Germination
Avocado tree seeds can be tricky to germinate, but they are surprisingly resilient when it comes to most extreme climates. If you are starting your tree seed inside your house, the trick is to lightly water it and keep it in a warm environment. You want the soil to be constantly moist but not soaking wet. Placing the seedling in a plastic bag with holes drilled in it can assist in keeping the seedling warm and also encourage germination. The seed should sprout in about 10-14 days, and once it does, it’s time to permanently pot it in a pot with any high-quality potting soil. You should also put a hole in the bottom of the pot, to help with drainage.
Any special care you give the seedling once it has sprouted will benefit the tree’s growth, so it is important to make sure the seedling has plenty of light, water and room to grow in the pot.
Growing Outdoors
Growing an avocado tree outdoors is relatively easy, compared to growing it indoors, but there are still some steps you need to take. To start off, the climate needs to be taken into account. Avocados do best in mild climates and cannot survive in temperatures below 35 degrees F. Plant the seed in a pot with holes and a quality potting soil. When planting it, make sure the seedling is completely covered in the soil. It will take a few weeks for the seedling to start sprouting and about eight weeks for it to grow a stem.
Once you see the stem growing, you want to provide enough sun so that it’s getting about 8-10 hours a day. Keep the soil around the tree moist at all times. If the soil starts to dry out, water it lightly with a generous amount of water.
Fertilization
When your avocado tree is about two months old, it should start receiving fertilizer. You want to use a balanced fertilizer to help the tree stay healthy. Fertilizers should be given during the growing season and every three months during winter. As the tree grows, it also needs pruning to maintain its shape, which should be done in the winter.
Protecting The Tree
Regardless of the season, keeping your avocado tree safe from pests and diseases is the key. Insects and fungi can quickly infect the tree, so it’s important to keep the tree clean. During the summer, use a spray bottle to mist the leaves and branches with water. This will keep the tree hydrated and prevent insects from settling in. During the winter, you want to make sure to ice or frost protection for the tree by covering it with a tarp or other material.
Harvesting
Harvesting is an exciting moment! It usually takes four to five years before an avocado tree can produce fruit. Once the fruit is ready it should be picked when the skin is still slightly green. Once the avocado is ripe the skin should be slightly yellow and the avocado should feel soft if you gently press it.
Troubleshooting
In some cases, the tree might suffer from not receiving enough sunlight. If the tree is not getting enough sun, it can cause the leaves to yellow and fall off. The best way to fix this is to move the plant to a sunnier spot and make sure it receives adequate sunlight. If the tree is not getting enough water, the leaves will start to curl and turn brown. Watering the tree more frequently should do the trick.
Pruning
Pruning is an important part of avocado tree care. Pruning the tree while it is young can help promote the tree’s growth and can help eliminate any dying or extra branches. Pruning should be done when the tree isn’t actively growing and typically during the winter. Pruning should be done in early stages when the tree is young and when the tree is established, to help maintain its shape and size.
Grafting
Grafting is an ancient technique used to propagate plants. In the case of the avocado tree, grafting can be used to increase the tree’s chance of producing fruits. The process involves taking a stronger and healthier branch from an existing tree and attaching it to the weaker tree. Grafting is not a guarantee but it can produce better results and improve the tree’s chances of fruiting.
