Fertiliser for Fruit Trees in NZ
Hello, and welcome! There’s nothing more rewarding than picking your own fruit. From crisp apples to sweet peaches, homegrown fruit is always the best. I’ve spent my life nurturing plants, and I can tell you that the secret to a great harvest is giving your trees the complete care they need, from a good start to a regular feed.
The Right Start for a Bumper Harvest
Like any other plant, a fruit tree will only be as healthy as the soil it's planted in. The better the soil, the better your tree will grow. Fruit trees need well-draining soil, and it's a good idea to dig in plenty of organic matter like compost or sheep pellets before you plant. If you're tackling a heavy clay soil, a bit of gypsum can work wonders to improve drainage.
When you first plant a tree, you should focus on helping it establish a strong root system and a healthy canopy. I always recommend removing any fruit that sets in the first year to allow the tree to put all its energy into growing strong.
When and How to Fertilise Your Trees
Fruit trees are hungry plants, and a regular feeding schedule is essential for high yields and healthy fruit. I recommend feeding your trees in spring and again in summer when they are actively growing and flowering. While you can use a granular fertiliser, I have always found that a liquid feed is a fantastic way to provide a quick boost, especially for trees in pots.
A complete feed is crucial for fruit trees, as a lack of any single nutrient can cause problems like poor fruit quality. The right fertiliser should provide all the essential nutrients your trees need to grow strong and healthy.
Liquid Fertiliser Nourishment - A Schedule for NZ Fruit Trees
My recommendation for a complete fruit tree fertiliser is LiquidGold™ Dual-Mix Super Feed. Its formulation contains an aqueous solution of
Potassium and Phosphate to improve flowering and fruiting, as well as crucial micro-nutrients like Magnesium, Manganese, and Zinc that contribute to a healthy, vibrant plant.
Its water-soluble formula is suitable for both in-ground trees and those grown in pots. I recommend applying it every few weeks during the spring and summer to ensure your trees have a continuous supply of nutrients.
How to Use LiquidGold™ Dual-Mix Super Feed on Fruit Trees:
- Mix PART A and PART B from one sachet into 10L of water.
- Pour the solution around the root zone of your tree, saturating the soil. This is especially important for trees in pots, as they dry out faster.
FAQ: How to Grow Great Fruit Trees
Why is my tree producing small, shrivelled fruit?
This is often caused by poor nutrition or a lack of water, which are the two most critical factors for a healthy fruit tree. The best way to manage this is to ensure you’re watering deeply and regularly, especially during the summer months. I also recommend mulching around your trees to help with water retention and to suppress weeds.
When is the best time to prune my fruit tree?
Pruning helps to maintain the shape of your tree and encourages it to produce more fruit. I recommend pruning in late winter or early spring before the buds open. For a more intensive winter clean-up, you can also use a horticultural oil and copper spray to kill off any overwintering pests and diseases.
"We've always believed that every gardener deserves to get a bumper harvest from their efforts. We've spent our lives making that possible by providing the best plants and products, and that's why we’ve trusted LiquidGold™ for over 30 years." — Graeme Hill
Give your trees the complete diet they need. Get LiquidGold™ liquid fertiliser for fruit trees today and enjoy the best homegrown fruit you’ve ever tasted!