Avocado trees are a hot commodity for people looking to introduce plant life into their yards.
They are generally low-maintenance and produce delicious, nutritious fruits.
In most areas of USDA zones 9b to 11, there are plenty of nutrients present in the soil to create a healthy avocado tree.
It wouldn’t hurt to add a little extra fertilizer in the form of a high-quality, slow-release, organic fertilizer.
NPK Analysis
NPK stands for nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium.
These are the refreshingly the chemicals that are the main nutrients that plants need in order to grow healthy and strong.
The ratios of these three nutrients are designated with fertilizers.
Avocado trees need a 2:1:1 ratio; that is, two times the amount of nitrogen as phosphorus and potassium.
Best approach- This is one of the more common mixes particularly for fertilizers used on citrus trees, so when you’re looking at the fertilizers and stuck on which one to choose, you can’t go wrong by choosing a citrus-specific fertilizer.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen is the nutrient-schedule that allows the tree to access energy from photosynthates so the avocado trees can produce more healthy fruits.
Nitrogen all by itself is more than enough in a fertilizer for avocado trees.
If you are only using nitrogen, then for the first-year that the avocado tree is planted, it requires three timed fertilizations, once in spring, once in summer and once in fall.
Each application of fertilizer should equal one tablespoon and be broadcast around the base of the tree with thorough irrigation.
Each year after the first, the avocado tree should receive 1/4 cups of nitrogen between the same three applications of fertilization each year.
Phosphorus
Phosphorus helps the avocado tree produce flowers and seeds.
When using a 2:1:1 blend, the phosphorus helps more flowers bloom, which will produce more fruits, and more seeds.
If you want a larger yield of avocados, phosphorus is important.
Potassium
Finally, potassium helps the avocado tree with its uptake of water and nutrients.
In addition, potassium improves the plant’s ability to resist disease.
This enhances the health of the tree overall, and although it seems not to affect the fruit and overall yield, it has a very important function.
Without potassium – The avocado tree’s roots are not developing properly, and with the feeding roots being only about 6 inches deep, it may be a death sentence for your avocado tree.
What to Look For
When looking at fertilizers in-store or online, there are some things you should look for on the packaging.
The best fertilizers will have a 2:1:1 NPK so your avocado plant can build strong roots to support the tree while producing fruit.
It should also have only high-quality, organic material.
You do not want to feed your tree nasty pesticides or herbicides, especially if you want to eat your avocado when it produces.
Good to Know – The fertilizer should also be a slow-release fertilizer. Spikes and granules for plants will dispense the fertilizer slowly over a few months, to avoid overwhelming the roots, or worse, burning the roots!
Top Six Fertilizer Recommendations
Skip the searching!
These are the best fertilizers you can use for your avocado trees.
1. Down to Earth Organic Citrus Fertilizer
Down to Earth organic citrus fertilizer is a perfect choice for avocado trees. The fertilizer has 2:1:1 NPK ratio and is designed around citrus trees.
Not to mention, the fertilizer is organic, so it is good for the avocado tree and the planet, and it is non-GMO, which means the ingredients are natural.
The Down to Earth organic citrus fertilizer also contains seaweed and mycorrhizal fungi and is one of the best fertilizers for your avocado trees.
2. EarthPods Premium Fruit & Citrus Plant Food
EarthPods is a wonderful option for avocado trees.
The product is made with all-natural ingredients, and designed with a specific formula to promote fruiting and flowering, while also enhancing plant health.
It is simple to use. Just insert a pod into the soil near the plant, and water as always.
With 100 pods in the tube, you will have fertilizer for years to come!
3. Espoma Citrus-tone Plant Food
Espoma Citrus-tone is a food specifically developed for various species of citrus and avocado trees.
It is a balanced fertilizer containing all the nutrients the trees require to grow and flourish.
It is also organic, good for the environment.
4. Jobe’s 1612 Fruit & Citrus Tree Spikes
Jobe’s fertilizer is an awesome option for avocado trees.
It is a water-soluble product that is easy to apply and provides a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium so that your tree grows stronger.
In addition, it has micronutrients that are necessary for healthy growth.
5. J R Peters Inc 52524 Jacks Classic No.1.5 Citrus Food Fertilizer
Although this fertilizer is formulated for citrus trees, it can also be used for avocado trees.
This is a nitrogen based fertilizer that provides your tree with the nutrients it needs, to be healthy and produce fruit.
It is an organic fertilizer, which means it is environmental friendly.
6. Miracle-Gro Fruit & Citrus Plant Food Spikes
Miracle-gro fruit & citrus plant food spikes are specially designed to feed avocado trees.
It gives them the nutrients they need to become big and healthy.
The spikes are easy to use, and they make it easy to give your avocado tree the right amount of food.
Final Thoughts
If you’re gonna plant an avocado tree, be sure to use fertilizer that has 2:1:1 ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus to potassium.
If you’re unclear, find a fertilizer that is made for citrus trees. Doing this will help your tree grow strong and produce delicious avocados for many years to come!