Where to Find an Avocado Tree
Avocado trees are one of the most prized trees in the home garden. Growing one in the backyard is a great way to ensure a steady supply of fresh fruit and ensure a garden oasis. But before you can harvest the delicious fruits of your labor, you need to find an avocado tree to buy.
Luckily, it’s quite easy to purchase an avocado tree. Nurseries and garden supply stores usually carry freshly dug up specimens, while online stores are becoming increasingly popular sources. For example, California-based GrowOrganic stocks an impressive selection of avocado trees, from the commercial Zutano and the classic Hass to the dwarf Cocktail and the green-skinned Holiday varieties.
When it comes to shopping for an avocado tree, certain criteria should be kept in mind. First and foremost, it’s important to make sure you buy a young tree that is aged two to three years. The tree should have a good canopy spread, a healthy root system, and lots of new growth. The trunk should be straight and evenly tapered, and the tree should be vigorous and showing signs of growth.
You should also pay attention to the type of avocado that you’re buying. Due to their different growing and fruiting seasons, Hass and Bacon types tend to be best suited to the warmer parts of California while Zutano and Cocktail are better suited to cooler areas. Check your local USDA hardiness zone to make sure that the type of tree you’re purchasing will be able to tolerate the local climate.
Finally, if you’re purchasing online, make sure that the online seller offers a guarantee. Many online nurseries are also willing to provide advice on planting, siting and care, so be sure to ask. And don’t forget that well-cared for avocado trees can become self-producing and even produce for many years.
Role of Environment
Avocado trees need an optimal environment to reach their full potential. They grow best in tropical and subtropical regions and thrive in well-drained soils. Poor drainage, drought and temperatures below 30 degrees Fahrenheit can all spell doom for an avocado tree. Furthermore, wind can cause the branches to break, so it’s best to keep the tree in a sheltered position away from strong winds.
When it comes to light requirements, an avocado tree needs full sun to produce healthy fruits. Avocados are extremely sensitive to the amount of light they receive and if they don’t get enough or too much, the fruits will be small and not nearly as tasty. Furthermore, if the tree is exposed to too much sun, it can cause the leaves to burn and render the tree unable to produce fruits.
In addition to the right environment, avocado trees need supplemental water during dry spells and also need to be fertilised. The tree needs to be fertilised every four to six weeks with a balanced fertiliser. Avocados also require humus for soil enrichment and a good organic mulch for keeping the soil cool and moist.
How to Plant an Avocado Tree
Before you decide to buy an avocado tree, make sure you know how to properly plant it. Achieving good results starts with picking out the ideal spot and then properly preparing the planting area. Place the avocado tree in full sun where it will be sheltered from strong winds. Dig a hole at least twice as wide and deep as the root system of the avocado tree.
Before planting your avocado tree, the soil should be enriched with some organic matter or fertiliser to ensure the roots of the tree will have a good amount of nutrients. Gently place the tree in the hole and fill it up with soil, taking care not to suffocate the root ball. When you’re done, firm the soil down and water the tree well. Prune the tree to a suitable height and shape and then stake it securely if needed.
Caring for an Avocado Tree
Proper care is essential for avocado trees to reach optimal growth and produce delicious fruits. The tree needs to be watered on a regular basis, but be careful not to over-water. Once the first few seasons are over, supplemental fertilising is a must for productive trees. Watering regularly and fertilising will help ensure the tree grows robust and produces fruits.
Keeping the tree pruned is also important. Pruning helps ensure the canopy is even, inducing even ripening in the fruits. Removing dead and weak branches and removing crossed branches will keep your tree healthy and productive. If you notice any pests or diseases, take swift action to eradicate them.
When to Plant and Harvest an Avocado Tree
The best time to plant an avocado tree is in spring, when the risk of frost has passed. The ideal temperature for planting an avocado tree is between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Depending on the region, you may be able to start harvesting fruits after about eighteen months, but it can take up to five years for some varieties to produce fruits.
Harvesting an avocado is a delicate process. When picking avocados, avoid pulling or twisting the fruits off the tree, in order to avoid damaging the branches and other fruits. Always use a sharp picker and try to carefully lift the avocado away from the tree. If the fruit doesn’t come off with gentle pressure, it’s not ripe yet.
Uses of Avocado Trees
Avocado trees not only offer delicious, nutritious fruits, but they can also make a beautiful addition to any backyard. Due to their large canopy, the tree can provide a pleasurable visual focus to the garden. Furthermore, the tree can act as a wonderful feature tree, a living fence or even as a form of topiary. Avocado trees make for excellent specimen trees as well.
When planted in a favorable environment, an avocado tree can also bring a variety of wildlife to the garden. Attracted by the fruit, birds and other animals will be drawn to your backyard, creating a vivid and lively atmosphere. Furthermore, the leaves from the avocado tree can be used as a nutritious supplement for pigs and livestock.
Conclusion
Finding the right avocado tree is half the battle – ensuring it grows and produces healthy fruits is the other half. With the right environment, fertilising, pruning, and harvesting techniques, an avocado tree can bring lots of pleasure and joy.
