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Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Apple Tree Fertilizer 8-0-16
Feed apple trees with our 8-0-16 formula. Zero phosphorus, high potassium for bigger, sweeter apples. Rates & tips from Old Cobblers Farm.
Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Apple Tree Fertilizer
This 8-0-16 apple tree formula is produced by Green Mountain Fertilizer. The 8% nitrogen from urea is calibrated to support adequate leaf canopy without promoting the soft, succulent shoot growth that fire blight bacteria prefer. The zero-phosphorus design reflects decades of orchard research showing most fruit tree soils accumulate phosphorus over time. The 16% potassium addresses the nutrient apple trees consume in the largest quantities after nitrogen—potassium moves into developing fruit throughout the season, and deficiency shows as small, poorly colored fruit. Micronutrients address boron (critical for fruit set), zinc, and manganese. This is the same formulation as Old Cobblers Farm™ 8-0-16 Fertilizer.
NPK
8-0-16
Type
Non-Organic
Derived From
Urea, Potassium Chloride (Muriate of Potash), Silicon Dioxide. Includes micronutrients.
Best For
Apple Trees|Pear Trees|Cherry Trees|Peach Trees|Plum Trees|Fruit Trees
Brand
Wicked Growth
NPK Breakdown
N
8
Provides 8% nitrogen (from urea) for steady leaf growth and shoot extension without excessive vegetative vigor that reduces fruit quality or invites disease
P
0
N/A — Contains no phosphorus. Designed for established plantings where soil phosphorus is already adequate. Adding unnecessary phosphorus can interfere with zinc and iron uptake.
K
16
Supplies a strong 16% potassium (from muriate of potash) to improve fruit size, color, sugar content, firmness, winter hardiness, and overall plant vigor
What Is It ?
Apple tree fertilizer (8-0-16) is a specialty orchard blend designed for the specific nutritional requirements of apple trees. Apple trees need moderate nitrogen to support leaf canopy and fruit development without triggering excessive shoot growth susceptible to fire blight, zero additional phosphorus since most orchard soils already test high in P, and high potassium for fruit size, red color, sugar content, firmness, and storage quality. The zero-phosphorus formulation is intentional—university research consistently shows apple orchards rarely need additional phosphorus, and over-application can interfere with zinc and iron absorption. The 16% potassium drives the quality metrics that matter most: larger fruit, deeper red color, higher Brix readings, firmer flesh, and better winter hardiness. This is the same formulation as Old Cobblers Farm™ 8-0-16 Fertilizer. Manufactured by Green Mountain Fertilizer in Milton, Vermont, with micronutrients included.
When To Apply ?
Apply in early spring before bud break (March-April). For mature bearing trees, apply 0.5-1 lb per inch of trunk caliper measured 12 inches above soil. Keep fertilizer 12+ inches from the trunk—feeder roots extend from about 1 foot out to beyond the drip line. For commercial orchards, apply 200-400 lbs per acre. Optional light post-harvest application (50% of spring rate) helps trees recover from heavy crops.
How to Apply ?
1.
Soil / Tissue Test
Conduct soil tests and leaf tissue analysis to confirm nutrient needs. Apple trees are sensitive to over-fertilization.
2.
Spring Timing
In early spring before bud break, broadcast fertilizer from 1 foot out from the trunk to the drip line.
3.
Mature Tree Rate
Apply 0.5–1 lb per inch of trunk diameter for mature trees (4+ years). Measure trunk at chest height.
4.
Young Tree Rate
Young trees (1–3 years): 0.25–0.5 lbs per tree in a 2-foot ring around the trunk.
5.
Incorporate
Rake into soil surface or let rain wash fertilizer in. Avoid disturbing surface roots.
6.
Water In
Water thoroughly if no rain expected within 48 hours to prevent surface nutrient loss.
7
Mature Tree Rate
Apply 0.5–1 lb per inch of trunk diameter for mature trees (4+ years). Measure trunk at chest height.
How To Store
Wear protective gloves and eye protection during handling. Avoid breathing dust. Wash hands thoroughly after handling. Store in a cool, dry, well-ventilated area. Keep sealed when not in use. Prevent entry to sewers and surface waters. Keep out of reach of children and pets.
FAQs
1.
What is the best fertilizer for apple trees?
The best fertilizer for apple trees provides strong nitrogen for canopy growth and high potassium for fruit quality without excess phosphorus. An 8-0-16 ratio is ideal for established apple trees because nitrogen supports healthy leaf development that drives photosynthesis, while potassium enhances fruit size, sweetness, color, firmness, and storage life. Most orchard soils already contain adequate phosphorus from years of fertilization, making zero-phosphorus formulas the smart choice. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Apple Tree Fertilizer 8-0-16 is specifically designed for apple trees, delivering targeted nutrition for healthier trees and better-tasting fruit.
2.
When should I fertilize my apple trees?
Fertilize apple trees in early spring before bud break, typically late March to early April in most regions. A second lighter application can be made mid-season after fruit set to support developing apples. Avoid fertilizing in late summer or fall, as this can stimulate tender new growth that is susceptible to winter damage. For newly planted apple trees, wait until the second year before applying fertilizer to avoid stressing the young root system. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Apple Tree Fertilizer 8-0-16 provides the season-long nutrition apple trees need when applied at the right time.
3.
How much fertilizer does an apple tree need?
Apply 1–2 pounds of apple tree fertilizer per inch of trunk diameter, measured at about 4 feet above ground. Spread the fertilizer evenly under the canopy drip line, staying at least 6 inches away from the trunk. For young trees (1–3 years), use ½ to 1 pound total. For mature, producing trees, 2–4 pounds per application is typical. Water deeply after application to carry nutrients into the root zone. Avoid over-fertilizing, which can cause excessive shoot growth and reduce fruit quality. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Apple Tree Fertilizer 8-0-16 makes it easy to feed apple trees correctly.
4.
Why is potassium important for apple trees?
Potassium is the most critical nutrient for apple fruit quality. It directly influences fruit size, color development (especially red coloring), sugar content (brix), firmness, and post-harvest storage life. Potassium also strengthens the tree against drought, cold, and disease, and improves overall water regulation within the tree. Trees under heavy fruit loads have especially high potassium demands because each apple removes a significant amount during development. Deficiency signs include leaf edge browning and small, poorly colored fruit. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Apple Tree Fertilizer 8-0-16 delivers 16% potassium specifically to address these needs.
5.
Can I use 10-10-10 on apple trees?
You can use 10-10-10 on apple trees, but it may not be optimal for established trees. Most orchard soils accumulate adequate phosphorus over time, and continuing to add it can cause nutrient imbalances. A formula like 8-0-16, which eliminates phosphorus and emphasizes potassium, is typically better for mature apple trees that need fruit-quality nutrition. However, 10-10-10 is acceptable for newly planted apple trees in phosphorus-deficient soils where complete nutrition is needed. Old Cobblers Farm™ offers both the specialized Apple Tree Fertilizer 8-0-16 and the all-purpose Garden & Tomato 10-10-10 to match different orchard conditions.
6.
What does a fertilized apple tree produce?
Properly fertilized apple trees produce larger, more uniformly sized fruit with better red coloring, higher sugar content, improved firmness, and longer storage life. Adequate nitrogen ensures dense, healthy foliage that maximizes photosynthesis to fuel fruit development. Potassium directly improves every aspect of fruit quality that consumers care about — size, flavor, appearance, and shelf life. Unfertilized or poorly fertilized trees often produce small, pale, flavorless apples that bruise easily and store poorly. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Apple Tree Fertilizer 8-0-16 helps apple trees reach their full production potential.
7
Is apple tree fertilizer good for pear and stone fruit trees?
Yes, the same 8-0-16 nutrient profile that benefits apple trees works well for pear, peach, plum, cherry, and apricot trees. All deciduous fruit trees share similar nutritional needs — nitrogen for canopy growth and potassium for fruit quality and stress resistance. Stone fruit trees particularly benefit from the high potassium, which improves pit development, flesh quality, and color. Old Cobblers Farm™ Wicked Growth Apple Tree Fertilizer 8-0-16 is an excellent choice for mixed-species home orchards and commercial operations growing a variety of fruit tree types.