How Big Does an Avocado Tree Get?
Avocado trees are one of the hardiest plants in warm tropical regions or coastal zones of California and Florida. The hardy avocado tree can grow up to 80 feet in height and is available in both dwarf and standard varieties.
When planted in the ground, the avocado tree is known to bloom at the same time each year with clusters of small, yellow-green flowers that do not need cross-pollination to produce avocado fruit. The attractive, glossy leaves and light shade provided by the avocado tree make it a welcomed addition to any landscape.
Avocado trees also have a high tolerance to salt and root rot and require minimal maintenance. When cared for properly, the tree will produce an abundance of avocados for many years.
Dr. David Taylor is an expert in avocado tree behavior and states that: “Separate male and female avocado trees will flower at different times, just as other trees and plants do. This leads to some avocado trees often flowering, but others not, meaning that avocados from the trees will not be produced. Even when the trees flower, it is not always taking place”.
As for how big a mature avocado tree can get, it simply depends on the variety and the growing conditions. Though, generally, standard avocado trees can reach up to 80 feet in height and around 50 feet in width. Dwarf varieties are restricted in size and can reach between 15 and 20 feet, while semi-dwarf varieties can reach between 25 and 30 feet tall.
For those living in cooler climates, picking an avocado tree variety that is suitable to your area is important as some varieties may end up not producing fruit if the frost is too severe. Avocado trees are cold sensitive, with most varieties not tolerating freezes.
Pests and Diseases
Avocado trees have a few insect pests, which include rhinoceros beetle and tomato caterpillar, which feed on the fruit and can stunt the growth of the tree. To protect the tree, rid it of these pests by spraying a natural insecticide or by introducing ladybugs to the garden.
The most problematic damage for the avocado tree is caused by frost. Though as discussed, some varieties can handle a certain degree of frost, most of them tend to suffer from this kind of weather. The colder the climate, the more damage can be done. For this reason, it is important to pick the right variety of avocado tree when planting.
Fungal diseases can also affect the avocado tree and be difficult to treat if caught in the late stages. Early signs of fungal infections can include wilting, stunted growth, and discoloring of the leaves and branches.
One of the most important things for prevention of fungal infection is to make sure your avocado tree is planted in an area that has good drainage, as this is a key factor in avoiding fungal infestation.
Harvesting Avocados
Harvesting avocados is within the reach of most gardeners, however, patience is required as it takes three to six years before the tree will start producing avocados. Maximum production is reached after roughly eight years, given that the tree receives adequate sunlight.
Avocado trees flower twice a year, in the fall and spring. Depending on your area, the flowering period can vary. This can make it difficult to determine when to pick the avocados.
When it comes to picking your avocados, they will ripen on the tree so it may be a case of picking unripe avocados and letting them ripen off the branch. Avocados are ready for picking when their skin turns a dark-green colour.
To harvest the avocados, either gently twist the avocado by hand, or use a harvesting pole to snip them off. Keep in mind that avocados are delicate and can be bruised easily, so take care when picking them.
Care and Maintenance
Avocado trees love plenty of sunlight and a warm climate, but they will also thrive with partial shade in some areas. Prepare your soil before planting to give your avocado tree the best chance of growing big and strong. When planting, make sure to avoid clay or waterlogged soils.
Water the avocado tree regularly, especially in the warmer months. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so ensure that your tree is only receiving enough water to keep the soil moist and not overly wet.
Avocado trees require regular fertilization in order to support healthy growth and production of avocados. Feed your tree with a balanced fertilizer every four to six months, ensuring that the fertilizer does not come into direct contact with leaves or stems.
Throughout the year, prune away dead leaves or branches, and remove any suckers from the tree as these can take away from your tree’s energy resources.
Organics and Pesticides
When it comes to caring for an avocado tree, the use of organics is by far the best approach. Organic fertilizers, such as compost and mulch, are good choice for ensuring that your avocado tree will stay healthy while avoiding any nasty chemicals.
Using organic fertilizer is also beneficial when it comes to getting a good harvest as the nutrients provided to the tree will be better absorbed and improve its overall health.
Pesticides should also be avoided as much as possible. If insect pests are present, choose a non-toxic insect repellent to keep the pest away from the tree.
Grafting Avocado Trees
If you are looking to produce a larger yield of avocados from a single tree, you can always opt for grafting. Grafting is the process of using parts from a different avocado tree in order to create a new tree that combines the best characteristics of both varieties. This is a great way to increase the number of avocados you can produce without much additional effort.
Grafting can be a tedious process, however, so it is best to seek the help of an expert before attempting this yourself. Once the process of grafting is completed and the tree matures, it is important to remember that it will still require regular care like any other avocado tree.
Conclusion
Avocado trees can be a great addition to any garden as they require minimal effort and provide beautiful shade, while also providing a bountiful harvest of avocados. They are hardy and tolerant to salt and root rot, while also coming in a variety of sizes, making it perfect for any garden space.
