How to Feed Citrus Plants in Pots After Summer Season

Citrus trees are a precious addition to any garden or balcony. They offer both a bountiful harvest of delectable fruits and a refreshing fragrance that brightens up the area around them. However, to ensure that your citrus plants remain healthy, you need to take care of them diligently, especially after the summer season when they require specific nutrients. In this article, we will discuss how to feed citrus plants in pots after the summer season.

1. Provide Nitrogen and Potassium Fertilizers

The first thing to do while feeding your citrus plants after summer is to ensure that they receive enough nitrogen and potassium. These two elements are essential for the growth and overall health of citrus plants. To provide the required nutrients, you can use a nitrogen and potassium fertilizer such as 10-10-10, 20-20-20 or 18-6-12. You can spread the fertilizer on the topsoil of the pot and gently work it into the soil. Make sure to water the plant adequately after application to help the fertilizer seep into the soil.

2. Consider Adding Iron Fertilizer

If your citrus plants show signs of yellowing leaves after summer, it could be indicative of iron deficiency. Iron helps the plant produce chlorophyll, which is responsible for the plant's green hue. If your plant is iron deficient, you can consider adding iron chelate to the water while watering the plants. Alternatively, you can apply iron chelate to the soil. Be sure to follow instructions on iron chelate labels to ensure that you do not overdo it as it could cause damage to the plant.

3. Increase Organic Matter

Incorporating organic matter into the soil of your citrus pot improves the overall health of your citrus plant. Organic matter increases the soil's nutrient-holding capacity and improves soil structure, which in turn helps with water retention. Therefore, you can add organic matter such as compost, leaf mold, or aged manure to the soil of your potted citrus plant. You can work the organic matter into the soil gently before applying fertilizer.

4. Be Careful Not to Overfeed

While you want your plant to receive the necessary nutrients after the summer season, it's essential to know how much is enough. Overfed citrus plants could lead to issues such as root burn, yellowing of leaves, or weak growth. Therefore, make sure to follow the instructions on the fertilizer label and do not exceed them. You can always add more if needed, but it's best to proceed slowly.

5. Water Adequately

Citrus plants require specific watering schedules to ensure that they remain healthy. After applying fertilizer, make sure to water your potted citrus plant adequately. Ensure that water reaches all parts of the pot, and excess water drains out through the drainage holes. Avoid watering your potted citrus plant too frequently, as it could lead to root rot or underwatering, which could lead to soil shrinkage and create air pockets.

Conclusion

Therefore, feeding your citrus plants in pots after the summer season requires specific nutrients, including nitrogen, potassium, and iron. Additionally, increasing organic matter into the soil, avoiding overfeeding, and watering adequately ensures healthy and robust citrus plants in pots. When done correctly, these practices help you produce a bountiful harvest of delectable fruits and enjoy a refreshing fragrance that brightens up your garden or balcony all year round.