Best Fertilizer for Stone Fruit Trees: Seasonal Nutrition for Peaches, Plums, and Apricots

Stone fruit trees—including peaches, plums, nectarines, cherries, and apricots—are widely grown in Australian backyards and orchards. These deciduous fruit trees produce delicious harvests, but to perform consistently, they require specific soil preparation, climate conditions, and seasonal fertilisation. Feeding stone fruit trees correctly helps prevent common issues such as leaf curl, fruit drop, poor colour, and alternate bearing.

What Are Stone Fruit Trees?

Stone fruit trees (Prunus species) are defined by their single large seed or “stone.” Common types include:

Peaches and nectarines (Prunus persica)
Plums (Prunus domestica, Prunus salicina)
Apricots (Prunus armeniaca)
Cherries (Prunus avium and Prunus cerasus)

These trees typically fruit from summer through early autumn and require full sun, good airflow, and fertile, well-drained soils. Fertilisation needs vary based on age, soil quality, and the specific fruiting cycle of each variety.

Ideal Conditions for Healthy Growth

Climate: Best suited to temperate or cool temperate zones; some low-chill varieties available for subtropics
Sun: At least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily for strong flowering and fruit set
Soil: pH 6.0–7.0; deep, well-drained loam or sandy loam
Spacing: 3–5 m between trees depending on variety and rootstock

Planting & Early Years

Stone fruit trees should be planted in winter or early spring. Don’t fertilise immediately—wait until new leaves appear. In year 1, focus on watering, root establishment, and early pruning. Begin light feeding in the second year to promote branch structure and early bud development.

Establishing proper soil, structure, and sun exposure lays the foundation for feeding success later in the tree’s productive life.

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Nutrient Needs of Stone Fruit Trees

Fruit trees like peaches and plums are nutrient-hungry. Each season of their lifecycle requires a different nutrient focus—particularly nitrogen for early canopy growth, phosphorus for flower and root support, and potassium for fruit quality.

Macronutrient Roles

Nitrogen (N): Boosts early shoot growth and canopy development. Too much can reduce flowering.
Phosphorus (P): Supports strong root systems and flower initiation. Essential in pre-bloom feeding.
Potassium (K): Improves fruit firmness, sweetness, and colour. Vital during fruit expansion and ripening.
Calcium, Magnesium & Sulphur: Maintain leaf health, reduce splitting, and improve nutrient uptake.

Seasonal Fertiliser Calendar (Australia)

Season	Focus	Fertiliser Guidance
Late Winter (Aug)	Root wake-up, early buds	Balanced NPK (low to moderate nitrogen)
Spring (Sep–Nov)	Leaf flush & fruit set	Apply every 4–6 weeks, high in K and P
Summer (Dec–Feb)	Fruit ripening	Potassium-focused feed, reduce nitrogen
Autumn (Mar–May)	Post-harvest recovery	Light application for root health

Application Tips

Apply liquid fertiliser at the dripline—not near the trunk
Always water after fertilising
Mulch trees to retain moisture and prevent nutrient loss

Fertilising at the correct phase maximises blossom count, fruit yield, and leaf colour, while minimising pest pressure and fruit drop.

Common Fertiliser Problems & FAQs

Stone fruit trees show signs quickly if nutrition is imbalanced—particularly during flowering or fruiting.

Symptoms of Nutrient Deficiency

Yellow leaves (N): Pale foliage, slow shoot growth
Leaf curl or drop (K): Canopy thins prematurely
Blossom drop (P): Flowers form but abort before fruit set
Fruit cracking: Often linked to low calcium or uneven watering

Frequently Asked Questions

What’s the best fertilizer for stone fruit trees?
A balanced NPK (e.g. 20-20-20) applied at key growth stages provides complete macronutrient support.

Should I fertilise after planting?
Wait 4–6 weeks after planting before applying fertiliser. Begin once new leaves appear.

Do plums and apricots need different fertilisers?
No. All stone fruits share similar nutritional needs—focus on stage-specific timing rather than species.

Can I use organic fertiliser for stone fruit?
Yes, but results are slower. For faster uptake and yield, liquid fertilisers are preferred—especially in sandy or poor soils.

To support flowering, canopy health, and juicy, flavourful fruit across all your stone fruit trees, we recommend CompleteGrow 20L Bulk Liquid NPK Fertiliser (20-20-20). This balanced liquid solution is ideal for peaches, plums, nectarines, and apricots. Visit our gardening blog for crop-specific guides and feeding schedules.