately fed, they will be better able to withstand cold, drought and diseases.
- Stephen Brown is a horticulture agent with the Lee County Extension. To submit questions call the horticulture desk at 461- 7504 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. or via e-mail at shb@gnv.ifas.ufl.edu. Listen to the ‘Garden Show" at 8 a.m. on 1200-AM WINK/WNOG.