Climate and Soil Requirements for Avocado Trees
Avocado trees are tropical plants that need full sun and warm temperatures to thrive. They require temperatures that range between 50ºF and 65ºF during the day and no lower than 40ºF at night. The trees need ample water that must be evenly distributed between rains, but be careful not to overwater. The soil should be rich in organic matter and well-drained. It should also maintain a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5 and have a temperature above 60°F (15°C).
Cost of a Full Grown Avocado Tree
When it comes to the cost of a full grown avocado tree, it’ll depend on the type of avocado tree you’re looking to purchase. You may be able to find a small potted tree for between $35 and $50. In general, a full grown avocado tree will cost between $150 and $200, and up to $400 for rare varieties.
Growth Time and Average Size of a Full Grown Avocado Tree
The growth time of a full grown avocado tree depends on the variety and the conditions it is in. In general, a healthy avocado tree can take anywhere from 3 years to 5 years to reach maturity. A full grown avocado tree can reach an average height of 15 to 33 feet and spread 20 to 35 feet wide.
Fruit Production from a Full Grown Avocado Tree
A full grown avocado tree can produce between 10 to 250 fruits a season depending on the variety, soil and climate conditions. The fruit’s shape, size, and color can also vary depending on the avocado variety. Most avocados will be ready for harvest after 4 to 6 months from flowering.
Maintenance of a Full Grown Avocado Tree
It’s important to properly care for your avocado tree and give it the right environment to maximize fruit production. This includes watering it regularly, providing fertilizer, pruning occasionally, and monitoring for pests and diseases. All of these tasks will require periodic maintenance, ensuring your tree thrives.
Pros and Cons of a Full Grown Avocado Tree
Having a full grown avocado tree can definitely make you more self-sufficient and provides the pride of growing a healthy tree and producing the fruit over time. On the other hand, growing avocado trees can require a lot of hard work, resources, and maintenance to make sure it grows strong and produces a good yield.
Common Pests and Diseases for Avocado Trees
Common pests that may affect avocado trees include Aspidiotus destructor, Pseudacrocera sp., capnodis tenebrionis, and red mites. Diseases that may affect the tree include anthracnose, fungal leaf spots, thrips, and root rot. It’s important to monitor for these pests and diseases and treat accordingly.
Harvesting the Fruit From a Full Grown Avocado Tree
Harvesting the fruit from a full grown avocado tree is extremely important and involves monitoring the ripe avocados among the foliage. It’s best to pick the fruit when they are somewhere between light green and purplish-black. You can also gently press the fruit where the stem is connected and feel slight give. The fruits should then be carefully hand-picked and left to sit in the shade until they are fully ripe.
Storing the Fruits From a Full Grown Avocado Tree
Once the avocados have been harvested and have fully ripened, it’s important to store them properly. Avocados should be stored in the refrigerator for a few days and can last for about a week. It’s also possible to freeze avocados for use throughout the year.
Safety Tips for Harvesting an Avocado Tree
When harvesting an avocado tree, it’s important to take certain safety precautions. This can include wearing protective clothing, such as long pants and long-sleeved shirts, and wearing gloves. It’s also important to wear a hard hat to protect yourself from falling debris and to keep ladders stable while harvesting.
Tools and Equipment Needed for Harvesting an Avocado Tree
When harvesting an avocado tree, there are some important tools and equipment that should be used. This can include a pole pruner, a ladder, gloves, protective clothing, and a hard hat. Additionally, a ladder stabilizing device can be used to ensure a safer climbing experience when harvesting an avocado tree.
