Plant an Avocado Tree from Seed
Avocados are popular, nutritious, and versatile—it’s no surprise they have become a kitchen staple. There’s nothing like harvesting your own juicy avocados; and it’s surprisingly easy to grow an avocado tree from seed. Many people who have planted avocado trees have them in their own backyards within two to four years.
Growing an avocado tree can seem intimidating for those unfamiliar with gardening and caring for a tree, but it is a fun, rewarding experience. To start, all one needs is a pit from a ripe avocado, a glass of water and a bit of patience. After the first few weeks, once the pit is planted and the roots and sprouts start to show, it’s all about proper care which includes watering, pruning and adding some fertilizer to ensure the avocado tree is growing healthy and strong.
Experts suggest that the avocado pit needs to be partially submerged in a glass of warm water for two to six weeks until a root begins to sprout and a stem begins to grow. The root will become the root system of the avocado tree, while the stem will become the first branches and leaves. Once the stem has grown to a few inches in length, it’s time to transplant the pit into soil.
When selecting a potting container, experts recommend selecting one large enough to adequately hold the avocado tree’s roots, as growth in the first year can result in the tree outgrowing its pot. Further, the soil is important and should be optimized to aid in the growth of the avocado tree—a mix of potting soil with compost or manure can help create the perfect environment for the avocado tree to flourish.
Once the roots have been transplanted, water the soil, making sure the pit is sufficiently moist. Sunlight and regular watering are key to the growth of the avocado tree; too much water can be a detriment and may lead to the powdery mildew. Although the tree’s watering needs vary based on theclimate, soil type, and how much sun the tree gets, when in doubt it’s better to underwater than overwater.
Pruning Avocado Tree
As with all plants, avocado tree pruning is an important part of health and overall development. Pruning helps the avocado tree flourish and establish strong, healthy branches and leaves, while at the same time helping control its size and shape. Pruning is best done during the winter when the tree has gone dormant, and it is important to remove any dead branches, weak or diseased branches, and any crossing or rubbing branches.
Additionally, it is important to trim and shape the canopy of the tree, but avoid pruning more than 25 percent of new growth in any given season to avoid stunting growth. Live or dead branches should not be pruned from the central leader or main trunk, but rather from any other branches that are growing off of the central leader. For those who are unfamiliar with pruning, it is best practice to consult a professional to determine the best way to prune and shape the vine.
Fertilizing an Avocado Tree
Fertilizing an avocado tree helps promote healthy growth and aids in the development of a strong root system. Fertilizer should be applied four to six weeks after planting, and again at the beginning of the growing season. When selecting fertilizer, it is important to make sure it includes phosphorus, potassium, and nitrogen, as this will give the avocado tree all the nutrients it needs.
For those who are unfamiliar with fertilizing plants, experts suggest consulting with a professional who can recommend the type of fertilizer and how much should be applied. It is also important to avoid over-fertilizing the tree as this can lead to nutrient overload and discourage fruiting.
Harvesting Avocado Fruit
Avocado trees take from two to four years to begin bearing fruit. It is important to consult the label of the avocado seed when it was planted to determine when the fruit will be ready to harvest. The fruit is usually ready to be harvested when its skin has changed from green to a duller, matte black or brown color.
Harvesting the fruit can also be an art, as it is important to understand when to pick the avocados. If the avocado fruit is picked unripe, it will not continue to ripen off the tree. To determine if it is ripe, lightly press the avocado near the stem; it should feel slightly soft. It is also important to note that flowering and fruit production are far higher when there are cooler night temperatures—below 55 degrees Fahrenheit—in addition to warm and sunny days.
Pests and Diseases
Avocado trees can sometimes be susceptible to pests and diseases that can harm the tree and prevent the fruit from growing properly. Insects, such as aphids, mealybugs, and mites, can cause damage to the tree and its fruit. Other pests, such as snails, slugs, and rodents, can also cause damage by eating the fruit.
Fungal and bacterial diseases can also be detrimental to the tree’s health. Common diseases include powdery mildew, which is a fungus and leads to white spots on the leaves, and root rot, which is caused by bacteria and can lead to yellowing and wilting of the leaves.
It is important to inspect the tree and its fruit regularly and take note of any signs and symptoms of pests and diseases. Taking proper preventive and corrective measures is key to making sure that pests and diseases do not harm the avocado tree. These measures can include proper watering, pruning, and fertilizing, as well as introducing beneficial insects, and in some cases, using approved insecticides or fungicides.
Tips to Growing an Avocado Tree
Growing an avocado tree requires patience, but is an enjoyable and rewarding experience. Here are a few tips and tricks suggested by experienced gardeners on how to best help the avocado tree:
- Choose the right potting mix and container.
- Water the soil; avoid overwatering and underwatering if possible.
- Give the tree enough sunlight.
- Avoid using too much fertilizer as this can cause a nutrient overload.
- Prune carefully and shape the canopy of the tree.
- Inspect the tree regularly for pests and diseases.
- Harvest fruit when it is ripe by assessing the skin and pressing it at the stem.
Protection and Shelter for Avocado Tree
Avocado trees are sensitive to extreme weather conditions, and direct, strong winds can damage the branches and leaves. It is important to ensure the tree is sheltered from these conditions—soil mounds should be built that are higher than the trunk and are wide enough to protect the tree when needed. Additionally, the tree can be provided with a screen to protect it from too much sun and wind.
Lastly, if there is outdoor flooding, a well draining soil mix can be beneficial and help the tree survive floods. Taking these measures can help the avocado tree not only survive, but flourish and fruit abundantly.
Transplanting Avocado Tree
Once the tree is pruned adequately and has grown sufficiently, it may be time to transplant it outdoors. Playing close attention to the climate of the region is important: avocado trees require consistently warm temperatures and a minimum of 600 chill hours, which is considered the amount of temperatures lower than 45 degrees Fahrenheit in a year.
Transplanting an avocado tree may seem daunting for some, but it is a straightforward process. First, the pot and the tree should be watered a few days before the transplant. At the new location, dig a hole that is twice as wide as the current pot and just as deep, and make sure the soil is loose and well-draining. When the transplant is complete, the tree should be watered deeply, making sure the soil is saturated.
Conclusion
Growing an avocado tree from seed is a fun and rewarding adventure that can provide you with an abundance of juicy and delicious avocados for years to come. Besides being convenient and economical, it can also be rewarding and educational as you learn about the science, nature and art of growing your own fruit tree. Taking the proper steps in caring for the tree, from proper watering and pruning to pest control and transplanting, can help ensure its health and provide an abundance of avocados when it is ready to harvest.
