Avocado trees are evergreen trees native to Mexico, Central and South America, and grown in many parts of the world. In South Africa, the ideal growing season for an avocado tree spans from May to August, and you’ll need to give it rich soil and warm temperatures. While the ideal climate for avocado trees in South Africa is along the warmer, more coastal areas with high year-round temperatures, there are a few considerations to ensure your avocado tree succeeds.
In most parts of South Africa, avocado trees must be lighty pruned and not allowed to outgrow their space. Pruning helps keep the foliage in check around other plants and maximizes sunlight exposure. As well, proper watering and fertilizer are critical to ensure the tree blossoms and produces fruit. Too much fertilizer, water or heat can result in the tree wihtering and dieing.
When selecting where to plant an avocado tree in South Africa, consider the climate and soil types that are best suited for this fruit-bearing tree. Knowing the type of soil an avocado tree thrives in is essential for success. The ideal soil for avocados must be rich in organic and mineral matter, be well drained and relatively alkaline, and even slightly sandy. Clay soils and soils that are poorly drained are not suitable for growing avocados.
Similarly, South Africa’s climate is subtropical in nature, with high humidities and plenty of sunshine. Avocado trees demand spring and summer temperatures that range between 21-29 degrees Celsius and winter temperatures of no less than 10 degrees Celsius. In terms of rainfall, an avocado tree thrives in areas which receive either moderate or medium-high amounts of rainfall.
The best climates in South Africa for cultivating avocado trees are the humid, subtropical, coastal regions. Areas such as the warmer parts of the Western Cape, the Kwa-Zulu-Natal Coast and the Eastern Cape are all suited to avocado production. In these locations, avocado tree owners should be prepared to invest in extra protective and maintenance care, including water cover and tree ties.
But also remember that avocado trees, though sensitive to frost damage and intense heat, can grow practically anywhere in South Africa. In the lowland areas, avocados can be planted, with the same level of care and attention as the coastal regions of South Africa mentioned above. In fact, avocado trees are capable of surviving slight frost conditions in short durations.
When planting an avocado tree in South Africa, it’s important to take into consideration the type of soil you’re planting in. If you live in an area which is prone to heavy rainfall and flooding, then you’ll need to invest in raised grow beds or build air pockets beneath your tree. This will ensure steady growth and healthier fruit production. In addition, you’ll need to make sure the area offers plenty of sun and casts shade on the tree during the hottest parts of the day.
Avocado Pollination
Avocado trees require cross-pollination in order to set fruit; the flowers must be visited by a pollinator, such as bees or other insects. If you have only one avocado tree, you’ll need to introduce pollinators to help your tree produce fruit. However, if you have more than one avocado tree you’ll need to consider their flowering times. Different avocado varieties can flower at different times, so be sure to plant trees of different varieties to ensure pollination.
Pest and Disease Control
Avocado trees, like any other trees and shrubs, can suffer from pests and diseases if not cared for properly. In South Africa, it’s essential to monitor your tree for signs of pests and diseases and to act quickly should any be noticed.Scale, mealybug and aphid pests, as well as root rot, powdery mildew, and nutrional deficiencies, are common avocado tree issues.
Harvesting an Avocado
When an avocado is ready to harvest, it will yield to gentle pressure when squeezed. If, after squeezing the fruit, it’s still hard, wait a few days before giving it another squeeze. Avocados will ripen off the tree, but in order to ripen evenly and quickly, it helps to leave the fruit connected to its branch.
Storing an Avocado
The best way to store an avocado is in a paper bag. Place the avocado in the paper bag and close it at the top. This will allow the avocado to ripen and remain fresher for longer. Refrigerate once ripe and use within a few days.
Watering an Avocado Tree
A proper watering schedule is necessary in order to keep the avocado tree’s branching structure full and lush. Avocado trees grown in dry climates should be watered every 3-4 weeks. Newly planted trees should be watered more often; aboutonce per week. Existing avocado trees should be watered every two weeks. In cooler climates, it is often best to mulch the root area of the tree to help retain moisture. However, both the soil and the mulch should retain some water, as overly wet soil can encourage root rot.
Fertilising an Avocado Tree
Avocado trees need to be fertilised in order to obtain optimal growth and produce larger yields. Choose a balanced fertiliser that serves both vegetable and fruit trees and contains a ratio of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in equal parts. Fertilise trees twice a year in early spring and again in the early summer with a teaspoon of fertiliser per square foot.
