Provide Proper Conditions
Avocado trees thrive in warm climates and typically need temperatures of 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit to bear fruit and bloom. They also require full sun to partial shade, depending on the species, so selecting a location that receives adequate sunlight, such as east or west facing windows, will be essential for successful fruit production. Avocados enjoy soil that is slightly acidic, with pH levels ranging from 6.0 to 6.5, so regular testing of the soil should be conducted to ensure ideal growth. Trees also need a deep, regular watering, providing ½-1 inch of water a week, depending on the dryness of the landscape.
Fertilize Regularly and Prune for Air Flow
Avocado trees require nutrients to produce fruit, so providing a fertilizer regularly can help encourage healthy growth. The best time to fertilize the tree is in June and August, while also avoiding any late spring or early summer fertilization. The fertilizer should be balanced and include phosphorus, nitrogen, and potassium. Pruning is also important to ensure a healthy production of fruit. Cut away any dead, diseased, or congested branches to ensure enough air and light can reach all areas of the tree. Trimming the canopy back and thinning out any crossing branches can also help keep the tree healthy for years.
Choose the Right Variety
There are numerous varieties of avocado, so selecting the right type for your climate will be essential for successful and bountiful fruit production. Some of the most popular varieties include Hass, Bacon, and Fuerte. Hass is the traditional avocado variety and is adaptable to many climates, while Bacon and Fuerte are recommended for cooler climates. Other varieties such as LILA, GEM, and Pinkerton offer better yields and are also recommended.
Encourage Pollination
Avocado plants are monoecious, meaning they may be of a single sex or they may contain both male and female parts. To ensure successful pollination and fruit production, cross-pollination is recommended. Research has revealed that allowing honeybees, using a live bee hive or a mason bee box, to pollinate the flowers can increase fruit production. Additionally, hand-pollinating the flowers with a small paintbrush has also been found to be effective.
Time for Harvesting
Avocados typically take 8 months to 12 months to ripen, depending on the variety and climate. To determine if the fruit is ripe, pull one off of the tree and inspect its color and feel. Avocados should be a dark-green color and should give slightly when squeezed. It is also important to check for thinning leaves or brittle branches, as this can indicate the tree is under stress. If harvesting is needed, it is best to allow the fruit to ripen on the tree.
Treat Potential Pest or Disease Problems
Avocado trees are susceptible to various pest and disease problems, such as root rot, scale, mites, and aphids. Therefore, regular inspection of the tree should be conducted to help mitigate any potential issues. Webbing or small, white bumps on the leaves indicates an infestation of mites and can be managed with an insecticidal soap or oil. Furthermore, maintaining a healthy soil and proper nutrition can also help to prevent potential pest and disease issues.
Protect From Frost
Avocados are not tolerant of cold weather, and damaging temperatures can occur in the winter, causing a decrease in the fruit production. Therefore, protective techniques, such as covering the tree with a blanket, or mulching around the base of the tree, should be implemented to protect the tree from frost damage.
Protect Young Buds From Animals
Young avocado buds are also susceptible to damage from birds or other animals, such as lizards or deer. To keep animals from eating the buds, protective netting, or mylar streamers attached to the branches, should be implemented when the buds are found.
Plant in Containers for Effective Management
Avocado trees can be planted in containers for easy transport and more effective fruit production management. Containers allow for the tree to be placed in ample amounts of sunlight, maintained in ideal temperatures and soil, and makes harvesting easier. The size of the container should be based on the species, as smaller varieties need smaller containers and larger varieties will require larger containers.
Select Suitable Pollinator Trees
It is recommended to plant or acquire a compatible pollinator that has good overlapping blooms with the avocado variety selected. This will help ensure the pollination of the flowers and the production of fruit. Fruitless avocado trees, specifically type A and type B Pollenizers, also can be purchased and used in combination with the avocado variety selected.
Provide Proper Pruning and Staking
Avocado trees should be pruned to encourage strong branch structure and healthy foliage. Pruning should take place in the winter months when necessary. Staking may also be required for taller trees, for additional support.
Fertilize Correctly and Monitor pH Levels
The avocado tree should be fertilized in late spring and again in early summer with a balanced fertilizer. Additionally, soil testing should also be conducted to ensure suitable pH levels, as avocado trees require an acidic soil with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5.
Manage Potential Diseases and Insects
Avocado trees are susceptible to various pests and diseases and should be regularly monitored for any signs or symptoms. Common pest and disease issues include root rot, scale, mites, and aphids. Treatment of these issues should take place as soon as they are noticed. An insecticidal soap or oil can effectively help manage pests, while a fungicidal spray or biofungicide can help manage fungal issues.
