How Citrus Fertilizer Supports Tree Growth Through All Seasons

Citrus trees require consistent, seasonally tailored nutrition to ensure healthy root development, lush foliage, and high-quality fruit production. The strategic use of citrus fertilizer is essential for supporting growth across all stages of the tree’s life cycle. In this guide, we’ll explore how citrus fertilizer supports tree growth year-round, how to adjust formulations for each season, and how specialized products like Yarafert’s line can help you achieve optimal results.


Seasonal Changes in Citrus Fertilizer Requirements

Citrus trees exhibit varying nutritional demands depending on the time of year. These seasonal shifts must be met with a dynamic citrus fertilizer plan to prevent deficiencies and promote resilience.

Spring to Winter: Nutrient Needs Overview

Here’s how citrus trees’ fertilizer requirements typically change through the seasons:

  • Spring: High nitrogen for vegetative growth
  • Summer: Balanced nutrients for fruit set and development
  • Fall: Reduced nitrogen, increased potassium and calcium
  • Winter: Maintenance feeding with low-nitrogen, micronutrient-rich blends

Using a product like Ugarit 27-27-27 + TE, with its even balance of NPK and trace elements, ensures foundational nutrition during transitions between growth stages. Meanwhile, SULFOMIX provides essential micronutrients like iron, zinc, and boron, which are vital for chlorophyll production and fruit integrity year-round.

READ MORE: Understanding Citrus Fertilizer Nutrients: NPK Ratios Explained


Citrus Fertilizer Strategies for Spring Growth

Spring is the kickoff for active growth. As citrus trees emerge from dormancy, a boost in nitrogen and phosphorus is essential to fuel new shoots and root activity.

Top Citrus Fertilizer Tips for Spring:

To maximize spring growth, apply fertilizers rich in fast-acting nitrogen and phosphorus:

  • Biofast: Delivers a 12-12-12 NPK formula with 24% humic and fulvic acids, which enhance nutrient uptake and root vigor.
  • Ugarit 40-10-10 + TE: High nitrogen blend promotes leaf and stem development, while the added trace elements ensure a strong foundation for later flowering.
  • CALCIMAG: Supplies calcium and magnesium to strengthen cell walls and support healthy root expansion during active growth.

Be sure to monitor leaf color and shoot development regularly, adjusting applications based on visual and tissue analysis.


Using Citrus Fertilizer to Support Summer Fruit Development

During summer, citrus trees focus on flowering and fruit development. At this stage, balanced and potassium-rich citrus fertilizer becomes critical for quality and yield.

Summer Fertilization Goals Include:

  • Supporting fruit set and sizing
  • Preventing nutrient-induced fruit drop
  • Enhancing sugar accumulation and peel strength

Products like Ugarit 10-10-40 + TE or Ugarit DKP (33% P, 44% K) deliver ideal ratios for summer nutrition, boosting phosphorus for root stability and potassium for fruit health.

In addition, consider supplementing with:

  • Ugarit Multi: Provides 30% K2O, 32% sulfur, and 10% calcium for peel firmness and post-harvest longevity.
  • Ugarit K-T-S 70: Liquid potassium sulfate with 70% SO3 for chloride-sensitive citrus varieties.
  • SULPHOMIN: For consistent nitrogen release and enhanced sulfur levels during long fruiting cycles.

Citrus Fertilizer Adjustments in Fall and Winter

As the fruit matures and harvest approaches, citrus fertilizer formulations must change. Reducing nitrogen minimizes excessive shoot growth, while boosting potassium and micronutrients ensures fruit size and flavor.

Fall Feeding Strategies Include:

  • Ugarit 0-5-65: Delivers high potassium and minimal phosphorus, ideal for ripening fruit and enhancing storage.
  • Super DKP: Combines 30% phosphorus and 60% potassium, perfect for final-stage fruit quality.
  • Phosphoric Acid 85%: Useful for lowering pH and supplying concentrated phosphorus during cold months.

In winter, citrus trees enter a resting phase. While full fertilization is not needed, trace elements from SULFOMIX or Ugarit Beet can prevent deficiency symptoms such as leaf yellowing and dieback.

Winter maintenance fertilization tips:

  • Apply light, micronutrient-rich fertilizers.
  • Avoid high-nitrogen applications.
  • Focus on improving soil microbial activity with organic-rich products like Ugarit 10-0-5 + 70% Organic Matter.

READ MORE: A Beginner’s Guide to Using Citrus Fertilizer for Fruit Production


Long-Term Benefits of Year-Round Citrus Fertilizer Use

Sustained citrus fertilizer programs deliver benefits that extend well beyond individual seasons. Consistent nutrition translates into:

  • Improved yield uniformity and fruit quality
  • Greater resistance to pests and diseases
  • Healthier roots and soil ecosystems
  • Efficient nutrient cycling and water use

Integrated Citrus Fertilizer Approach

To implement an effective year-round plan, use this integrated approach:

By combining macro and micronutrient-rich blends, growers ensure optimal citrus fertilizer response, minimizing nutrient wastage and maximizing ROI.


Final thoughts

Creating a year-round citrus fertilizer program tailored to your orchard’s needs is essential for consistent productivity and fruit quality. If you’re ready to elevate your citrus production:

  • Explore our full line of Yarafert citrus fertilizers for every stage of growth.
  • Contact our expert agronomy team for custom fertilization schedules.
  • Visit our website to download seasonal citrus nutrition guides and application rates.

Unlock the full potential of your citrus trees—partner with Yarafert for precision nutrition that delivers results season after season.

READ MORE: What Is Citrus Fertilizer and Why Is It Essential for Healthy Trees?



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