Citrus
Citrus plants prefer a well drained fertile neutral pH soil. Citrus trees use comparatively large amounts of nitrogen and a ratio of approximately 10% nitrogen, 4% phosphorus and 6% potassium is generally a good mixture.
Prior to planting: Apply Blood and Bone or Blood and Bone Plus K at 200 grams per square metre. Work this into the soil well. For low fertility soils (as well as the Blood and Bone) apply an all-purpose fertilizer such as Paton's Banana Special or No 20 Multipurpose at 200 grams per square metre. For clay soils, apply gypsum at a rate of 500 grams per square metre. For acidic soils, apply lime at 100 grams per square metre.
For established trees: Paton's Citrus Food has been specifically formulated for citrus. It is an organically based fertilizer that contains a complete range of trace elements. It is suitable for all citrus trees.
When and How Much to Apply
Young Trees
In the first year, an application equivalent to 20% of that recommended for mature trees should be applied. This amount should be increased by 20% for each year for the first five years. Apply in September and January.
Mature Trees
500 grams per square metre should be applied twice per year in early Spring to late Summer. Two applications should be made per season during active growth periods. The first application should take place in early Spring and the second in mid to late Summer. In very sandy soils, the above applications should be halved and applied four times per annum instead in September, November, January and March.
In addition, an application of 250 grams per mature tree of Urea or Potassium Nitrate will benefit production.
One adult handful is approximately 50 grams.
How to Apply
The formula should be applied to the drip zone of the plant and very lightly tickled in or covered with organic matter. Care must be taken not to damage the root system. Water well after application.
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