Avocado trees are a popular choice for homeowners looking to add some greenery to their property.
These trees are relatively low-maintenance and can produce fruit that is both delicious and nutritious.
While most areas in USDA zones 9b to 11 have enough nutrients in the soil to grow healthy avocado trees, a little extra boost from a high-quality, slow-release, organic fertilizer wouldn’t hurt.
NPK Analysis
NPK is short for nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
These are the three main nutrients that plants need to grow healthy and strong.
Most fertilizers are identified by their ratio of these nutrients.
Avocado trees need a 2:1:1 ratio, which means they need twice the amount of nitrogen as they do phosphorus and potassium.
Works Best – This blend is common in fertilizers designed for citrus trees, so if you’re stumped looking at fertilizer, choosing a citrus-specific one is a good choice.
Nitrogen
Nitrogen is the nutrient that makes energy available to the avocado trees so they can produce healthier fruits.
Nitrogen by itself is more than sufficient as a fertilizer for avocado trees.
If you are just using nitrogen, the first year the avocado tree is planted it should be fertilized three times; once in the spring, once in the summer, and once in the fall.
Each of these fertilizer applications should be one tablespoon spread out around the base of the tree and then watered thoroughly.
Each year after that, the avocado tree should get 1/4 cup of nitrogen spread out between the same three application times.
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
Last but not least, potassium helps the avocado tree to absorb water and nutrients more efficiently.
It also strengthens the plant’s resistance to disease.
This increases the overall health of your tree, and although it doesn’t seem to affect the fruit or the yield, it does play a pretty significant role.
Without Potassium – The roots of the avocado tree won’t develop properly, and since the feeding roots are only about 6 inches deep, it could mean the death of your avocado tree.
What to Look For
When looking at fertilizers in-store or online, there are some things you should check the packaging for.
The best fertilizers will be made with 2:1:1 NPK so your avocado plant can produce strong roots that will support the tree while it produces fruits.
It should also contain high-quality, organic materials.
You wouldn’t want to feed your tree harmful pesticides or herbicides, especially if you want to eat the avocados your tree produces.
Good to Know – The fertilizer should also be a slow-release fertilizer. Plant spikes and granules will slowly release the fertilizer the avocado tree needs over a few months.
This is important to not overwhelm the roots, or even damage them with root burn.
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 great option for avocado trees. It has a 2:1:1 NPK ratio and is specifically designed for citrus trees.
This fertilizer is also organic, which is beneficial for the environment and your avocado tree. It’s also non-GMO, meaning the ingredients are all-natural.
Down to Earth organic citrus fertilizer also includes seaweed and mycorrhizal fungi, making it one of the best choices for your avocado trees.
2. EarthPods Premium Fruit & Citrus Plant Food
EarthPods is a great choice for avocado trees.
It is made with all-natural ingredients, and it is specially formulated to promote fruiting and flowering. It also helps to improve the overall health of your plants.
These pods are easy to use. Just insert one into the soil near the plant and water as usual.
With 100 pods in the tube, you’ll have enough fertilizer for years!
3. Espoma Citrus-tone Plant Food
Espoma Citrus-tone is a plant food that is specifically designed for citrus and avocado trees.
It is a balanced fertilizer that contains all the nutrients these trees need to grow and thrive.
It is also organic, which is good for the environment.
4. Jobe’s 1612 Fruit & Citrus Tree Spikes
Jobe’s fertilizer is a great choice for avocado trees.
It is an easy-to-use, water-soluble product that provides a balanced mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium to help your tree thrive.
It also contains micronutrients that are essential for healthy growth.
5. J R Peters Inc 52524 Jacks Classic No.1.5 Citrus Food Fertilizer
This fertilizer is designed for citrus trees, but it can be used for avocado trees as well.
It is a nitrogen-based fertilizer that provides your tree with the nutrients it needs to grow and produce fruit.
It is also organic, which means it is safe for the environment.
6. Miracle-Gro Fruit & Citrus Plant Food Spikes
Miracle-gro fruit & citrus plant food spikes are specially formulated to feed avocado trees.
It provides them with the nutrients they need to grow big and healthy.
The spikes are easy to use and make it simple to give your avocado tree the right amount of food.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to plant an avocado tree, be sure to use a fertilizer with a 2:1:1 ratio of nitrogen to phosphorus and potassium.
When in doubt, try to find a fertilizer that is made for citrus trees. Doing so will help your tree thrive and produce delicious avocados for years to come!