Citrus & Avocado Fertilizer 14-6-4
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Greenway Biotech · Made in California since 1989
Citrus & Avocado Fertilizer 14-6-4.
Built for the alkaline West.
A professional-grade, 100% water-soluble fertilizer formulated for citrus and avocado trees in the high-pH soils common across California, Arizona, and Texas. Acidifying nitrogen and EDTA-chelated micronutrients keep iron, zinc, manganese, and copper plant-available where ordinary fertilizers lock up. CDFA registered and third-party lab tested for heavy metals.
Find your size → Calculate how much I need14%
Nitrogen in a triple-source blend for immediate and sustained feeding
100%
Water-soluble — dissolves clean for fertigation and drip systems
6micros
Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu chelated, plus B and Mo for complete nutrition
0Cl
Chloride-free — safe for salt-sensitive avocado and citrus
01 / Choose your size
Right-sized for the job.
Tree counts below assume mature trees fed at typical annual rates. Young trees, container citrus, and smaller home orchards will stretch a bag much further — use the calculator for an exact figure.
| Bag Size | Mature Trees / Year | Container Citrus | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 lb | Top-up / trial | 3-6 monthly feeds | Single potted tree |
| 2 lb | Top-up / young tree | A full season, 1-2 pots | Patio citrus growers |
| 5 lb | About 1 mature tree | A season, several pots | Most popular |
| 10 lb | 1-2 mature trees | Multi-pot collections | Backyard orchards |
| 25 lb | 2-3 mature trees | — | Best value |
02 / Ideal applications
One bag.
Every tree in the grove.
Optimized for citrus and avocado in alkaline soils, this formula also feeds other fruit trees that struggle with high-pH micronutrient lock-up.
Orange & Grapefruit
Supports vigorous canopy growth and fruit development through the February-October feeding window.
Lemon & Lime
Lemons and limes are heavier nitrogen feeders — extension guidance suggests roughly 10% above the standard citrus rate.
Avocado Trees
Chloride-free chemistry suits salt-sensitive avocado. Use frequent, light feedings — heavy nitrogen can burn shallow roots.
Container Citrus
Lighter, more frequent monthly feeding suits the limited soil volume of potted trees through the growing season.
Fertigation Systems
Dissolves with no sediment for drip, micro-sprinkler, and injector systems. Jar-test any unfamiliar tank combination first.
Other Fruit Trees
Useful for other fruit trees on alkaline ground, though it is formulated and rate-tested specifically for citrus and avocado.
03 / Why this formula
High pH locks up nutrients.
This formula works around it.
Across the citrus belt, soil pH above 7 quietly starves trees of iron, zinc, and manganese. This blend attacks the problem from two directions at once.
8.5pH
Designed for alkaline Western soils.
Formulated for the pH 7.0-8.5+ conditions common in California, Arizona, and Texas citrus regions — where general-purpose fertilizers leave micronutrients chemically unavailable.
3N forms
A triple nitrogen blend.
Ammoniacal, urea, and nitrate nitrogen together provide immediate uptake and sustained feeding. The ammoniacal fraction also creates a localized acidifying effect in the root zone.
6micros
A complete chelated micronutrient package.
Iron, zinc, manganese, and copper are EDTA-chelated to resist precipitation in high-pH soil, with boron and molybdenum included as well. For severe iron chlorosis above pH 8.0, pair with a supplemental Chelated Iron DTPA foliar spray.
0Cl
Chloride-free and fertigation-ready.
Avocado and citrus are sensitive to chloride and salinity. This formula is chloride-free and dissolves completely with zero sediment — clean enough for drip emitters and injection systems.
9%
Magnesium and sulfur built in.
3% magnesium addresses a common secondary deficiency in citrus, while 9% sulfur supports protein synthesis and contributes to gradual, long-term root-zone acidification.
04 / The science
Why nitrogen form matters in high-pH soil.
39% NH₄
Ammoniacal nitrogen — the acidifying fraction
Nitrogen drives the canopy growth that powers photosynthesis and fruit set, but in citrus and avocado the form of nitrogen is as important as the amount. This formula carries nitrogen in three forms: nitrate for immediate uptake, urea for a sustained release, and ammoniacal nitrogen for a slower feed plus a useful side effect.
As tree roots and soil microbes process ammoniacal nitrogen, they release hydrogen ions that lower pH in the immediate root zone. In alkaline soil, that localized acidification helps keep iron, zinc, and manganese in solution and available for uptake — nutrients that would otherwise precipitate into forms plants cannot use. The EDTA chelation on those micronutrients is the second layer of protection, shielding the metal ions from reacting with soil carbonates.
One honest caveat for producing trees: at 4% K₂O, this formula is light on potassium relative to what bearing citrus and avocado remove in their fruit. It is best treated as the nitrogen backbone of a feeding program, with potassium monitored by leaf-tissue analysis and supplemented separately when a test calls for it.
For deeper background on diagnosing the yellowing this formula is built to address, see 8 Reasons Why Your Plant Leaves Are Turning Yellow.
05 / Application rates
Pick your tree.
Get your rate.
Rates below are derived from university extension nitrogen guidance converted to 14-6-4 product weight (1 lb of product supplies 0.14 lb N). Always confirm with a soil and leaf-tissue test — these are starting points, not prescriptions.
Citrus Trees — Annual Rates by Age
Quick answer: A mature citrus tree (Year 4+) typically takes 7-11 lbs of 14-6-4 per year, split across 4 feedings from February through October.
| Tree Age | Lbs / Tree / Year | Applications | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | 0.9 - 1.8 | 5 - 6 | UC Coop. Ext. | 2-4 oz actual N; shallow roots need light, frequent doses |
| Year 2 | 1.8 - 3.6 | 5 - 6 | UC Coop. Ext. | 1/4-1/2 lb actual N per tree per year |
| Year 3 | 3.6 - 5.4 | 5 | UC Coop. Ext. | 1/2-3/4 lb actual N per tree per year |
| Year 4+ (mature) | 7 - 11 | 4 | UC Coop. Ext.; CA navel/Valencia studies | 1.0-1.5 lb actual N; lemons/limes ~10% higher, grapefruit/pummelo ~half |
📋 Soil Test First: Rates above are general guidelines based on university extension nitrogen recommendations converted to 14-6-4 product weight. Actual rates should be confirmed by a current soil test and leaf-tissue analysis, and adjusted for tree variety, vigor, and local conditions. Reduce rates by about 25% for trees under drought or saline stress.
Potassium note: At 4% K₂O this formula under-supplies potassium for bearing citrus, which removes K in fruit at roughly the magnitude it removes N. Monitor leaf-tissue potassium and supplement with a separate K source such as Potassium Sulfate when a test indicates a shortfall.
Sources: University of California Cooperative Extension (young and mature citrus nitrogen guidance); University of Arizona Cooperative Extension (citrus type adjustments); published California navel and Valencia orange nitrogen-rate studies.
Avocado Trees — Annual Rates by Age
Quick answer: A mature avocado tree typically takes 11-16 lbs of 14-6-4 per year, split across 6 light feedings — never one or two heavy ones.
| Tree Age | Lbs / Tree / Year | Applications | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Year 1 | Light split doses only | 3+ | UC IPM | Minimal N; heavy applications burn shallow young roots |
| Year 2 | ~1.8 | 3+ | UC IPM | ~1/4 lb actual N divided into 3 or more feedings |
| Year 3 | ~3.6 | 4 - 5 | UC IPM | ~1/2 lb actual N per tree per year |
| Year 4+ (mature) | 11 - 16 | 6 | Lovatt CDFA-FREP avocado research | Control rate ~168 kg N/ha at ~68 trees/acre; timing matters as much as amount |
📋 Soil Test First: Avocado rates above are general guidelines based on University of California research converted to 14-6-4 product weight. Avocados need regular, light nitrogen applications — heavy feedings can burn their shallow root systems. Always split the annual amount into several feedings and confirm rates with a soil and leaf-tissue test.
Phosphorus note: There are no University of California fertilizer-phosphorus recommendations for avocado, and most California orchards do not need routine P. This 14-6-4 supplies more available phosphate (P₂O₅) than a non-deficient avocado orchard typically requires — generally harmless, but monitor P by soil and leaf analysis rather than applying it routinely.
Potassium note: Bearing avocado removes potassium in fruit at nearly twice the rate of nitrogen. Treat 14-6-4 as the nitrogen backbone and supplement K separately based on leaf-tissue results.
Sources: University of California Integrated Pest Management (young avocado nitrogen guidance); Lovatt CDFA-FREP 'Hass' avocado nitrogen-timing research.
Container & Potted Citrus
Quick answer: Feed potted citrus 1-2 tablespoons of 14-6-4 per gallon of soil, once a month during the growing season.
| Feeding Level | Rate per Gallon of Soil | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Light | 1 tbsp / gallon / month | Greenway Biotech use guidance | Young potted trees, slow-growth periods |
| Standard | 1.5 tbsp / gallon / month | Greenway Biotech use guidance | Most established container citrus in active growth |
| Heavy | 2 tbsp / gallon / month | Greenway Biotech use guidance | Vigorous, fruiting potted trees in peak season |
Note: Containers hold a limited volume of soil, so lighter rates applied more frequently are safer than heavy rates applied occasionally. Water thoroughly after every application to move nutrients into the root zone and flush any salt buildup. Feed monthly through the growing season (roughly March-October) and pause in winter.
Sources: Greenway Biotech container-feeding guidance for water-soluble specialty fertilizers; rates set well below in-ground tree rates as an agronomic safety margin.
Fertigation Stock Solution
Quick answer: Prepare a stock solution at roughly 1-1.5 lbs of 14-6-4 per gallon of tank water, then inject at 1:100 to 1:200.
| Stock Tank Size | Product Amount | Source | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| 50 gallons | 50 - 75 lbs | Greenway Biotech use guidance | Inject at 1:100-1:200 depending on system |
| 100 gallons | 100 - 150 lbs | Greenway Biotech use guidance | Agitate until fully dissolved before injecting |
| 200 gallons | 200 - 300 lbs | Greenway Biotech use guidance | Confirm injector ratio against target ppm N |
Mixing procedure: Fill the tank to about 75% capacity, begin agitation, add fertilizer slowly while agitating, top off to final volume, then continue agitating 10-15 minutes until fully dissolved. If irrigation water is highly alkaline (pH above 7.5), acidify it to roughly pH 6.0-6.5 before injecting.
Compatibility: Do not combine this fertilizer with calcium nitrate or other calcium fertilizers in the same concentrated stock tank — calcium reacts with phosphate and sulfate to form precipitates. Use separate stock tanks, dilute each independently, and jar-test any unfamiliar combination before injecting.
Sources: Greenway Biotech fertigation guidance for water-soluble specialty fertilizers; standard fertigation jar-test and tank-separation practice.
Seasonal Timing Guide
Quick answer: Feed citrus and avocado from February through October and pause in winter; complete the bulk of nitrogen feeding by late summer.
| Season | Citrus | Avocado | Source |
|---|---|---|---|
| Early Spring (Feb-Mar) | 25% of annual rate — pre-bloom | 20% of annual rate — pre-bloom | UC Coop. Ext. / UC IPM |
| Late Spring (Apr-May) | 25% of annual rate — fruit set | 20% — light feeds during set | UC Coop. Ext. / UC IPM |
| Summer (Jun-Aug) | 35% of annual rate — fruit development | 40% of annual rate — fruit development | UC Coop. Ext. / UC IPM |
| Fall (Sep-Oct) | 15% of annual rate — pre-dormancy | 20% of annual rate — post-harvest | UC Coop. Ext. / UC IPM |
| Winter (Nov-Jan) | No application | No application | UC Coop. Ext. / UC IPM |
Note: University of California guidance advises completing most nitrogen feeding by mid-to-late summer. Late-season nitrogen can stimulate tender growth flushes vulnerable to cold and can degrade fruit color and rind quality. For avocado, research indicates the timing of nitrogen relative to bloom and fruit-set stages can matter as much as the total annual amount.
Sources: University of California Cooperative Extension citrus fertilization timing; University of California Integrated Pest Management and Lovatt CDFA-FREP avocado nitrogen-timing research.
06 / How to use & calculate
Measure.
Dissolve.
Feed.
A simple routine for in-ground trees, containers, and fertigation alike. Use the calculator to turn your tree count and age into an exact amount and the right bag.
-
01
Find your annual rate
Use the Application Rates tabs above to find the right yearly amount for your tree type and age. Then divide it across the season — 4 feedings for mature citrus, 6 for mature avocado.
-
02
Dissolve fully in water
This formula is 100% water-soluble. Dissolve the measured amount in water before applying so nutrients distribute evenly — for tanks, agitate 10-15 minutes until fully clear.
-
03
Apply to the root zone and water in
Apply evenly under the canopy out toward the dripline, keeping product off the trunk. Water thoroughly afterward to carry nutrients down to the feeder roots.
-
04
Keep calcium in a separate tank
Do not mix this fertilizer with calcium nitrate or other calcium fertilizers in the same concentrated stock tank. Apply calcium products separately, at least 24 hours apart, and jar-test unfamiliar mixes.
07 / Compare
Five fertilizers.
One built for high pH.
Many citrus fertilizers are general-purpose granular products. Here is how this water-soluble, alkaline-soil formula compares with common alternatives.
| Product | Form | Micronutrients | Best For | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Citrus & Avocado 14-6-4 (this product) | 100% water-soluble | Fe, Zn, Mn, Cu chelated; B, Mo | Citrus & avocado in alkaline soil | Chloride-free, acidifying, fertigation-ready; light on K for bearing trees |
| Generic granular citrus food | Granular, slow-release | Often iron only | General backyard feeding | Convenient but not optimized for high-pH micronutrient lock-up |
| Fertilizer spikes | Compressed spikes | Usually none listed | Low-effort spot feeding | Uneven root-zone distribution; not suited to fertigation |
| Organic meal blends | Granular organic | Limited, variable | Soil-building organic programs | Slow release; depends on soil microbes and warmth |
| Calcium Nitrate 15.5-0-0 | 100% water-soluble | None (Ca + N only) | Calcium supplementation | A companion, not a replacement — apply separately from this formula |
08 / Decision
Is this the right
fertilizer for you?
This formula is purpose-built for a specific situation. Here is when it fits — and when another product serves you better.
Best Choice For
- Citrus and avocado trees in alkaline soil (pH 7.0-8.5+)
- Growers seeing iron, zinc, or manganese chlorosis from high pH
- Drip, micro-sprinkler, and fertigation systems
- Salt-sensitive avocado where chloride must be avoided
- Container and patio citrus needing clean, complete feeding
- Western growers in California, Arizona, and Texas citrus regions
Consider Another Product If
- You need a calcium source — add Calcium Nitrate 15.5-0-0 separately
- Bearing trees show low leaf-tissue potassium — supplement with Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53
- You have severe iron chlorosis above pH 8.0 — add foliar Chelated Iron DTPA
- You want long-term soil acidification — use Elemental Sulfur Powder
- You are growing a different crop — see our crop-specific water-soluble blends
09 / Build the program
A strong backbone.
These complete the program.
14-6-4 covers nitrogen and the micronutrient package. These products fill the gaps a complete citrus and avocado feeding program needs.
Calcium + Nitrogen
Calcium Nitrate 15.5-0-0
This formula contains no calcium. Apply Calcium Nitrate separately, at least 24 hours apart, for calcium nutrition.
PotassiumPotassium Sulfate 0-0-53
Bearing trees remove substantial potassium in fruit. A chloride-free K source to supplement based on leaf-tissue tests.
High-pH IronChelated Iron DTPA 11%
For severe iron chlorosis above pH 8.0, DTPA chelation holds iron available where EDTA begins to fade. Use as a foliar boost.
Soil AmendmentElemental Sulfur Powder
For gradual, long-term reduction of soil pH in highly alkaline ground — a slow biological process over months.
10 / Safety & handling
Read this before
you feed.
A few simple precautions keep both you and your trees safe. Always consult the Safety Data Sheet for full handling guidance.
- Wear gloves and eye protection when handling and mixing; use a dust mask when handling dry product in confined or windy conditions.
- Store sealed in a cool, dry location away from direct sunlight — the magnesium sulfate component is hygroscopic and will absorb moisture if left open. Caking does not affect nutrient content.
- Apply to the root zone and water in thoroughly; keep product off the trunk and foliage. Reduce rates by about 25% for trees under drought or saline stress.
- Do not combine with calcium nitrate or other calcium fertilizers in a concentrated stock tank — use separate tanks, dilute each independently, and jar-test unfamiliar mixes before injecting.
- For eye or skin contact, rinse with clean water; if irritation persists or product is ingested, seek medical advice and refer to the Safety Data Sheet. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
11 / FAQ
Common questions.
Honest answers.
If your question isn't here, contact our team at questions@greenwaybiotech.com.
Why is this formula better suited to alkaline soils?
It works on two fronts. The ammoniacal nitrogen fraction creates a localized acidifying effect in the root zone, temporarily lowering pH to improve micronutrient uptake. And the iron, zinc, manganese, and copper are all EDTA-chelated, which keeps them plant-available at higher pH where non-chelated forms would precipitate and become unavailable. For diagnosing the chlorosis this addresses, see our guide to why plant leaves turn yellow.
Can I mix this with Calcium Nitrate?
Not in the same concentrated stock tank. Calcium reacts with the phosphate and sulfate in this formula to form precipitates that can clog irrigation lines and lock up nutrients. Apply Calcium Nitrate separately, at least 24 hours apart, and keep calcium sources in their own stock tank in fertigation systems. This is standard professional practice.
How much should I feed a mature citrus tree?
A mature citrus tree (Year 4+) typically takes 7-11 lbs of 14-6-4 per year, split into 4 feedings: about 25% in early spring, 25% in late spring, 35% in summer, and 15% in fall. Lemons and limes generally take roughly 10% more; grapefruit and pummelo take about half. These figures come from University of California extension nitrogen guidance — confirm with a soil and leaf-tissue test for your trees.
How is feeding avocado different from feeding citrus?
Avocados have shallow root systems that heavy nitrogen can burn, so they need more frequent, lighter feedings — typically 6 applications a year for a mature tree rather than 4. A mature avocado takes roughly 11-16 lbs of 14-6-4 per year. University of California research also shows the timing of nitrogen around bloom and fruit set can matter as much as the total amount applied.
Does this formula contain calcium?
No. Calcium cannot be combined with phosphorus and sulfur in a water-soluble fertilizer — the ingredients would react and precipitate. Professional programs always apply calcium separately. For calcium nutrition, pair this with our Calcium Nitrate 15.5-0-0, applied at a separate time.
Will 14-6-4 supply all the potassium my trees need?
For young trees, generally yes. For bearing trees, treat it as the nitrogen backbone rather than a complete potassium source — at 4% K₂O it is light on potassium relative to what fruiting citrus and avocado remove in their crop. Monitor leaf-tissue potassium and supplement with a separate source such as Potassium Sulfate 0-0-53 if a test shows a shortfall.
Is this safe for container-grown citrus?
Yes. Use 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of soil, applied monthly during the growing season. Because containers hold a limited soil volume, lighter rates applied more often work better than heavy occasional feedings. Always water thoroughly after applying.
What should I do about severe iron chlorosis?
For severe cases in strongly alkaline soil (pH above 8.0), supplement with foliar applications of Chelated Iron DTPA during peak growth. DTPA chelation holds iron available at higher pH than EDTA. For long-term correction, gradually lowering soil pH with Elemental Sulfur Powder can also help.
How should I store this product?
Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight with the container tightly sealed. The magnesium sulfate component is hygroscopic, so a good seal matters. If the product cakes, simply break it up — nutrient content is unaffected.
Ready to feed?
Pick your bag. We'll ship it.
Available in 1, 2, 5, 10, and 25 lb sizes, with free shipping on orders over $100. Every order is backed by our 90-day money-back guarantee — if it isn't right for your trees, return it for a full refund.
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