Avocado trees were once considered a luxury of the tropical regions, but, with the right type of care, it’s actually possible to grow them in more northern climates – like Wisconsin! The flavor of a fresh, home made avocado is unparalleled, making it increasingly popular for home gardens. So, if you’re a Wisconsin gardener and you’re considering attempting to grow an avocado tree indoors or outside, here’s what you need to know.
The first place to start, of course, is to understand the climatic requirements. Unfortunately, while it’s warm enough during summer months in Wisconsin, the winter chill and frost make growing an avocado tree in the garden impractical – unless you have a special, cooled greenhouse. The chill during winter in Wisconsin prevents an avocado tree from going into a full bloom cycle, as it does have a critical need of warm temperatures. For indoor growing, you might be able to luck out and get an avocado that blooms.
If, however, you’re determined no matter what to grow an avocado tree, the best course of action is to buy a dwarf variety, like the ‘Fantasia Hybrid’ and attempt to begin growing in a container. Since avocados typically take five to thirteen years to bear fruit, you’ll have to have a lot of patience. Making sure to use an organic indoor potting mix and open access soil, you’ll want to keep the soil damp but not overly wet and make sure that the plant has plenty of sunlight.
In summary, while it is difficult, and arguably impractical, to grow an avocado tree in Wisconsin, with advances in technology and dedicated patience, it’s possible. It might be an uphill battle, but with the right knowledge and care, you may be able to yield some of the rewards of growing an avocado tree in the colder climates of Wisconsin.
What Climate is Best for an Avocado Tree?
It’s important to consider the climate of Wisconsin when attempting to grow an avocado tree. While avocado trees thrive in tropical and subtropical climates, Wisconsin is more on the extreme end of cold temperatures due to its closer proximity to the Arctic. This means that if you’re looking to grow an avocado tree in Wisconsin, you either need to find one that grows in climates that have temperatures between 35 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, or you must have a special, cooled greenhouse variant.
If you do decide to purchase a tree that is able to withstand the climate of Wisconsin, make sure it is in bloom. Avocados will not bear fruit without proper blossom pollination and Wisconsin’s chilling winter temperatures do not allow for the tree to make blossoms. Therefore, it is vital to purchase a tree that is in bloom when looking to gurn in Wisconsin.
Furthermore, before purchasing an avocado tree, you’ll need to consider what kind of variety might thrive in Wisconsin. For example, the Hass variety is one of the most popular varieties of avocado trees, and it is possible that this may survive the winter in Wisconsin. Other types of varieties, such as the ‘Fantasia Hybrid’, tend to tolerate colder temperatures better, so these may be the best option when considering an avocado tree for Wisconsin.
The Best Kind of Soil for Growing an Avocado Tree
Prior to planting your avocado tree, it is important to determine the kind of soil it needs in order to survive. Avocado trees like well-draining soil, meaning soil made of a mix of sand and loam. While it is possible to use a traditional garden soil for an avocado tree, it is not recommended due to its heavy nature. Instead, consider a potting soil specifically suited for avocado trees, or create a custom blend of potting soil enriched with compost or aged manure.
When moving your avocado tree outdoors, make sure that you turn the soil at least once a year. This prevents the surface soil from forming a hard crust which will not allow water to penetrate the roots. You can also add an organic fertilizer or compost to the soil in order to enrich it. Make sure to monitor the pH levels of the soil regularly, and check the soil for signs of water drainage.
Make sure to provide an adequate amount of water to your avocado tree, as it is incredibly important for the overall health of your tree. The amount of water needed will depend on the type of soil your tree is planted in, so monitoring the drainage and ensuring adequate water access is key.
Common Mistakes When Growing an Avocado Tree
Growing an avocado tree in Wisconsin is no easy feat, and given the colder climate, it’s important to think about potential mistakes that you might make along the way. One common mistake is not considering the climate when selecting a variety of avocado tree. The colder temperature in Wisconsin does not allow for certain types of avocado flowers to bloom, meaning that fruit won’t be produced. Therefore, it’s important to purchase an avocado tree that can withstand colder temperatures.
Another common mistake is not understanding the type of soil that an avocado tree needs. Avocado trees like well-draining soil, meaning soil made of a mix of sand and loam. However, Garden soil is too heavy for use with an avocado tree, so it’s important to either purchase a potting soil designed for avocado trees or create a custom soil mix.
Propagating an avocado tree incorrectly is another common mistake. Many people think that they can speed up the process by using the pits of regular avocados bought from a store, but this is not the case. You won’t get the same kind of results that you would from a seedling, as the seeds of standard avocados can give you an unpredictable outcome. It’s best to purchase a seedling or germinate the seed yourself.
The Rewards of Growing an Avocado Tree
Growing an avocado tree in Wisconsin can be a challenge, but the reward can be worth it. Not only is the flavor of a fresh, home made avocado unparalleled, but growing a tree of your own is a wonderful feeling that reminds us of our humble roots. There’s nothing quite like harvesting your own fruit from a tree that you nurtured and tended to in your very own home.
Moreover, there are numerous types of avocado varieties, making for different flavors, textures and appearances. Creamy, nutty flavoured Hass avocados from California, smooth-skinned Bacon varieties from Peru, or the plump, creamy-dense Reed avocados from Mexico are all delicious, and the unique characteristics make them a great addition to home gardens with special cultural preferences.
Finally, maintaining an avocado tree requires much less effort than other fruit trees, such as citrus trees. Avocado trees don’t need to be fertilized often, and the trees are not vulnerable to certain pests like other fruit trees. As such, they provide a fantastic option for those who want a low maintenance fruit tree to grow in Wisconsin.
What You Need to Know as a Wisconsin Gardener
It is possible to grow an avocado tree in Wisconsin, but it requires a special type of care and knowledge in order to be successful. While standard varieties of avocado may not survive the harsher winter temperatures of Wisconsin, there are varieties that are bred for colder climates. Before starting an avocado tree in Wisconsin, it is important to monitor your climate, select the right type of tree, prepare adequate soil and give the tree enough water and sunlight.
Avocado trees need to be pollinated in order to form fruits, and this requires a warm climate that Wisconsin cannot always provide. If you’re looking to grow an avocado tree outdoors in Wisconsin, you may need to find a special, cooled greenhouse to ensure that the tree will bloom. For indoor growing, it may be possible to luck out and get an avocado that blooms.
Avocado trees also require a soil mix of sand and loam for adequate drainage. Additionally, you’ll need to monitor the pH levels of the soil, and make sure to add fertilizer or compost to the soil in order to enrich it. Finally, be sure to provide enough water to the tree, as overwatering and underwatering both have dire consequences for an avocado tree.
Tips for Avocado Tree Maintenance
Maintaining an avocado tree requires dedication, and there are certain steps that should be taken in order to ensure the happiness and health of your tree. Firstly, make sure to fertilize the tree at least once a year, and if you plan on keeping the tree indoors or sheltered, you’ll want to invest in a nutrient-rich potting mix. You’ll also want to move the tree outdoors in the warmer months, as long as the temperature of the soil doesn’t drop below 35 degrees Fahrenheit.
In addition, it’s important to prune the branches of your tree regularly in order to maintain its shape and to promote more vigorous growth. Be sure to monitor for pests and signs of disease, as these can have a devastating effect on the health of your tree. Finally, make sure to inspect the fruit of your tree regularly in order to catch any problems before they become too severe.
Harvesting Avocado Fruit from your Tree
Finally, despite the difficulty and dedication associated with growing an avocado tree in Wisconsin, you’ll eventually be rewarded with delicious fruit! For optimal time of harvest, be sure to watch for when the fruits start changing color. An unripe avocado is green and firm, while ripe avocados are often dark green and soft when squeezed. You can even try to gently pull a fruit off the tree to check its ripeness.
Once the fruit is harvested, it can be eaten immediately or stored for use later in the day. However, if you’re planning on keeping the avocados for longer than a few days, be sure to store them in a cool and dry area. Avocado fruits have a short shelf life, and it is best to refrigerate the fruits if you intend to use them later.
As such, despite the difficulty of growing an avocado tree in Wisconsin, it is possible with the right knowledge and dedication. The reward of harvesting home made avocados with unique flavor and texture are truly worth it.
