Avocado trees have become increasingly popular in the last few years, but can anyone grow them successfully? To answer this question, there has to be a look at the biology of the avocado tree, the growing conditions and requirements, and the possible issues that could arise when attempting to grow and maintain an avocado tree.
Avocado trees (Persea americana) are members of the Lauraceae family and originate from Central America. They are considered a medium-sized evergreen tree, and can reach heights of 6-10 metres. Avocados are slow growers, and a mature tree will start to bear fruit after 3-5 years. Their bark is smooth and silvery-grey, and the leaves are large and leathery. The fruit will start to ripen from late summer to early autumn and will range in colour from green to purple depending on the variety.
A healthy avocado tree will thrive in warm temperatures but can also tolerate cooler conditions for short periods of time. Due to their subtropical nature, avocados need dappled shade or protection from the hot afternoon sun in summer, and should be sheltered from strong winds and heavy frost. Avocados require at least five hours of sunlight and, ideally, eight or more in the best growing climates. These trees are also quite moisture sensitive, meaning that avocado trees don’t like to have dry feet, so an essential factor in their successful growth is the availability of water throughout the year.
While avocado trees are easy to grow once you are familiar with the biology of the tree and its requirements, there are some issues you may encounter, such as fungal diseases or pests. The key to avoiding diseases or pests is to make sure the tree is healthy and vigorous, by selecting a good variety, providing the correct amount of water and light, and protecting it from extreme weather conditions. Additionally, you can use fertilizers and other products to encourage the growth of healthy trees.
Overall, avocado trees can be fairly easy to grow, especially if you are informed about their biology and requirements. By providing the right amount of light, water and other nutrients, you can be successful in creating a vibrant and fruitful avocado tree. As with any fruit or vegetable, regular pruning and maintenance is recommended in order to keep your tree in good health.
Container Growing
For those living in areas with more harsh weather conditions, container growing can be a viable option for having a successful avocado tree. With container growing you will have more control over the environment and conditions the tree is receiving and this can be used to your advantage. When opting for container growing you need a large enough pot (at least 20 gallons) and must ensure a good drainage system. Additionally, you should ensure the use of quality soil with good levels of organic matter as this will promote a thriving and healthy tree.
Container growing also requires a regular watering schedule, as avocado trees will not tolerate drought conditions. An avocado tree in a pot can suffer quickly if the soil is allowed to dry out so care should be taken to ensure it is watered on a regular basis. Fertilizing the soil with Nitrogen and Phosphorous can also be beneficial.
Growing with Seed
Growing avocados from seed is a popular method and requires minimal effort. Simply collect the seed from a ripe avocado and start the process by suspending the seed in water with a toothpick. Once roots start appearing, it is time to plant the seed into the soil. Soil with good loam and drainage are ideal for growing avocados.
However, the success of growing an avocado from seed is uncertain as there is no guarantee of what variety will be produced. Additionally, it is important to note that the trees grown from seed take significantly longer to start producing fruit ranging from 8-15 years. Additionally, due to the difficulty in getting the seed variety to be true to the same as the parent, avocado trees grown from seed are usually not preferred commercially.
Grafted Trees
Grafting is a common method of growing avocado trees. This method has two key benefits over growing from seed: it can help achieve a faster fruiting time, and it is possible to propagate a desired variety of the tree. With grafting, two trees are joined together to form the ‘scion’ and ‘rootstock’. Once the trees have united, it usually take between 12 and 18 months for fruit to appear.
Grafted trees come with slower growth rates and are more prone to disease but overall, provide numerous advantages that make it an attractive method for avocado tree nurturing. Quality grafting and care can ensure a successful tree and added rewards in more time effective harvests.
Maintaining Avocado Trees
In order to keep an avocado tree in a healthy condition, there are certain measures that need to be taken. Pruning is necessary in order to give the tree a good shape and a balanced canopy. This also helps in controlling the height of the tree as well as its spread. Additionally, you can use fertilizers to promote healthy growth. Selecting the correct fertilizer goes a long way in ensuring a successful harvest.
Weed control is another application that needs to be done on a regular basis. Allowing weeds to grow around the tree can compete with the tree for water, nutrients and sunlight. Additionally, pests and diseases should always be monitored and treated on an as-needed basis. This can be done either by physical methods or chemical treatments if necessary.
Harvesting Avocado Fruit
When it comes to harvesting, the ripeness of the fruit is a key factor. A ripe avocado will be dark green, appear slightly soft and have a rich, sweet smell when lightly pressed. To pick, use your thumb and index finger to gently twist the fruit and it should release from the branch with minimal force. Be sure to handle the fruit with care as the skin is easily damaged.
Once the fruit is picked, you will need to ripen it. This can be done by storing the fruit in a warm and dry place at room temperature. If the avocado is picked too green, a paper bag can be used to help it ripen faster by trapping the ethylene gas given off by the fruit. The process may take a few days but it is well worth the effort.
Storage and Preparation
Avocados are best enjoyed as fresh as possible so it is important to store them correctly. As avocados are sensitive to both heat and cold, a cool, dry place away from extreme temperatures is essential. For a more extended period of time, storing in the refrigerator is the best way to keep them fresh and prevent the fruit from spoiling.
When it comes to preparation, there are a variety of ways to enjoy an avocado. It can be used in salads, sandwiches or simply eaten on its own. To access the sweet and creamy flesh of the avocado, the easiest way is to cut in half, scoop out the pit, and then use a knife to score and remove the flesh. Avocado can also be mashed or puréed to make guacamole and other dips.
Conclusion
Overall, avocado trees can be easy to grow and require minimal effort when cared for properly. Knowing the biology of the tree and its specific requirements is essential for success and can be hard to manage at first. However, taking the time to understand an avocado tree and following some steps will give you a rewarding experience.
