Avocados are a popular and unique fruit, with a smooth, creamy texture and intense flavor that’s loved by many. There’s nothing quite like biting into a freshly picked avocado. For the avid gardener, a home-grown avocado tree can be a great addition to the garden. But, how does one go about growing an avocado tree from scratch?
The first step is to select a seed. You can find avocado, or ‘Alligator’, pear – as they are also known – seeds in health stores or online. Make sure to choose a large seed, preferably one that is over an inch in diameter and has brown spots or streaks on its exterior. This will indicate that the seed is ripe and ideal for growing.
The second step is to prepare the seed. You’ll need to use a blade to carefully split the seed in half, taking care not to damage the protective layer. Once split open, the seed will reveal a dark, lubricous coating. This is a protective seed coat and must be removed before you can plant the seed.
The third step is to remove the seed coat. To safely do this, place the seed half in a container of lukewarm water, leaving it there for a few hours. This will help to soften the protective layer. Once softened, it’s time to remove it and expose the inner core of the seed. This is when you will be able to plant the seed.
The fourth step is to plant the newly exposed seed. Select a potting soil that is free of chemicals and contaminants, as the avocado tree is sensitive to harsh chemicals and will not grow properly if contaminated soil is used. Place the seed in the prepared soil and push it gently down, covering the seed with the remaining soil. Water the seeds thoroughly, and keep the soil moist but not wet.
Allow the avocado seedling to grow for two to three months, making sure to water it sufficiently during that time. The soil should be kept moist but not wet. Keep the seedling in a location that receives plenty of sunlight for best results.
When the seedling is ready to be transplanted, it should have several roots and the top of the stem should be several inches above the soil. Prepare the final transplanting area by clearing all weeds and adding organic compost. Transfer the seedling to the new area and keep it well watered until the roots have grown firmly into the soil. It is best to keep the soil moist but not wet. The transplantation site should also get plenty of sunlight, as this will ensure good growth.
It is time to enjoy your new avocado tree. Avocado trees require very little care, but they do need to be watered regularly. They also require lots of sunlight, so it is important to find a suitable area for them to flourish. With regular watering and care, your avocado tree should begin to bear fruit after several years.
Fertilizing an Avocado Tree
Fertilizing avocado trees is essential for ensuring healthy growth, fruit production and flowering. Fertilizer should be applied every six-to-eight weeks during the growing season, from May to September. Always use a special fertilizer for avocados that is high in phosphorus and potassium, such as a 2-3-3 fertilizer. This will help encourage good flowering and fruit production.
Fertilizer should be applied around the base of the tree, avoiding contact with the trunk or branches. Follow the rule of ‘less is more’ – too much fertilizer can burn the roots and leaves, leaving the tree vulnerable to pests and diseases. Water the fertilizer in deeply, not just on the surface, to ensure that it gets absorbed by the tree.
Organic alternatives such as compost or manure can also be beneficial in providing essential nutrients to the soil. However, it is important to remember that compost and manure may contain weed seeds, which could take root and compete with the avocado tree for nutrients. Therefore, only use organic matter if it is weed free.
Regular fertilizing is a great way to keep your avocado tree healthy and to encourage production of delicious fruit.
Pruning an Avocado Tree
Pruning is an important part of caring for an avocado tree, as it helps to keep the tree healthy and helps to promote growth and fruit production. Pruning should be done in the winter, while the tree is dormant. That way, the shock of pruning will be minimal and the tree will have time to heal before it is expected to produce new foliage and flowers.
When pruning, only remove dead, diseased or damaged branches and avoid cutting away healthy, live branches as much as possible. Use pruning shears to snip off excess branches, making sure to cut as close to the trunk as possible without causing injury. If possible, alternate sides when pruning to keep the tree shape balanced.
If the tree has grown too tall or has outgrown the space it is planted in, the main trunk of the tree can be pruned back by about one third of its height. Again, make sure to use pruning shears and avoid injuring the main trunk. This kind of pruning will help to restrict the tree’s overall height and will also encourage more lateral growth and more fruitful branches.
Pruning an avocado tree correctly will help to keep it healthy and promote healthy growth, flowering and delicious fruit.
Harvesting and Storing Avocados
Once your avocado tree is flowering, fruit will start to appear shortly after. The the fruit will be ready to pick when it has a dark green skin that is slightly firm to the touch, but not rock hard. It is important to wait until the avocado has reached its peak ripeness before harvesting, as the taste and texture of an under ripe avocado is not pleasant.
Use a cutting motion to remove the avocado from the tree, taking care not to damage the skin. The fruit can be left to ripen further at room temperature for a few days before eating. If you prefer a slightly firmer texture, you can store the avocados in the refrigerator.
If you are not planning to eat the avocados soon, they can be stored in the freezer. Cut the avocados into slices and place them in a single layer on baking paper before freezing. Once they are frozen, they can be transferred to a sealed container or zip lock bag. The frozen slices can then be thawed when needed and enjoyed.
Harvested avocados can be stored in a variety of ways to prolong their shelf life, keeping them fresh and delicious for longer.
Preventing Pest and Diseases in an Avocado Tree
Avocado trees can be susceptible to pests and diseases, so it is important to take steps to prevent these from occurring in the first place. Good gardening practices such as proper watering and fertilizing are key to keeping your avocado tree healthy and free form pests and diseases. Ensure that the soil around the root area is kept moist but not wet.
It is also important to protect the tree from strong winds and sunburn, as this can make it vulnerable to pests and diseases. Shielding the tree with other plants or a shade cloth will help to protect it. If the tree is planted in a container, ensure that it is appropriately sized so that the roots have enough room to grow.
It is also best to avoid using chemical insecticides or fungicides to treat pests and diseases. These can be damaging to the health of the tree and can cause more harm than good. If pests or diseases are causing problems, try using neem oil, mineral oil, or other natural alternatives. These are safe to use and have been proven to be effective in controlling pests and diseases.
Proper care and attention are key to prevent pests and diseases from occurring in an avocado tree. With the right care and maintenance, your tree can thrive and produce delicious fruit for many seasons to come.
