Almond Tree Fertilizer: What, When and How Much
Fertilizing almond trees: nitrogen by tree age, potassium, zinc and boron, when to feed, feeding young trees, and signs of nutrient deficiency.
Almonds are nitrogen-hungry trees, and cropping trees also need plenty of potassium. Feed mainly in early spring, as growth starts, with a smaller feed after fruit set and, on productive trees, a light feed right after harvest to build reserves for next year's flowers. Avoid heavy nitrogen in late autumn.
Nitrogen by Tree Age
| Tree | Nitrogen (N) per tree per year |
|---|---|
| Year 1 | about 30–60 g (1–2 oz), split into small doses |
| Years 2–3 | about 100–250 g (4–9 oz) |
| Mature, irrigated cropping tree | about 0.7–1.5 kg (1.5–3.3 lb) |
| Mature, rain-fed tree | about 0.3–0.6 kg (0.7–1.3 lb) |
In irrigated orchards, nitrogen is often matched to the crop: roughly 30 kg N per 450 kg of kernels harvested per hectare, plus what the tree needs for growth.
When to Fertilize
- Early spring (leaf-out): the main feed, about half the annual nitrogen.
- Late spring (after fruit set): a second feed on irrigated trees.
- Post-harvest: a light feed on cropping trees.
- Avoid: heavy nitrogen in late autumn or winter.
Other Nutrients
- Potassium: a heavy crop removes a lot; deficiency shows as scorched leaf edges and small kernels.
- Zinc: small, narrow leaves in rosettes ("little leaf"); spray zinc in late autumn or at leaf-out.
- Boron: needed for fruit set; a foliar spray in autumn or before bloom helps on low-boron soils. Excess is toxic.
- Iron: yellow young leaves with green veins on very alkaline soils.
Organic Options
Well-rotted manure or compost spread under the canopy in winter, and cover crops of legumes between rows, supply organic matter and some nitrogen. Composted almond hulls are also used.
More Almond Tree Guides
- How to Grow Almond Trees: The Complete Guide
- How to water almond trees
- How to prune almond trees
- Almond tree diseases and pests
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best fertilizer for almond trees?
A nitrogen-rich fertilizer in spring plus potassium for cropping trees, with zinc and boron where soils are low.
When should I fertilize almond trees?
Early spring, after fruit set and lightly after harvest.
How much nitrogen does an almond tree need?
A mature irrigated tree typically needs about 0.7–1.5 kg of nitrogen per year.
TarlaTapan guides focus on practical, field-tested growing advice. Corrections and suggestions are welcome at info@tarlatapan.tr.