Fruit Trees
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Fertilizing & Pruning Fruiting Plants
10-10-10 with minors is normally recommended except for blueberries
Apples and Pears
If in the ground at least one season, fertilize them with 1½ pounds per year of age (up to 15 pounds per tree max). Spread evenly under tree canopy. Prune branches that are rubbing, those that are diseased and try to keep branches pointed away from center instead of back in.
Don't over prune or you will loose a year with no fruit and also over stimulate lush spring growth leading to a higher incidence of fire blight.
Peaches, Plums, and Nectarines
1½ pounds per year of age (up to 15 pounds per tree max). In pruning these however, it is suggested you wait until they are actually in flower to prune (perhaps as late as the end of March with some varieties). Earlier pruning might stimulate premature bud break, if we have a warm spell. This could cost you this year's crop.
Prune rubbing or diseased branches out, but make greater effort to remove all branches pointed back toward the center. A properly pruned tree should look like a bowl with the center kept open, forcing fruit to ripen toward the periphery of the tree where sun light can aid in even ripening and fruit rots can be reduced.
Pecans and Chestnuts
2 pounds per year of age, up to 50 pounds per tree max for pecans and 1 pound per year of age, up to 15 pounds per tree max for chestnuts. Spread this evenly under the canopy. These trees are pruned very little as it would greatly reduce fruit formation. However, prune out broken, diseased or rubbing branches.
Figs and Persimmons
1½ pounds per year of age (up to 15 pounds per tree max). They are not pruned heavily and the only real pruning done on them is the removal of dead wood, especially that which was injured by cold. This is normally done after the weather starts to warm and it can be determined how far back they have been killed (usually by April).
Blackberries and Raspberries
Blackberries and raspberries can be fertilized at the rate of 1/3 pound per plant of a 10-10-10 (even if only recently planted), if fertilizer is not placed too near the plant. Apply it 6-10 inches out.
No pruning is done to these at this time, but all pruning is done immediately after the fruit is harvested. At that time, cut canes all the way back to the ground and fertilize again. Only diseased canes are removed now.
Blueberries
Azalea/camellia blend is best at a rate of 1/4 to 1/3 cup per plant, if they have been planted at least one season. Spread in 24" band around plant. Rabbiteye Blueberries require minimal pruning up to the first 7-8 years in the ground. After that, remove 1/4 to 1/3 of the oldest canes each year back to the ground. In this way you will be renewing the bush every 4th or 5th year. Winter or summer pruning is possible.
Just-planted Fruiting Plants
Fruiting plants that were planted this season should not receive this first fertilization until May. Except for grapes which need 1/4 pound per plant in March, April, May, June and July.
Citrus
As a general rule of thumb, bearing citrus trees should be fertilized 3 times per year (January/February, May/June, and October/November) with an 8-8-8 or similar fertilizer. The amount to apply depends on the tree age, if the tree is 3 or more years old, you should apply 3-4 pounds per application for a maximum of 10 pounds per tree.
Newly planted citrus requires 5-6 applications at 1 pound per application, second year trees require 4-5 applications of around 2 pounds per application.
Muscadine Grapes
Are you looking for a new fruit crop to grow? How about one that can be eaten straight off the vine, or processed into juice, jelly, or even wine. Muscadine grapes are easy to grow. They tolerate insects and disease well, and as a result, they can be grown without spraying pesticides. That makes muscadines an easy, rewarding crop for home vineyards and small farmers. We have information on all aspects of grape culture. For more information, click on these publications. HS763, The Muscadine Grape and Muscadine Grape Tour.
