Avocados are one of nature’s wonder fruits, packed with healthy fats, vitamins and minerals, and are loved by health advocates and foodies alike. Avocados are a great source of antioxidants and can offer protection from disease and help maintain healthy blood pressure. Unfortunately, for many, growing avocados can appear daunting. Fortunately, with the right knowledge and tips, anyone can produce a healthy and happy avocado tree that yields an abundant crop of delicious fruits.
To start, it is important to chose the right variety of avocado. Avocado trees grow best in warm climates, so selecting a variety that is native to the area is recommended. Additionally, researching what conditions the tree needs to thrive- such as the right amount of sunlight and water- is essential. Altogether, the right variety and the right environment will set a gardener up for success.
The next step is propagating the avocado tree. While it may be tempting to use the pit of a store-bought avocado, the lack of genetic diversity may cause the tree to be less healthy or less productive. For greater success, many experts suggest purchasing a grafted avocado tree from a local nursery. Grafting is a process that involves using tissue from two avocado varieties to generate offspring that is a hybrid of the two. This creates a tree with the disease resistance of both varieties, resulting in a healthier and more productive tree.
Once the new tree is planted in the ground or a larger pot, there are a few essential actions that must be taken to care for the soon-to-be fruiting tree. The first is to provide the proper amount of sunlight and water. Avocados prefer full sun, but can tolerate light to moderate shade, and need adequate watering, especially during drier months. Pruning and planting companion plants are also important. Pruning helps the tree to maintain a healthy size and shape, while companion plants can provide the avocado tree with additional nutrients and prevent pests from attacking.
Fertilizing with a balanced fertilizer is also essential for producing a bountiful crop. It is wise to keep the fertilizer level low during the colder months and gradually increase the amount as the spring season approaches. When the tree is putting out new growth, a balanced fertilizer should be applied every couple of weeks. Finally, the last tip to make an avocado tree fruit is to provide adequate pollination. Avocados are classified as a ‘perfect’ flower, meaning they have both female and male parts and can self-pollinate. However, pollinating with a brush or small paintbrush will ensure better yields.
How to Protect Avocado Trees
The same steps taken to promote and create an abundant avocado tree can also be taken to ensure its protection. Controlling the environment and pests are the two best defences for avocado trees. Monitoring the level of water, the hours of sunlight, the amount of shade and the temperature range can help the tree to thrive. Additionally, recognising the signs of pests, such as whiteflies or nematodes, can help a gardener to intervene or prevent the occurrence of an infestation. Special attention should also be given to the root system of the tree, as this is where most damage occurs.
Harvesting Avocado from Tree
Avocados are ready to harvest when they are soft to the touch, their colour turns dark and the stem detaches freely from the tree. Gently remove the avocado, being aware to not damage the surrounding fruits, and store the Fruit in the refrigerator. Once cooled, the avocados will become firm and will last up to a week. Alternatively, avocados can be left on the tree to continue ripening.
Tips for Storing Avocado Tree Fruit
Avocados are sensitive fruit and care should be taken when storing them. Store them in the fridge to prolong their freshness and reduce the risk of over-ripening. Additionally, it is advised to place the avocados in a sealed container or bag to prevent them from absorbing other strong-smelling products. Finally, check for the ripeness of the fruit often and consume the avocados as soon as possible.
How to Use Avocado Tree Fruit
Avocados are a versatile fruit and can be used in a variety of ways. They can be sliced and added to salads, sandwiches and wraps but can also be mashed and used in dips. Additionally, they can be blended into smoothies and even frozen as an ice-cream alternative. Avocados also pair well with fish, meat and vegetables and can be used as a replacement for sour-cream and butter. The possibilities are endless and the health benefits of consuming avocados are profound.
