How to Grow an Avocado Tree
Growing an avocado tree can be a fun and rewarding experience. In fact, it only takes a few simple steps to turn a bottle full of water and an avocado seed into a 2-metre tall avocado tree. Before beginning, it is important to be aware that avocado trees, which belong to the family of evergreen trees and shrubs, thrive in climates with temperatures no lower than 10 °C (50 °F). Capitalizing on some practical advice and patience is the best way to ensure a healthy and thriving tree.
Avocado seeds, or pits, officially known as the avocado stone, come from the middle of an avocado and vary in size. Start by carefully selecting a seed that is ripe and healthy-looking. Wash and dry the seed, then make sure to poke several holes in the skin with a toothpick to allow for drainage. On the opposite end from the pointed end, place three toothpicks in a triangle shape pointing outward, a few centimeters from the top of the seed. The seed can now be placed in a jar of water with the pointy part up, until the stem and roots begin to grow.
The seed needs to be in direct sunlight with temperatures between 15 to 20 °C (59 to 68 °F) and be placed in water changes every 3 to 5 days to keep algae from growing on the seed. It is also necessary to allow the seed to dry between water changes. By approximately 2 to 3 weeks, the seed should have germinated and the roots and stem should start to appear. Congratulations! You now have an avocado seedling.
You can now transfer the seedling to a pot. Make sure the pot is deep — at least 15 cm — to give the roots enough space to grow. Select a potting soil that is well drained, and mix in 3 cm of perlite or compost for extra water drainage. Put the transplant into the soil and place in a location with a constant temperature between 10 to 25 °C (50 to 77 °F) and plenty of natural light and humidity. Finally, give it a good watering; Make sure to water in the morning, as this will provide the plant with hydration throughout the day.
Once the seedling has been transplanted, feed the tree with a fertiliser intended for avocado trees and spread it around the root system every 6 to 8 weeks during the growing season. Because avocado trees need plenty of sunlight and water, regular pruning and trimming will help shape the tree, promote equal growth and light spaces, and offer better air circulation.
To ensure growth and healthy vigor, avocado trees will require regular water depending on the climate. Watering thoroughly and deeply every 10 to 15 days is the best way to keep the plants hydrated.Depending on the variety, it may take anywhere between 5 to 13 years for an avocado tree to start producing fruits.
Avocado Diseases and Pests
Avocado plants are susceptible to a number of diseases and pests. These may include root rot, scale insect infestations, fungal diseases, and infestations of gnats, thrips, and mites. For scale insect infestations, use of an insecticidal soap may prove effective. If disease has taken ahold of the tree, it is best to contact a local plant clinic or the county agricultural extension office. In addition, to help reduce the opportunity for disease or pest infestations, ensure that the avocado tree is getting adequate nutrition, water, and sunlight.
Harvesting Avocados
Because avocado trees come in a wide range of types, the time for harvesting may vary, but usually it takes between 4 and 6 months for avocados to ripen. The fruit can usually be harvested only when it is no longer firm to the touch. Keep in mind that some varieties take longer to ripen than others. Once harvested, the avocados can be stored on the counter or in the refrigerator. The tree should produce several harvests each year and can live up to and beyond ten years.
Avocado Tree Maintenance
It is important to periodically examine the tree for signs of pest infestations, rod rot, and disease. In addition, be sure to properly prune the tree to promote healthy growth. The tree can be pruned by taking off dead or dying branches, or by cutting back long branches that may be blocking access to sunlight. Pruning should be done in late spring or early summer when the tree is not bearing fruit.
Conclusion
Overall, growing an avocado tree can be a rewarding and enjoyable experience. With patience and the proper care, it is possible to have a fruitful avocado harvest in as little as four to six months. Avocados are packed with nutritional benefits, and having a tree of your own is a great way to stay healthy and enjoy delicious guacamole.
