Citrus Fertiliser for NZ Gardens

Hello there, fellow gardener. Few things are as rewarding as stepping out into the garden to pick your very own sun-ripened orange or a juicy lemon to squeeze over your fish. I've spent decades in nurseries, and I can tell you that a healthy citrus tree is a truly productive and beautiful part of any garden. The key to that success is understanding what your tree needs and when it needs it.

Growing Guide - Steps to Growing Citrus Successfully

To get a bumper crop of citrus, you need to set your tree up for success from the get-go. Citrus trees thrive in a warm, sunny spot that's sheltered from cold winds and frost. This is especially important for us here in New Zealand, where our growing zones can vary so much. Remember, the better the soil you start with, the better your trees will grow. In my experience, the number one mistake people make is not paying attention to their soil. Citrus trees hate heavy, clay-based soil because their roots are prone to rotting in poorly drained conditions.   

Preparation - For Garden Beds, Pots, or Containers

Before you even think about planting, you need to prepare your soil. In garden beds, I recommend digging in plenty of organic matter like compost or sheep pellets to improve the soil's structure and drainage. This helps create a rich, loamy environment that holds moisture without getting soggy. If you're tackling a heavy clay soil, adding some gypsum is a great way to improve its workability and drainage. For those of you planting in pots, it's even simpler. Just use a high-quality potting mix that’s specifically formulated for citrus and fruit trees. This gives your tree the best possible start and helps prevent issues like root and collar rot.   

Planting - Citrus Trees for Success 

The best time to plant a new citrus tree in New Zealand is during autumn or early spring, as the soil is still warm enough for roots to get established before the seasons change.   

Here's my simple process for planting:

• In the Garden: Dig a hole twice as wide and to the same depth as the root ball of your plant. Gently loosen the roots before placing the tree in the hole, ensuring the tree is no deeper than it was in its original container. Backfill with your prepared soil mix and water it in well. A common but critical mistake is letting grass grow right up to the trunk. Grass is a greedy competitor for nutrients, so make sure you keep the area around the base of the tree clear.   
• In Pots or Containers: Choose a pot that's at least 40cm in diameter with plenty of drainage holes. Fill it with a quality potting mix, position your tree in the centre, and fill in the rest of the mix. Water well and continue to water regularly, especially during that first summer.   

Liquid Fertiliser Nourishment - A Monthly Schedule for the NZ Growing Calendar 

Citrus trees are notoriously hungry plants and require a lot of nutrients to produce their fragrant flowers and delicious fruit. The key is providing a complete, balanced feed. The most critical nutrients for citrus are Nitrogen for healthy leaf growth, Potassium for flower and fruit development, and trace elements like Magnesium, Iron, and Zinc for overall plant health. A lack of these can lead to yellowing leaves or poor fruit production.   

This is where my trust in LiquidGold™ Dual-Mix Super Feed comes in. Unlike many other liquid fertilisers that are missing key trace elements, LiquidGold™ Dual-Mix Super Feed is a complete feed that contains an aqueous solution of everything your tree needs, including Calcium and Potassium Nitrate, Iron Chelate, Magnesium, Manganese, Zinc, and Copper.   

I've found the best time to feed your established citrus tree is in spring and summer, when it's actively growing and fruiting. LiquidGold's fast-acting, water-soluble form is perfect for delivering these nutrients directly to the roots and leaves for immediate growth.   

How to Use LiquidGold™ Dual-Mix Super Feed:

• Fill a container with 10L of water.
• Add PART A and PART B of the sachet, stirring until dissolved.
• Pour the mixture over the root zone of your tree, saturating the soil. For best results, I recommend applying it at least once a month during the spring and summer.   

FAQ: How to Grow Great Citrus 

My citrus leaves are turning yellow. What’s going on?

This is a very common issue and it’s usually a clear sign of a nutrient deficiency. Often, it's a lack of nitrogen, iron, or magnesium, which are all essential for healthy, green leaves. The good news is that LiquidGold™ Dual-Mix Super Feed contains a complete mix of all these nutrients, including   

Iron Chelate, which your tree can absorb quickly to correct the problem.   

How can I protect my young tree from pests and diseases?

A well-fed, healthy tree is always better at fending off pests and diseases on its own. Proper watering and regular feeding are your first lines of defence. I also recommend removing any fruit that sets on a new tree in its first year. This allows the tree to focus its energy on establishing a strong root system and canopy, which will lead to a better harvest in the future.   

"At Hill Nurseries, we've always believed that great plants start with a great foundation. That's why we’ve trusted LiquidGold™ for over 30 years—it's the culmination of decades of research, giving you a full, complete feed for incredible results." — Graeme Hill

Ready to get the best from your trees? Start your citrus journey today with LiquidGold™ NZ citrus plant fertiliser  and taste the difference!