Avocado trees are most commonly found in subtropical regions. However, climate change has opened up the possibility of growing them in temperate climates, raising the question: can you grow an avocado tree in Kansas?
While it is possible to grow an avocado tree in Kansas, they tend to require more care and attention in cooler climates. Even in moderate climates, the tree must be planted in a well-protected area and provided with a number of special care techniques to increase their success.
Ralph Smith, a Professor of Horticulture at Kansas State University, explains that avocados are quite attentive to its environment. It requires an important balance in microclimate and soil for their production, as temperatures below 40°F during winter can cause the tree to die.
Kansas tends to face colder winters than those that the avocados can handle, so “the extreme fluctuations in temperature, along with the exposure to frost and sometimes snow, are not favorable for the growth of avocado trees.” But, Smith adds, he has been able to get good yields from some avocado trees in Kansas.
In particular, Smith notes that “achieving the needed conditions involve providing the trees with certain types of greenhouses and specific temperature controls.” In other words, cultivating an avocado tree in Kansas is far from an easy task and requires a large investment, both in terms of equipment and time.
It’s important to keep in mind that successfully cultivating an avocado tree in Kansas is largely dependent on the choice of variety. While tropical varieties (like the popular Hass) may be difficult to grow in this climate, there are certain cold-resistant varieties, such as Pinkerton, that are a much better option.
Nevertheless, it is not just frost that the trees have to deal with. Avocados need direct light for the majority of their day, something that can be limited by Kansas’ cloudy weather. Moreover, the soils in Kansas are generally low in nutrients and require more frequent fertilization.
Early Loss
Unfortunately, growing an avocado tree in Kansas may eventually mean facing losses. The younger the tree, the more vulnerable it is to the harsh conditions. While the climate may be suitable for a mature tree, there is still a risk that it could die due to extreme weather during its season of growth and development.
To start, it is important to plant the tree in a sheltered area, such as near a south-facing wall or house, to avoid possible destruction from cold winds. While this approach may help to prevent frost damage, the plant will still be sensitive to extreme temperatures among other environmental factors.
In addition, it is recommended that the tree is container-transported with its root ball intact, in order to reduce the risk of transplant shock. While drip irrigation is not necessary, regular watering is highly recommended, particularly during the dryer months.
Winter Protection
One essential factor is winter protection. Smith explains that avocado trees must be well-insured by a method known as “wrap and wait”. This means wrapping the tree in burlap, or other insulating materials, and wait until the cold weather passes.
Moreover, it is recommended that the tree is pruned frequently to keep it short and with the least possible leaf surface, so it can withstand temperature variations. Smith also notes that trees should be treated with specific chemicals and remedies to prevent any pest infestations.
In any case, Smith acknowledges that despite all these effort, “it’s still possible to lose an avocado tree in Kansas.” He adds that “altough some of the steps stated above can reduce the risk of loss, there’s no way to guarantee the success of growing an avocado tree in Kansas.”
Cost Effectiveness
For those willing to take the risk, Smith suggests that growing an avocado tree in Kansas is expensive “if large-scale production is your goal”. He adds that “it takes a considerable investment in materials, equipment, and labor to produce even a few avocados”.
Considering the fact that it takes a few years for an avocado tree in Kansas to start bearing fruit, it seems unwise to invest in large numbers of them. Smith recommends planting just a few trees in an experimental setting, in order to gain experience and learn more about the techniques of growing in these climates.
Is It Worth It?
Avocado trees require a lot of specialized care and attention, especially in cooler climates like Kansas. Despite the efforts made to protect the tree against extreme temperatures, there is no guarantee that it will survive. That is why, Smith recommends to ponder carefully before deciding to engage in growing avocado trees in Kansas.
While it may be possible to get decent yields from a well-protected tree, small-scale production may not be worth the investment, in terms of money and time. After taking into consideration all the factors, it might be wiser to seek out other alternatives.
Alternatives
One of the most popular alternatives is growing avocado trees indoors. Smith points out that “controlling the environment of a greenhouse is much easier than trying to manipulate an outdoor environment”. He also notes that when growing avocados indoors, plants can be placed close to heating sources to keep them warm.
Smith mentions the possibility of growing grafted avocados, as they don’t require pollination and can produce fruit indoors or in temperamental climates. In addition, Smith believes that growing avocados in containers is a parallel option to consider.
Indeed, residents of Kansas could try to grow avocados in containers, so they can keep them close by and inside in extreme weather conditions. This technique may provide a reliable, and cost-efficient, solution for getting an occasional harvest of avocados.
Summoning a Specialized Professional
Finally, Smith suggests the possibility of “summoning an avocado specialist in horticulture to help customize your requirements with the locations particularities”. Through this approach, he explains, the chances of getting a successful yield may increase.
With a qualified expert providing guidance, there is a greater probability that the avocado tree in Kansas can thrive, even in this relatively cold climate. Smith concludes that “in any case, each situation has to be judged separately and experimented with in order to get the best results.”
