Before deciding if you want to take a chance growing an avocado tree, it’s important to understand the realities of the climate in Pennsylvania. Summers in Pennsylvania often reach temperatures in the middle eighties, which is ideal for an avocado tree. Winters can be quite cold and often reach below freezing temperatures. For this reason, avocado trees in Pennsylvania need protection from the wind and should be planted in an area of the garden sheltered from winter gusts.
An avocado tree in Pennsylvania opting for the optimum environment suitable for growing an avocado tree would have to have an area with 48” to 60” of runoff. If these conditions can be met, then an avocado tree in Pennsylvania stands a good chance of succeeding. Full sun is ideal, as that’s when the tree can get the maximum amount of heat and light.
The type of avocado tree you choose is also key in your success or failure. Unfortunately, the majority of tree nurseries in Pennsylvania will only offer a small selection of avocado trees. The most common being Hass, Lamb Hass, and Pinkerton varieties. Either of these avocado varieties will be a suitable choice, so if you’re looking to grow an avocado tree in Pennsylvania, they should be your first choice.
Proper soil drainage is also essential for growing an avocado tree in Pennsylvania. Otherwise, there is the potential for the tree to become waterlogged and eventually die. The soil should have a PH that is slightly acidic, ranging from 5.5 to 6.5 to be ideal. Compost or plant-based fertilizer also needs to be worked through the soil each year to ensure the tree remains healthy.
The next step for growing an avocado tree in Pennsylvania is finding the right place to plant it. Planting should be done in the spring when the weather is beginning to warm and the potential for freezing temperatures has decreased. Planting in an area with access to a hose is also ideal, as during the summer the soil will need regular water to help the tree grow.
It can be beneficial to keep an avocado tree close to a wall or a fence, to provide a little extra support as the tree grows in stature. When looking for somewhere to plant, always avoid north-facing walls, as this will freeze the tree’s roots in the wintertime.
Pruning an Avocado Tree in Pennsylvania
Pruning an avocado tree in Pennsylvania is vital for keeping it healthy. Pruning is easy but requires regular attention as the tree begins to grow. During the summer months, pruning should be done by removing any dead or dying branches. Trunks should be made balanced by pruning the top and sides of the tree evenly. Winter pruning should be done neatly, as the tree is slightly more vulnerable in the cold.
It’s important when pruning an avocado tree to remove any fruit that didn’t survive. This will allow the tree to focus its energy on the healthy fruit. Additionally, this helps to reduce the amount of diseases that can kill off the entire tree.
Reaching Maturity
Reaching maturity for an avocado tree in Pennsylvania will take around three to five years. During this period of growth, regular harvesting should take place to help maintain the shape of the tree. The tree should also have sufficient soil and fertilizer over the course of the year to ensure its continued healthy growth.
In Pennsylvania, an avocado tree will flower in the latter part of the season, usually in the fall. The flowers alone can add a stunning visual aspect to the garden. When the flowers drop, it will take around seven months for the fruitful parts of the tree to ripen.
Harvesting Time!
Harvesting the avocado is an important step to completing the avocado tree growing cycle. To do this correctly, you must wait until the avocado itself has turned a dark green to indicate that it is ripe. Once you receive a good indication of the ripeness level, pick the avocados manually or use a ladder or pole to reach higher levels.
Care must be taken when harvesting as bruising will occur if any of the avocados are dropped or mishandled. Mature fruit should be stored at a cool temperature of anywhere between 40 and 45 degrees, to ensure maximum freshness.
Disease and Insect Prevention
When it comes to protecting an avocado tree from disease and insect damage, prevention is the best option. When first planting, the tree should be examined for any signs of disease or insect damage. If the tree does have signs of infection or infestation, it should immediately be sprayed with an all-natural treatment.
Once an avocado tree is healthy, it’s important to keep it that way. Maintaining a regular spraying regime with an all-natural pesticide and fungicide can be beneficial. Additionally, fertilizing regularly and ensuring the tree is receiving enough water and sunlight is also important.
Hail Damage
Although hail is not a regular occurrence in Pennsylvania, it can still happen. Avocado trees, being open and exposed, are particularly vulnerable to hail damage and can easily be killed by a severe storm. If hail does hit, the tree should be immediately examined for signs of damage such as browning foliage and broken branches. If damage does exist, the tree should be propped up with strong stakes and wrapped in rope to give it the best chance of recovery.
Freeze Damage
If a freeze does occur in Pennsylvania, your avocado tree could succumb to the cold temperatures. To help reduce the chances of this happening, trees should always be planted with plenty of room to allow air movement. Protective covers can also be used over the canopy of the tree. Anything to help preserve temperature and reduce the impact of the cold weather.
Conclusion
Growing an avocado tree in Pennsylvania may be a challenge, but with the right environment and a bit of determination, you should be able to reap the harvest after several years. By following the tips outlined here, you can increase your chances of a successful growth. With a little hard work and patience, you’ll soon be able to enjoy an abundance of delicious avocados from your own garden.
