What is An Avocado Tree?
An avocado tree (Persea americana) is an evergreen, flowering perennial that produces a popular edible fruit—the avocado. Native to Central America and Mexico, avocado trees are popular in warm climates and can even be grown indoors. Avocado trees can live and bear fruit for more than 20 years if they are properly cared for.
Can I Grow An Avocado Tree in Tennessee?
The chances of successful avocado tree growing in Tennessee are very low. Avocado trees require a warm climate to produce a lot of fruit, and Tennessee’s climate can be too cold to support a healthy tree. The chance of successfully growing an avocado tree in Tennessee is so small that it’s not really worth trying.
Avocado trees are native to Central America and Mexico, where temperatures are much warmer than in Tennessee. The average low temperature in Hawaii, for example, is 64 degrees Fahrenheit, whereas the average low temperature in Nashville, Tennessee, is between 33 and 46 degrees Fahrenheit. Avocado trees struggling to survive in such cold temperatures will produce little or no fruit.
Alternatives for Growing an Avocado Tree in Tennessee
Avocado fans in Tennessee can still satisfy their cravings for the popular fruit—albeit on a smaller scale—by growing a dwarf avocado tree indoors. Dwarf avocado trees are a variety that has been genetically modified to be smaller, making them perfect for growing indoors in containers. These plants can grow up to 4 feet tall and produce clusters of small, golf-ball-sized avocados a few times each year.
Dwarf avocado trees require special care to thrive, however. They need lots of sunlight, humidity, and the right kind of soil and fertilizer. As long as these requirements are met, it’s possible to enjoy a healthy and productive avocado tree indoors.
Other Options for Growing Avocado Trees in Tennessee
Another option for avocado fans in Tennessee is to purchase a grafted tree from an online retailer. Grafted avocado trees are a hybrid variety that has been specially modified to tolerate cold climates. These trees can be grown in containers and placed outdoors during the summer and moved indoors during the winter.
Grafted avocado trees mature earlier and generally produce more fruit than their non-grafted counterparts. Unfortunately, they are also much more expensive, with some grafted trees costing hundreds of dollars.
Grafted avocado trees are also less hardy than ungrafted trees and require more attention and care. For example, they need to be protected from extremes of temperature and humidity, and can be easily damaged by strong winds.
How to Plant an Avocado Tree in Tennessee
If you do decide to take on the challenge, here are some tips for planting an avocado tree in Tennessee:
- Choose a site with plenty of sunshine
- Select an area with good drainage
- Water the avocado tree regularly and deeply
- Keep weeds away from the tree
- Fertilize the tree with a nitrogen-rich fertilizer
- Protect the tree from cold weather using a blanket or tarp
Harvesting and Storing Avocado Fruits
Avocado fruits are ready to harvest when they are firm and dark green. The fruits should be picked several times throughout the season, starting in the summer and ending in the late fall. If a cold snap threatens, wrap the tree with blankets and straw to protect it and its fruits.
Once the fruits are picked, they can be stored at room temperature or in the refrigerator for several days. The avocado fruits should be eaten as soon as possible, however, as they quickly lose flavor.
How to Care for an Avocado Tree In Tennessee
Avocado trees in Tennessee need special care to survive the cold climate. The tree should be protected from strong winds, and wrapped in blankets or burlap for extra warmth when temperatures drop. The soil should be well-draining, and the tree should be kept watered and fertilized throughout the year. Finally, keep weeds away, as they can easily choke the tree’s growth.
Pest and Disease Control
Avocado trees grown in Tennessee will also need to be monitored closely for pests and diseases. Common pests that can affect avocado trees include aphids, mites, scales, and whiteflies. Diseases such as blight, root rot, and aerial blight can also affect avocado trees.
If pests or diseases are spotted, action should be taken immediately to control and eradicate them. This can include pruning infected branches, spraying the tree with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, and applying fungicides to combat diseases.
Conclusion
Overall, growing an avocado tree in Tennessee is a difficult and risky endeavor. The cold climate presents numerous problems, and there is very little chance of a successful harvest. That said, with careful planning and lots of TLC, it is possible to enjoy a healthy and productive dwarf avocado tree indoors or a grafted tree outdoors.
