The extent to which an apple tree needs to be fertilized mainly depends on the age of the tree. Here we explain it to you in detail.
There is hardly a garden without at least one fruit tree. It doesn't matter whether it's a cherry, apple, plum or pear. But the Germans prefer the apples. Whether sweet and floury or sour and crunchy - the selection of flavors is very extensive and there is the right flavor for every taste.
In order for the fruit to be delicious and juicy, the apple tree needs good care. This means that it has to be fertilized every now and then. But this depends on the age of the tree and of course on the fertilizer itself.
We will explain to you here how and, above all, when to fertilize your apple tree correctly.
❀ Fertilize young apple trees
In contrast to older apple trees, young apple trees require relatively little fertilizer. This is solely because you should have already added fertilizer in the form of nutrient-rich compost when you planted the apple tree. This fertilizer, whether compost or special potting soil, is sufficient for the first few years.
Fertilizing with mineral fertilizers
Organic fertilizer is always best for trees and plants, but if you don't have one or the nutrients are insufficient, you can also use mineral fertilizer.
So if you really want to fertilize your young apple tree, put 10-15 grams of blue fertilizer (available here at Amazon) on the planting site in the spring. Blue fertilizer contains all the main nutrients and vital trace elements and also ensures rapid growth.
Fertilize with organic fertilizer
Organic fertilizer is sufficient for most plants. If you have a garden, you should always create a compost heap. This is the best way to dispose of garden waste and at the same time you create good soil for fertilizing and planting.
Fertilize here in spring and give the apple tree 1-1.5 liters of mature compost, that's enough. To cover the nitrogen requirement, you can also add 5-10 grams of horn meal (also cheap at Amazon)
» Attention! From June you should no longer add fertilizer to your apple tree, as the shoots are already too far developed and otherwise they will no longer mature sufficientlycan.
❀ Fertilize older apple trees
Even older apple trees prefer organic fertilizer. To do this, add about 4 liters of mature compost to the tree disc. You can supplement the compost with 80 grams of horn meal, so the nitrogen requirement is also supplied.
If you don't have compost on hand, a fertilizer made with potassium will do (my recommendation: Dehner Obstbaum-Dünger).
You have to remember two points in time for fertilization. The first fertilization is carried out in spring and the second in May or June. After that, you should generally no longer fertilize your fruit trees.
» By the way: The addition of fertilizer not only ensures that the crop yield increases, but also helps to prevent fungal diseases and protect against frost sensitivity.
❀ Avoid over-fertilization
Anyone who expects enormous growth from fertilization is completely wrong here. You should never let your plants grow in overdrive. Here you have to reckon with some disadvantages. Nitrogen fertilizers in particular should only be used moderately, since the disadvantages of turbo gear are particularly noticeable here.
The shoots simply grow too fast if the fertilization is too high, so that the flowers and fruits regress. So you are deprived of apples. In addition, the apple tree is so much more susceptible to fungal diseases and other pests. After all, he's only busy growing.
So fertilize your apple tree in moderation rather than en masse. The tree will grow tall all by itself.