Guaranteed Analysis
Nutrient Breakdown
N · Nitrogen12%
12.0% Total Nitrogen — the highest nitrogen concentration in the Wicked Organics line, delivering sustained organic nitrogen from protein meal sources to fuel the vigorous canopy growth that fruit trees need for photosynthesis and fruit production.
P · Phosphorus2%
2.0% Available Phosphate (P2O5) — moderate phosphorus for root support and flower bud formation without excess accumulation in established orchard soils.
K · Potassium8%
8.0% Soluble Potash (K2O) — high potassium for fruit size, sweetness, firmness, color development, and winter hardiness in fruit trees.
Derived from: Feather Meal, Meat and Bone Meal, Blood Meal, and Sulfate of Potash
Overview
What It Is
Wicked Organics Fruit Tree Fertilizer is a 12-2-8 organic granular blend formulated from Feather Meal, Meat and Bone Meal, Blood Meal, and Sulfate of Potash. The formula delivers the highest total NPK concentration in the Wicked Organics line — 22% combined nutrients per pound — specifically calibrated for the heavy feeding demands of fruit-bearing trees.
The high nitrogen content (12%) is predominantly in slow-release water-insoluble form from the protein meal sources, releasing gradually through microbial decomposition over weeks. This steady-state delivery matches how fruit trees actually use nitrogen — in sustained doses throughout the growing season rather than one massive spring flush that produces excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
The 8% potassium from sulfate of potash is critical for fruit trees because potassium directly controls fruit quality: sugar content, firmness, color development, and storage life. Potassium also regulates water movement through plant cells and improves cold tolerance — essential for fruit trees in northern growing zones.
Crop Fit
Best For
Apple TreesPeach TreesPear TreesCherry TreesPlum TreesApricot TreesFig TreesNut Trees
Apple trees are heavy nitrogen feeders that respond to the 12% N with vigorous shoot growth and improved fruit set. Peach trees benefit from the high potassium for fruit size, sweetness, and color. Pear trees gain consistent canopy development and fruit quality. Cherry trees (sweet and sour) respond to the balanced N-K ratio with productive bearing. Plum and apricot trees thrive on the slow-release nitrogen that avoids the excessive vegetative push that can reduce fruit quality. Fig trees benefit from the potassium for fruit sweetness. Nut trees (walnut, pecan, almond) are extremely heavy nitrogen feeders that respond well to the highest-N organic option.
Application Rates
How Much to Use
| Garden & beds | N/A — per-tree application |
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| Lawn | N/A — formulated for fruit trees |
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| Trees & shrubs | 1-2 lbs per inch of trunk diameter, broadcast from 1 foot from trunk to the drip line. Young trees (1-3 years): start at 0.5 lb per inch. |
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| Containers | 2-3 tbsp per gallon of soil for container-grown dwarf varieties |
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| Frequency | 2 applications per year: early spring before bud break and mid-summer after fruit set. Optional light fall application after harvest for winter hardiness. |
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Step by Step
How to Apply
1Measure Trunk
Measure trunk diameter at 4 feet above ground (diameter at breast height) for accurate rate calculation.
2Established Tree Rate
Apply 1–2 lbs per inch of trunk diameter for established trees (4+ years). Larger trees need more.
3Young Tree Rate
For young trees (1–3 years), use 0.5 lb per inch of trunk diameter to avoid over-stimulating growth.
4Application Area
Broadcast evenly from 1 foot from the trunk out to the drip line covering the entire feeder root zone.
5Avoid Trunk Contact
Do not pile fertilizer against the trunk. Direct contact invites disease, rot, and pest damage.
6Water In
Water thoroughly after application to begin activating organic nutrient release.
7Timing
Apply first dose in early spring before bud break, second in mid-summer after fruit set to support developing fruit.
For established fruit trees, apply 1-2 lbs per inch of trunk diameter, measured at 4 feet above ground. Broadcast granules evenly in a ring from 1 foot from the trunk out to and slightly beyond the drip line — this is where the active feeder roots are concentrated. For young trees in their first 3 years, reduce rates to 0.5 lb per inch to avoid overstimulating growth before the root system is fully established. The primary application should be in early spring before bud break when trees are emerging from dormancy and beginning active nutrient uptake. A second application in mid-summer after fruit set supports the heavy nutritional demands of fruit development. For commercial orchards, apply 300-500 lbs per acre split between spring and summer applications. Water in after application to activate microbial breakdown.
Handling & Timing
Safety & Season
Safety & Storage
Store in a dry environment. Natural product. Wear gloves if skin sensitivities appear. Wear approved respirator if sensitive to dust. Eye protection optional. Wash hands after use. Keep away from water sources.
Seasonal Notes
Spring: Primary application before bud break when trees emerge from dormancy. The most important feeding of the year. Summer: Second application after fruit set (typically June-July) to support fruit development and maintain canopy health. Fall: Optional light application after harvest to support winter hardiness and energy storage for next spring. Winter: Do not apply to frozen ground or dormant trees.
In Context
How It Compares
The 12-2-8 delivers 12% nitrogen versus 10% in the 10-2-8 All Season and 8% in the 8-3-5 Stress Guard, making it the most nitrogen-concentrated organic option for heavy-feeding trees. Compared to the organic 4-6-4 (used for Blueberry and Citrus), the 12-2-8 provides three times the nitrogen — appropriate for deciduous fruit trees that need heavy nitrogen for canopy production, versus the moderate nitrogen that acid-loving evergreen fruit plants prefer. The 12-2-8 and 10-2-8 share the same potassium level (8%) and low phosphorus approach (2%), making them complementary products for nitrogen-demanding applications.
Answers
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best organic fertilizer for fruit trees?
The best organic fruit tree fertilizer provides balanced nutrition from natural, slow-release ingredients that support both tree health and fruit quality. An organic formula with moderate nitrogen for canopy growth, phosphorus for root and flower development, and potassium for fruit size, flavor, and storage quality delivers complete nutrition without the burn risk of synthetic fertilizers. The slow-release action feeds trees steadily throughout the season. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Fruit Tree Fertilizer is specifically formulated for organic apple, peach, pear, plum, cherry, and citrus tree care.
When should I fertilize fruit trees organically?
Apply organic fruit tree fertilizer in early spring, 2–4 weeks before bud break. Because organic ingredients need time for soil microbes to process them into plant-available nutrients, applying earlier than you would with synthetics ensures peak availability during the critical flowering and fruit-set period. A lighter second application after fruit set supports developing fruit. Avoid late-season application that could stimulate tender growth before winter. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Fruit Tree Fertilizer is designed for spring application timing that aligns with organic nutrient release.
How much organic fertilizer for fruit trees?
For established fruit trees, apply 1–2 pounds of organic fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter, broadcast under the canopy drip line. For young trees (1–3 years), use ½–1 pound total. For dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties, use the lower end of the rate range. Spread evenly, lightly incorporate into the top inch of soil, and water deeply. Because organic fertilizer concentrations are lower than synthetics, application rates are higher but burn risk is minimal. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Fruit Tree Fertilizer is forgiving and safe at recommended rates.
What fruit trees can I fertilize with organic fruit tree fertilizer?
Organic fruit tree fertilizer works on all deciduous and evergreen fruit trees, including apples, pears, peaches, plums, cherries, apricots, nectarines, figs, persimmons, and citrus. It also benefits nut-producing trees like almonds, pecans, and walnuts. The balanced organic formula supports the diverse nutritional needs of different fruit tree species while building long-term soil health in the root zone. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Fruit Tree Fertilizer is versatile enough for mixed-species home orchards and dedicated single-variety plantings.
Does organic fruit tree fertilizer improve fruit flavor?
Yes, organic fertilization can improve fruit flavor by providing a broader spectrum of nutrients and micronutrients than simple synthetic formulas, and by building healthier soil biology that enhances nutrient uptake. The slow-release action of organic ingredients provides steady, balanced nutrition that avoids the growth surges and nutrient spikes associated with synthetics. Many orchardists report that organically grown fruit develops more complex flavor profiles, better sweetness, and improved aroma. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Fruit Tree Fertilizer supports premium fruit quality through natural, soil-building nutrition.
What ingredients are in organic fruit tree fertilizer?
Wicked Organics Fruit Tree Fertilizer is formulated from vegetable protein meals, animal protein meals, bone char, natural sulfate of potash, and nitrate of soda. These OMRI-Listed ingredients provide a complete nutrient profile including nitrogen for canopy growth, phosphorus from bone char for root health and flowering, and chloride-free potassium from sulfate of potash for fruit quality. The organic ingredients also deliver secondary nutrients like calcium, sulfur, and trace minerals. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics uses only premium natural ingredients for safe, effective organic fruit tree nutrition.
Is organic fruit tree fertilizer OMRI-Listed?
Yes, Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics Fruit Tree Fertilizer is OMRI-Listed for certified organic production. Every ingredient meets the Organic Materials Review Institute's strict standards, ensuring compliance with USDA National Organic Program requirements. This is important for both certified organic orchards and home gardeners who want to grow fruit without synthetic chemicals. OMRI certification guarantees no synthetic fertilizers, prohibited substances, or artificial additives are used. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Organics carries the OMRI seal for complete organic growing confidence.
