With hard work, the right conditions and a bit of luck, growing an Avocado tree is rewarding and surprisingly easy. The process requires a little bit of patience and planning, but you can have a thriving tree in your home. This article will discuss the best practices for growing an Avocado tree, from seed or from planting store-bought avocados, potting and planting in your yard, and pruning and caring for your little seedling.
Germinating
The first step to growing an Avocado tree from scrath is to get the seed to germinate. The easiest way to do this is to suspend a toothpick on either side of the seed and place it in a cup with water. Make sure the water covers one-third of the avocado and leave it in a warm area. Check every 3-4 days to make sure the seed is still submerged; add more water as needed. Once your seed has sprouted and the stem is around 4-6 inches, it’s ready to be transplanted into soil.
Potting and Planting
To make sure the roots can expand properly, use a large pot with well-draining soil and make sure it has plenty of space (12-15 inches in diameter). Place the seed in the soil, making sure the water line stays below the surface of the soil. Once your Avocado tree reaches 8-10 inches tall, its time to move it outdoors. Plant it in a sunny but sheltered spot and water daily until it gets established.
Pruning and Care
Pruning isn’t necessary to the process of growing an Avocado tree, but it helps your tree to grow stronger and healthier. The best time to prune is winter and spring, when the tree is not actively growing. Make sure to cut only dead or broken branches and leave healthy ones be; over pruning can weaken or kill your avocado tree. In addition to pruning, make sure to add mulch and nitrogen to your soil regularly. This will help provide nutrients to your tree, as well as conserve water.
Harvesting
After 3-4 years, you will be able to start harvesting avocados. The best way to get a good crop is to leave some of the avocados on the tree and continue to harvest a few at a time throughout the summer. Depending on your climate, you may be able to replant the pits to create a new avocado tree, or you can give the pits away as gifts. Whatever you decide, enjoy the fruits of your labour!
Choosing the Right Avocado
When you’re choosing an avocado tree for planting, make sure it’s the right variety for your climate. Avocados come in a range of types, from large, creamy Hass (most common type) to small, spicy Bacon. Research the types available in your area, then purchase a seed or plant from a local nursery.
Timing the Planting
When it comes to planting an avocado tree, timing it just right can be the difference between success and failure. To get the best yield, avoid planting avocados during hot, dry months; instead, wait until the fall when temperatures are lower and the soil is more moist. Planting too late in the year can affect the growth of the tree and the fruit it produces.
Light Requirements
Avocado trees need full sun for 6 to 8 hours a day to thrive. If you’re planting in containers, place them in a sunny spot and rotate them regularly. Trees grown in the ground don’t need to be rotated, but they do benefit from a bit of shade during the hottest parts of the day. If your tree doesn’t get enough light, its fruit, leaves, and stems could be stunted in size.
Soil Requirements
Avocados thrive in well-draining, nutrient-rich soil. Before planting, mix in compost or aged manure and make sure your soil has a pH between 6.5 and 7.5. If you’re planting in containers, use a soil specially formulated for trees, such as a bonsai mix. Water regularly, but avoid overwatering as this can lead to root rot.
Fertilizing
Avocado trees need to be fertilized regularly to perform at their best. The best time to fertilize is in spring and summer, when the tree is actively growing. Use a balanced fertilizer and follow the instructions on the packaging for the correct amount and frequency of application. Make sure to avoid fertilizer burn, which can damage leaves and roots, by always watering after fertilizing.
Nutrient Deficiencies
If your avocado tree is not growing as expected, check for nutrient deficiencies. An iron deficiency is common among avocado trees, and can be easily fixed with a dose of iron-rich fertilizer. Nitrogen is another nutrient avocado trees need; look for yellowing leaves as a sign that the tree is nitrogen deficient. If it is, make sure to add more nitrogen to the soil.
