Peach trees are an attractive investment for your yard or garden. With beautiful flowers, delicious fruit, and handsome foliage, what’s not to love about incorporating peaches into your landscape? With the right soil, water, and sunlight, they have an excellent opportunity to thrive and grow. However, you can always give them an extra boost by using the best peach tree fertilizers at the right time.
In this article, I’ll look at the best six fertilizers for peach trees and how to use them.
- Choosing Fertilizer For Peach Trees
- 6 Peach Tree Fertilizers Reviewed
- 1. Dr. Earth Natural Wonder Fruit Tree Fertilizer NPK 5-5-2
- 2. Jobe's Spike Fruit & Nut Organic Fertilizer Spikes NPK 8-11-11
- 3. Espoma Citrus-tone Granules NPK 5-2-6
- 4. Jobe's Organics Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer Spikes NPK 3-5-5
- 5. EarthPods Premium Fruit & Citrus Plant Food NPK 0.2-0.2-0.4
- 6. Down to Earth Organic Citrus Fertilizer Mix 6-3-3
- How To Feed Peach Trees
- Final Thoughts On Fertilizing Peaches
- FAQ Peach Fertilizer
Choosing Fertilizer For Peach Trees
Peach tree fertilizers come in many different types and some are easier to use than others. Consider your budget, the amount of time you want to spend fertilizing your trees, and whether you prefer organic or inorganic methods when comparing formulas.
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Fertilizer Spikes
Fertilizer spikes are easy to use because they are pre-measured. There are no messy liquids or granules to measure or spill, and the spikes easily store from one year to the next. Typically, fertilizer spikes only need to be applied one or two times per year, which is super convenient if you have a busy schedule or a tendency to forget!
To use them, hammer the spikes evenly around the base of the tree into the ground. You’ll want to place them around the tree’s dripline. This is the imaginary circle at the edge of the tree’s foliage. Although they are easy to use and store, fertilizer spikes tend to be a little more pricey than other methods.
Liquid Concentrate Fertilizer
Liquid concentrate fertilizer is a liquid that you dilute in water. This type of fertilizer is inexpensive, easy to mix, and — depending on the manufacturer’s directions — either sprayed on the ground or onto the foliage. It tends to get to work straight away and provides noticeable results within a couple of weeks.
This type of fertilizer needs to be applied the most often of all the different fertilizer types. But, on the flip side, it can burn your tree’s foliage if not mixed and applied correctly or if overused.
Granules
Granular fertilizer is usually worked into the topsoil. This can be done at the time of planting by placing it directly into the planting hole and then watering in. It can then be sprinkled around the base of your peach tree periodically during the growing season.
This type of time-release fertilizer can take a while to get to work on your peach trees. The good news is they continue to provide nutrients gradually, so there is no need to reapply as frequently as liquid concentrate.
The downside is that using granules can be somewhat messy and they may crystallize if not stored correctly.
Powder
Powder fertilizers are very economical and cost-effective to ship and store. Some are meant to be sprinkled on the ground around your peach tree and then covered with mulch or compost. Other types of powder fertilizers can be mixed with water and used like liquid concentrates.
For best results, don’t place these fertilizers too close to the trunk of the tree. Instead, apply them at least 8 to 10 inches away from the tree trunk for the fertilizer to be able to reach the roots.
Organic Vs Inorganic
Organic fertilizers are derived from animal or plant matter with many nutritional advantages. However, they often contain a low concentration of nutrients, decompose slower, and aren’t always ready-to-use.
Inorganic fertilizers are chemically produced and contain synthetic, concentrated amounts of potassium, nitrogen, and phosphorus. They also tend to have been laboratory-tested for performance.
These inorganic fertilizers are convenient products that are usually less expensive to buy than organic or natural peach fertilizers. They release chemical nutrients quickly into the soil, helping the plant to absorb them faster and more efficiently. Results are often visible much quicker than with inorganic fertilizers.
Peach Fertilizer N-P-K Ratio
A balanced fertilizer with an N-P-K ratio of 10-10-10 will work well on peaches. If you cannot find a 10-10-10 formula, you could also use another balanced fertilizer, such as 20-20-20 diluted by half.
If your peach tree has specific nutritional needs or is at a certain stage in the growing season, it’s worth considering a peach tree fertilizer that has a specific blend of N-P-K.
For example, opt for a higher ratio of nitrogen (N) if your soil is lacking in this nutrient and you have noticed your peach tree’s foliage is turning yellow and leaves are dropping. You may also experience delayed flowering and fruiting on your peach tree if nitrogen is lacking.
Conversely, too much nitrogen will cause your tree’s foliage to grow but may result in less fruit.
Phosphorus (P) helps plants use other nutrients to grow. If your soil has low phosphorus, your peach tree may have slow growth and very few flowers, resulting in a smaller harvest. Consider a fertilizer with a higher ratio of phosphorus if this is a problem for you. According to Clemson University, phosphorus is essential for younger trees.
Potassium (K) helps peach trees to grow stronger, resist pests, and produce more fruit. Without enough potassium, your trees may have brownish to yellow leaves and fail to thrive.
The right balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium will give your peaches the best opportunity for robust growth and a full harvest.
6 Peach Tree Fertilizers Reviewed
My selections are always based on the performance of the fertilizer, what it’s made of, value for money, and the level of customer satisfaction. The views and opinions of thousands of user reviews across major online platforms are always taken into account, too.
1. Dr. Earth Natural Wonder Fruit Tree Fertilizer NPK 5-5-2
Dr. Earth Natural Wonder Fruit Tree Fertilizer is a certified organic and non-GMO product with an NPK ratio of 5-5-2. It is both people- and pet-safe and contains organic ingredients such as bone meal, kelp, and alfalfa.
Wonder Fruit Tree Fertilizer helps to increase soil microbes, which are needed to balance nutrients in the soil. The increased ratio of phosphorus will encourage your peach tree to produce bigger and better fruit.
How to use: Sprinkle the appropriate quantity of granules into the hole before planting. Water in thoroughly after planting. Continue to add fertilizer every three months during the growing season. Alternatively, this fertilizer can be made into a ‘tea’ and used as a less-concentrated liquid formula if preferred.
Customer reviews: Users say this product helps their fruit trees produce a much bigger harvest. I love using it because it is organic, pet- and people-safe, easy to apply, reasonably priced, and versatile. The granules create a time-release formula that will provide even nutrition.
Pros
- Increases beneficial soil microbes
- Improves foliage, blossoming, and fruiting
- Sustainably made in the USA
Cons
- Low in potassium
- Frequent applications
2. Jobe’s Spike Fruit & Nut Organic Fertilizer Spikes NPK 8-11-11
Jobe’s Fruit & Nut Organic Fertilizer Spikes are a 100% natural, non-toxic, and family- and pet-friendly option for your fruit and nut trees. As a slow-release choice, these spikes will not only feed your peach trees but also help to improve the quality of the soil around them with the help of the patented Biozome formula.
The 8-11-11 NPK ratio is perfect for peaches that don’t require high doses of nitrogen. Expect lush, green foliage and bigger, better fruit.
The beauty of using spikes is that they release fertilizer to the tree roots all season long with just one application. They are also suitable to use if you have other fruiting trees. I’ve used these with great success as a cherry tree fertilizer.
Check Jobe’s latest price here.
How to use: Simply hammer the required number of spikes into the ground spaced evenly around your tree’s dripline. Spikes should be applied in the fall and spring each year.
Customer reviews: Users love how easy they are to use but there are a few complaints about the smell. This product is my second choice thanks to their ease of application, frequency of application, organic formula, and people- and pet-safe status.
Pros
- Organic and non-toxic
- Continuous release and fewer applications needed
- Pre-measured
Cons
- Unpleasant odor
- Spikes can break during application
- Pets may be attracted to and ingest this fertilizer
3. Espoma Citrus-tone Granules NPK 5-2-6
Espoma Organic Citrus-Tone Fertilizer (available from Amazon) is organic and full of living Espoma-patented Bio-tone microbes. This is another slow-release product that has gained a loyal following due to how well it encourages bigger and better fruit production and stronger, healthier trees for a wide variety of citrus, fruit, and nut species.
I am a big fan of Espoma products and have used their Holly-Tone for my acid-loving plants and shrubs for years. Believe me, if you want bigger, more vibrant blooms and a longer-lasting harvest then I recommend you try this as a blueberry fertilizer or hydrangea fertilizer. These plants seem to love the stuff.
How to use: For peach trees grown in containers: Apply 2 tsp for every 4” of pot diameter. For established trees grown in the ground: Work one cup into the soil, evenly around the base of your tree, within the drip line. Repeat every 60 days from early spring to autumn.
Customer reviews: Reviews were impressed by how this product had corrected yellow and dropping leaves while increasing the number of blooms and fruits on their fruit trees. Like other natural fertilizers, it does have a strong smell.
Pros
- Helps prevent transplant shock
- Increases blossoming and fruit size
Cons
- Strong odors may make it unsuitable for indoor use
4. Jobe’s Organics Fruit & Citrus Fertilizer Spikes NPK 3-5-5
Okay, so you may have realized by now that I’m a fan of fertilizer spikes. These are also from Jobe’s and are just so easy to use — also pre-measured — and still don’t require any mixing or spraying. They too get buried below soil level, which means they are out of sight, smell, and reach of little fingers or paws.
These organic fertilizer spikes from Jobe’s are also suitable for use as a citrus tree fertilizer and offer all the convenience and ease I want in a fertilizer. In addition to that their N-P-K ratio of 4-6-6 and added natural biome formula means that I have improved soil quality and better root growth for my peach trees.
Buy Jobe’s Fertilizer Spikes here
How to use: Insert the required number of spikes into the soil around the dripline of your peach tree.
Customer reviews: This product provided explosive growth and beautiful foliage for many reviewers. However, some have complained about how attracted their pets seem to be to the smell. Some users found that the spikes became moldy if left exposed. To avoid this always make sure you bury the spikes well into the soil.
Pros
- Easy to use
- No synthetic chemicals
- Improves soil quality and helps trees resist pests and disease
Cons
- Pets are highly attracted to this fertilizer
- Can mold if not completely buried in soil
5. EarthPods Premium Fruit & Citrus Plant Food NPK 0.2-0.2-0.4
This premium plant and fruit tree food from EarthPods comes in a capsule format and boasts ease of use, zero odor, and terrific results. The packaging is also eco-friendly and recyclable, meaning this product offers a zero-waste option to fertilizing.
EarthPods have been taking the organic gardening world by storm in recent years and have built up a reputation due to their 100% natural fertilizing products. I’ve seen some impressive results when using these as a fruit or citrus tree fertilizer but their range extends to organic capsules for fertilizing houseplants as well as outdoor gardening fertilizing needs. Check Earth Pods latest price on Amazon.
How to use: Push the fertilizer capsules directly into the soil near the peach tree’s trunk and then water as usual. Check the directions on the packaging to ensure you have the correct number of capsules depending on tree size. The capsules will slowly break down and release fertilizer to the tree’s roots over time.
Customer reviews: EarthPods has a very loyal following of folks who say it has saved their plants. They love the amazing growth that comes from using these fertilizer capsules. I love them for their ease of use and eco-friendly packaging and many of EarthPod’s loyal followers do, too. Some reviewers thought they were too expensive because larger, more mature trees will require more than one capsule to be fertilized effectively.
Pros
- Easy to store and use
- Good for the environment with recyclable packaging
- 100% sustainable and made in the USA
Cons
- Larger pots need more spikes
- Needs to be applied every 14 to 21 days for best results
6. Down to Earth Organic Citrus Fertilizer Mix 6-3-3
Down to Earth Organic Citrus Mix is an all-natural fertilizer suitable for peaches. This one contains micronutrients, such as iron, zinc, calcium, sulfur, and boasts a 6-3-3- NPK ratio for lush foliage, fragrant blossom, and voluminous fruit production.
This is a granular formula that requires digging in for the best results. The ground will need to be prepared a little before use, although it can be used as a top dressing if your soil is loose, then you can turn it in with a garden rake. If you are looking for a good value product and you don’t mind a little manual labor in return for some great results, then I can highly recommend this formula.
It’s not just ideal for peach trees. It can be used to fertilize other fruit and citrus trees, as well as vines and ornamental plants. You can find Down To Earth fertilizer here on Amazon.
How to use: Sprinkle the granular formula directly into the planting hole immediately before planting. Water in thoroughly. Continue to use throughout the growing season by sprinkling around the base of the tree.
Customer reviews: This product really caught the attention of those users with young trees because of its gentle formula. This mix provided healthy, vigorous growth. Just be sure to carefully read and adhere to the instructions provided by Down to Earth as some reviewers complained that too much product caused root burn.
Pros
- Made with high-quality, well-sourced ingredients
- Contains both primary (NPK) and secondary nutrients
- Improves the growth of foliage and blossoms
Cons
- Produces a strong odor
How To Feed Peach Trees
Ideally, you will want to feed fruit trees according to the manufacturer’s directions using a well-balanced N-P-K fertilizer. Mix your fertilizer according to the directions and apply when planting your tree. Fertilizer needs to reach the tree roots, where it can easily be absorbed, so spread the fertilizer near the tree’s drip line and away from the tree’s trunk.
Trees less than 2 years old may not need as much fertilizer because they are not producing fruit yet.
When To Fertilize Peaches
If you choose a tree spike fertilizer, you’ll need to apply this fertilizer twice a year, in the spring and the fall. With other types of fertilizer, you will need to apply every 2 to 3 months during the growing season.
If your tree grows too quickly, you may need to cut back on the amount of fertilizer you are using.
How Often To Fertilize Peach Trees
Peaches need to be fertilized frequently unless you are using fertilizer spikes. Choose a spike fertilizer if you only want to fertilize twice a year—otherwise, fertilizer your trees every 2 to 3 months during the growing season.
Final Thoughts On Fertilizing Peaches
Choosing the right fertilizer for your peach trees largely depends on your time and budget. For an easy, fuss-free option go for a fertilizer spike such as a Jobe’s Organics Fertilizer Spike. Alternatively, why not try Dr. Earth Natural Wonder Fruit Tree Fertilizer? This really is a ‘wonder fertilizer’ and a great all round peach tree product. It is easy to use, cost-effective, and versatile.
No matter which fertilizer you use, there is no question that you will want to keep your trees looking… well… peachy, so always follow the manufacturer’s directions to ensure the best possible results.
