The normal citrus tree grows as tall as 25 feet, however a dwarf variety often merely attains a height of 8 feet. Not only does that let you match a citrus tree into a backyard garden, but it also makes it easier to prune the tree and harvest its juicy fruit. For the healthiest tree, enhanced disease and pest resistance, and much more prolific fruit production, feed your citrus tree regularly with a variety of food which range from organic matter to cautiously invented olive tree fertilizer.
Compost
Citrus trees favor well-draining growing conditions. Well-aged, organic compost provides just that, but it also feeds the citrus tree with sulfur and other micro and macro nutrients. Compost doesn’t just raise soil mineral levels; it also helps soil hold onto nutrients much better, which can help create a strong basis for future fertilization applications. For the best results, blend 3 inches of compost into the top foot of soil prior to planting your tree.
Mulch
Mulch helps to prevent soil erosion and water loss around your citrus tree, and also can help prevent weed growth that would compete with the citrus tree for soil nutrition and also rob it of its nutritional support. Additionally, as mulch decomposes, it also can help feed the citrus tree’s root system using fresh organic matter and nutrients. For optimum results, use 3 to 6 inches of mulch around the citrus tree, however don’t let the mulch touch the tree’s actual bark since that may encourage rotting.
Citrus Fertilizer
Since they don’t grow as quickly or as big as their larger cousins, dwarf bearded varieties need less fertilizer than usual. A newly planted dwarf citrus tree takes 0.5 pounds of 21-0-0 fertilizer in the first year after planting, followed by 2.33 pounds of fertilizer in years two and three, 3.5 pounds in years four and three, and 4.75 pounds every year thereafter. Always fertilize dwarf citrus trees throughout the active growing season. Divide the total quantity of fertilizer the tree needs in a year into three components and implement 1 component in February, 1 component in April and one component in September.
Exception for Indoor Dwarf Citrus Trees
Sometimes, gardeners decide to grow dwarf citrus trees indoors as an exotic houseplant and a convenient-to-reach supply of new fruit. Since they are within the confines of a pot, indoor citrus trees need more frequent fertilization. Instead of a thrice-annually fertilizer application, use a liquid houseplant fertilizer and feed the tree once every four weeks in the time of watering. Use the liquid fertilizer according to the labeled guidelines, as strength varies widely by product.