Gentin a Seedling
Your best starting point to grow an avocado tree from seed in Florida is to first gather a good quality seedling. Florida is known for producing large, juicy avocados. But the right seedling is essential for a successful yield. Look for a seedling that has bulging, shiny flesh and a deep green skin. When selecting a seedling, it is important to keep in mind that smaller avocados are typically easier to grow.
Preparing the Planting Site
Once you have selected a seedling, it is time to prepare the planting site. Choose a area with good sunlight and well-draining soil. You can mix compost into the soil for extra drainage. Clear any weeds and grass from around the planting site. Set your seedling in a 4-6 inch pot with a strong support stake.
Watering & Fertilizing
It is key to water your avocado tree regularly, especially during warm periods. Make sure the soil around the tree is moist but not soggy. During the summer months, avocado trees should be watered every few days. During the winter, water every 7-10 days. Fertilizing is also important. Use a fertilizer that contains both nitrogen and phosphorus to optimize growth and health of the tree.
Pruning
Pruning an avocado tree is essential for its health and growth. Remove any dead or damaged branches and leaves. Prune the tree to a central leader and away from the neighboring branches. This should be done in the early stages of growth, as well as each year afterward.
Harvesting
Avocado trees usually take about 5 years to reach maturity. This can vary depending on the variety of tree and climatic conditions. When the tree starts to bear fruit, it’s time to harvest. The traditional method is to pick the fruit while they’re still green, as they will mature off the tree. Avocado trees generally ripen their fruit in batches, with each batch having its own unique flavor.
Disease Control
Avocado trees can be susceptible to certain diseases. The most commonly seen diseases are Anthracnose and Brown rot. Both of these can be easily prevented with fungicidal applications. Keeping the tree watered and reducing stressors on the tree can also help reduce the likelihood of disease. Regular pruning and fertilization will also help to keep the tree healthy.
Pests and Predators
Avocado trees are also prone to pests and predators. Aphids, mites, and scales are all common pests that can attack avocado trees. Birds, squirrels, and other animals such as raccoons can also be a threat. To prevent these pests and animals, use products such as insecticidal soaps, sticky traps, or netting. Sunflower seeds can also help to draw birds away from the tree.
Cultivation & Common Misconceptions
In Florida, avocado trees must be grown in greenhouses due to the high temperatures and humidity. There is also the misconception that avocado trees need a constant supply of nutrient-rich soil. This is simply not true. Avocado trees require some fertilizing in order to grow more fruit, but with proper care and maintenance, they can survive and bear fruit in a variety of soil types.
Temperature Considerations
In Florida, the temperature can range from very warm in the summer to quite cool in the winter. Especially in the summer months, an avocado tree can become easily overheated. To keep the tree healthy, it is important to make sure the environment is adequately shaded. Plant trees that require little to no water in order to reduce the chance of the tree becoming stressed due to the heat.
Growing Duration
The duration of growing an avocado tree from seed in Florida depends on the variety chosen. Some varieties are quite fast-growing, whereas others can take quite a few years. Most avocado trees will take a minimum of 3-4 years for the tree to produce fruit, with more varieties taking up to 8-12 years. Also, the variety and the climate greatly influence the total duration of your tree’s growth.
