These plants are best grown outdoors as they can reach up to 60 feet in height.
These evergreen fruit trees are best known for their delicious fruit, the avocado.
However, if its the fruit youre after, these plants need warmth and space for the best results.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Plant your avocado tree in a location with plenty of sunlight and well-draining soil.
If soil conditions are less than ideal,amend the soilwith sand or another well-draining substrate before planting.
The trees are vulnerable to high winds, so immature trees may benefit from support.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Try choosing a planting location that offers wind protection to help keep your tree upright and healthy.
All avocado trees should be planted at least 10 feet away from structures.
The avocado tree’s root system is sensitive, so try not to disturb the roots during planting.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
Dig a hole that is wider than the root structure and the same height as the root ball.
Purchasing a young tree and growing it will yield fruit easier and faster.
Plant this tree in a location where it can receive at least eight hours of sunlight every day.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
These trees can tolerate partial shade, but grow best and produce more fruits when kept in full sun.
Soil
Avocado trees prefer rich,loamy, and well-draining soil.
A soil pH that is acidic to neutral, between 5 and 7, is ideal.
The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy
These trees are sensitive to alkaline soil.
Don’t mulch any closer than six inches from the trunk.
Water
Avocado trees benefit from infrequent, deep watering.
This encourages deeper, stronger root growth.
Wait until the soil begins to dry out, then water deeply.
During the summer months, the avocado tree will require more frequent watering.
Young trees also require more frequent watering as they become established.
Mature trees should receive around two inches of water per week.
They are frost-sensitive and grow best in temperatures between 50-85oF.
These different times make cross-pollination between the two types possible.
Within these categories, there are several avocado varieties available.
For nursery-bought trees, it’s possible for you to expect to see fruit in three to four years.
For avocados started from seed, it may take five to 13 years before fruits appear.
When fruits appear, wait until the avocado grows to its mature size.
Bring the avocados indoors and let them rest on a counter until ripe.
Harvesting Tip
Don’t pick all of your avocados at once.
(They can also be grownindoors in pots.)
Young trees or dwarf varieties are ideal for growing in pots as these will stay small for some time.
When it reaches a foot in height, trim it back six inches.
After this, prune the tree yearly.
Mature trees require occasional pruning.
Prune thick areas to ensure adequate light and airflow.
Cut back any dead wood and trim away V-shaped branches.
Don’t take off more than one-third of the length of each branch.
Pruning Tip
Looking for the best pruners for your avocado trees?
We tested 8top-rated prunersin our Lab to verify your trees stay happy and healthy.
Diseases include root rot, fruit rot, sun blotch, and cankers.
Be alert to the presence of these pests or early signs of disease.
Be sure you plant a throw in A and a throw in B avocado tree for the best results.
The lifespan of an avocado tree will depend on its environment.
However, healthy avocado trees have been known to live for hundreds of years.
Some have even been reported to live up to 400 years old.
Fruiting a potted avocado tree can be tricky, especially if it’s indoors.
It can also grow well in Puerto Rico, an American territory.
The Scoop on Avocado and Your Pets.ASPCA.
