Requirements for Planting an Avocado Tree
Avocado is one of the most nutritiously-dense foods and an essential part of a healthy diet. In order to reap its many benefits, planting an avocado tree requires patience and knowledge. Avocado trees are tropical perennials and must be grown in climates that have mild winters, warm summers and very moist soil.
When selecting an avocado tree to plant, a person should ensure that the tree is free of any parasites or disease, and it should have been grown from a seed rather than from a branch cutting. Trees grown from a branch cutting will produce fruit, but since the fruit will be of poor quality, a person should avoid buying this type of tree. An avocado tree grown from a seed will produce higher quality and larger avocados.
Ideal Climate
The ideal climate and region to grow an avocado tree is an area that receives more than 35 inches of rainfall per year and has an average temperature of 65 degrees Fahrenheit or warmer. It is important to keep in mind that most commercial cultivars of avocado tree prefer a temperature range of 55 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Locations along the California coast, as well as tropical climates, are ideal for growing avocado trees.
The avocado tree can also be planted in cold climates, but as long as temperatures rarely drop below 28 degrees Fahrenheit. If a person is living in a cold climate and wishes to grow an avocado tree, then planting a tropical variety that is cold hardy is recommended. Examples of cold-tolerant varieties are Zutano, Bacon, Yuma, Conquistador, Hass, Lamb Hass and Medley.
Soil Conditions
Avocado trees require well-draining, slightly acidic soil with a pH of 6 to 7. If a person is uncertain of the soil’s pH level, then it is beneficial to have the soil tested and professionally amended, if needed. The soil should also be high in organic content, as this will help make the tree more drought-resistant and introduce beneficial microorganisms. If a person is planting the tree in a container, then a well-draining soil mix specifically meant for container-grown plants should be used.
It is always recommended to add compost or aged manure to the soil because compost helps reduce the amount of irrigation needed and aged manure provides greater nutrient availability. The tree will also require regular fertilizing.
Planting Process
When planting an avocado tree, the planting hole should be 60 percent bigger than the root ball and twice as deep. It is important to ensure the hole is wide enough, as this will make it easier for the roots to spread correctly. To plant the tree, a person should dig the hole, place the tree in it and backfill the hole. It is important to remember to firmly press the soil against the tree’s root ball before finishing the planting.
The tree should be watered thoroughly once it is planted. Mulching the base of the tree is beneficial, as this helps create a microclimate that keeps the soil at a consistent temperature by reducing water evaporation from the soil. After the tree is planted, it should be provided with adequate irrigation every two weeks, adjusting it to the seasons.
Container Growing an Avocado Tree
Avocado trees can also be grown in containers, although this method requires a little more effort than growing a tree in the ground. To grow an avocado tree in a pot or container, a person should select a large container that is at least 11 to 15 inches tall, with drainage holes. To ensure even drainage and slow water release, the bottom of the pot should be filled with gravel and have approximately two to two and a half inches of organic soil on top.
When selecting a variety to grow in a container, it is recommended to go with a cultivar like Kent, Reed, Gwen, Haas or Holiday that is marketed as being suited for container growth. It is important to note that the container should be placed in an area where it will receive full sun exposure, such as a patio, and should be watered more often than a tree grown in the ground.
Proper Care and Maintenance
Avocado trees that are planted in the ground or in a container will benefit from proper care and maintenance. Managing pests and disease is essential for a healthy tree, and can include pruning, irrigation and fertilization.
Pruning should be done every year to ensure good air flow and reduce the spread of disease. If a tree is planted in the ground, then training it as it grows is also beneficial. If a person is growing the avocado tree in a container, then regular repotting should be done every two to three years.
Avocado trees require deep, infrequent watering in order to help prevent root rot for those planted in the ground and to keep the soil evenly moist for trees in containers. An avocado tree should be fertilized four times a year with a formula that is high in nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium.
Harvesting and Storing
Avocado trees require patience and commitment during the growing process, but once the tree is mature, it can bear fruit for up to 20 years. When harvesting an avocado, a person should gently twist the fruit away from the tree and avoid pulling, as this can result in damage to the fruit and tree.
Some avocados can be stored in a cool, dry place until they reach peak ripeness, while others may be eaten soon after harvesting. Ideally an avocado should be kept at a temperature of 55 to 65 degrees Fahrenheit, and any avocados that are going to be stored for a longer period of time should be thoroughly wrapped in a paper towel and placed in an airtight container.
Effects of Cold Damage
Avocado trees that are affected by cold damage tend to become infected by poor circulation or frost. Frost-injured trees will have a wilting appearance, and this wilting can become permanent if temperatures do not return to normal soon enough. Frost-injured trees can also become infested with mites and other disease-causing organisms.
If a person suspects that their avocado tree has been cold-injured, then pruning the tree and removing diseased branches is recommended. It is also beneficial to provide the tree with adequate irrigation, fertilizer and pest control, as this will help protect the tree from more serious damage.
Treating Pit Burn
Pit burn, also known as crown canker, is a bacterial infection that can affect avocado trees. Pit burn is caused by the bacteria Erwinia avinidae, and it is characterized by the appearance of reddish-brown spots on the tree’s bark that become larger and darker with the passage of time.
To treat pit burn, a person should prune away infected areas and ensure that the tree has adequate irrigation and fertilizer. Adding soil amendments like compost and aged manure are beneficial because they will help to improve the soil’s fertility and reduce the amount of water needed for the tree.
Battling Against Sunburn
Avocado trees that are located in areas that receive direct sun for more than six hours a day can become sunburned. This type of sunburn is characterized by discoloration of the foliage and trunk, as well as tree defoliation. In order to protect the tree from sunburn, using a shade cloth or covering the tree with muslin or burlap is beneficial. It is also recommended to water the tree more during the summer months and to ensure that the tree has adequate fertilizer and pest control.
Infestations
Unfortunately, avocado trees can also become infested with a variety of pests and parasites. Common pests and parasites that attack avocado trees include the avocado lace bug, scale, thrips and mealybugs. If a person notices an infestation, then treating the tree with an insecticidal soap is recommended.
Organic insecticides can also be used, but they are not as effective as chemical insecticides. If a tree is heavily infested, then it is important to contact a professional to treat the tree because they can quickly contain the infestation before it becomes an even bigger problem.
Conclusion
Growing an avocado tree can add beauty and nutrition to a person’s life, and with the proper knowledge, care and maintenance, any person can grow a healthy and fruitful tree. While some luck and patience is needed, any person can successfully grow an avocado tree if basic requirements for planting, soil and climate, proper care and maintenance and pest control are taken into consideration.
