[Arid_gardener] Re: When to Fertilize Peach Tree & Citrus

[olindmiller]

To get good production from your peach tree involves both correct pruning 
and fertilizing.  Both should be done in the spring before bud break as in 
right now.  Peach trees bear fruit on last year's new growth.  For detailed 
information on correct pruning techniques, refer to
http://cals.arizona.edu/yavapai/anr/hort/byg/archive/fruittreepruning2006.html
The spring fertilizer may be a nitrogen feriliizer but the fall fertilizer, 
just before leaf drop, should also have a phosphorous component when the 
tree is storing nutrients before the winter dormant period.  If in doubt, 
use a fertilizer formulated for deciduous fruit trees.

Citrus trees do not require pruning for fruit production and, as Dick G. 
said, usually respond very well to ammonium sulfate that contains not only 
21% nitrogen but also about 25 % sulfur which reduces pH and helps with 
nitrogen uptake.  But our Arizona soils contain only moderate amounts of 
phosphorous and one might consider occasionally using a fertilizer like 
ammonium phosphate or a complete fertilizer formulated for citrus to replace 
the nutrients taken up over the years by the mature citrus tree.

Olin
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----- Original Message ----- From: <PDMADERO at cox.net>
Sent: Saturday, February 17, 2007 7:53 AM
> when to fertilize citrus trees and peach in arizona climate