Avocado is a delicious and versatile fruit, but can you grow avocado trees in colder climates such as Michigan? The short answer is no. Avocado trees need a warm, humid climate to grow and Michigan can be too cold and dry, even in the summer. However, there are ways to successfuly grow an avocado tree in Michigan if you know the right tricks.
Soil Requirements
The best soil conditions for an avocado tree are rich, loamy soil with good drainage. The soil must be kept moist, but not soggy. A soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5 is ideal, and a dose of compost or fertilizer every couple of months is beneficial, especially for a tree planted in a pot.
Pots and Containers
Most people in Michigan will have to grow their avocado tree in a container. Avocado trees need a relatively large container, at least 20″ in diameter and 20″ deep, with adequate drainage holes. The soil mixture for a container should be equal parts topsoil, sand and peat moss, plus a handful of slow-release fertilizer.
Location
When choosing a site for your avocado tree, the key factor is sunlight. Avocados need at least 6 hours of daylight per day, so choose a spot that gets plenty of morning sunshine. Avoid very windy sites, as wind can dry out the soil and damage the tree.
Watering and Prunning
Healthy avocado trees need regular watering to keep the soil moist but not soggy. Aim to water the soil to a depth of 12 inches, and water until the excess begins to drain out the bottom of the pot. Prunning should be kept to a minimum, just to remove dead or damaged branches.
Pests and Diseases
Fortunately, avocados are relatively resistant to insects and diseases. If you do spot a pest, such as mealybugs, use an insecticidal soap to kill them. For diseases, such as anthracnose, remove any diseased branches and leaves, and apply a fungicide such as copper to the rest of the tree.
Regions of Michigan
The further south you go in Michigan, the better the chances are of growing and successfully fruiting an avocado tree. The Lake Michigan and Lake Huron shorelines in the southern part of the Lower Peninsula are ideal, with warmer and more humid climates. The Upper Peninsula is almost entirely too cold and dry to grow avocados.
Propagating an Avocado Seed
The most common way to grow an avocado tree is to start with a stone taken from a ripe avocado fruit. First, submerge the stone in water, making sure the top of the seed is above water. After about a week, the stone will split open, and a small shoot will emerge. Then, suspend the stone in water with the shoot pointing upward, and change the water every couple of days. In a few weeks, the seedling should have grown a taproot and be ready for planting.
Temperature
Avocado trees need relatively warm temperatures to survive, typically from above 55F at night and into the 90s during the day. When growing an avocado tree in Michigan, you’ll need to be prepared to move your plant inside at the first warning of frost. A heated greenhouse is ideal, but a sunny window in the house will work in a pinch.
Pollination
Avocado trees are self-pollinating, meaning no other avocado trees are needed. However, having a different type of avocado tree around can help with pollination, which will result in more and better fruit. If you live in a more populated area of Michigan, there are often other avocado growers that you can ask for help.
Fertilizers
Fertilizing your avocado tree is an important part of the maintenance process. A slow-release fertilizer is best, since it will slowly release nitrogen into the soil which will help the tree grow big and strong. Feed your tree once a month during the growing season, and make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Harvesting
Avocado fruits usually take between 4 and 8 months to mature, depending on the variety. Once they’re ripe, they’ll turn a dark green or black, and be slightly soft to the touch. The best way to harvest avocados is to cut them from the tree with a sharp knife, being careful not to damage the trunk.
Bending Branches
As avocados mature and weigh down the branches, it’s common for the branches to start drooping. To prevent this, you can use a few bamboo stakes to gently bend the branches and keep them upright. Make sure to tie the branches loosely, as a tight knot might damage them.
Pest Control
Pest control is an important part of growing an avocado tree. The most common pests are mealybugs and scale, which can easily be dealt with using an insecticidal soap. For other pests such as aphids, you can use companion planting, planting certain herbs such as basil, oregano and mint which will help repel the pests.
