Avocado tree growing conditions

You can start with an avocado seed. Wash it. Use three toothpicks to suspend it broad end down over a water-filled glass to cover about an inch of the seed. Put the glass in a warm place out of direct sunlight and replenish water as needed. You should see the roots and stem start to sprout in about two to six weeks. (If you’ve followed this process so far and have not seen roots or a stem sprout in more than six to eight weeks, try another seed. ) When the stem is 6 to 7 inches long, cut it back to about 3 inches. When the roots are thick and the stem has leaves again, plant it in a rich humus soil in a 10½-inch-diameter pot, leaving the seed half exposed. Water it frequently, with an occasional deep soak. The soil should be moist but not saturated. And don’t forget: the more sunlight, the better. If the plant turns yellow, you may be over-watering; let it dry out for a few days. If the leaves turn brown and fry at the tips, too much salt has accumulated in the soil. Let water run freely into the pot, and drain it for several minutes. When the stem is 12 inches high, cut it back to 6 inches to encourage the growth of new shoots.

*Please note that the odds that your tree will bear fruit are very small.

Planting: Young tree

Remember that avocado trees do best at moderately warm temperatures (60 F to 85 F) with moderate humidity. They can tolerate temperatures, once established, of around 28 F to 32 F with minimal damage. Avoid freezing temperatures. Plant your tree in March through June. If you plant during the summer, there is always the risk of sun damage, because avocado trees don’t absorb water very well when they’re young. Plant it in a non-lawn area and away from sidewalks and, if you can, plant it in a spot protected from wind and frost. Remember, full sun is best. Dig a hole as deep as the current root ball and just as wide as the width plus a little extra so you can get your hands into the hole to plant it. The avocado is a shallow-rooted tree with most of its feeder roots in the top 6 inches of soil, so give it good aeration. Its root system is very sensitive, and great care should be taken not to disturb it when transplanting. If the tree is root-bound, however, loosen up the soil around the edges and clip the roots that are going in circles.

Soil

Avocado trees like the soil’s pH around 6 to 6.5. If you have a heavy clay soil, elevate the tree in a mound for better drainage. Make the mound 1 to 2 feet high and 3 to 5 feet around. Don’t put gravel or anything else like planting media in the hole. The sooner the roots get into the bulk soil, the better the tree will do.

Watering

Trees typically need to be watered two to three times a week. As the roots reach out into the bulk soil, more water can be applied and the frequency of watering can diminish to about once a week after a year. When watering the tree, soak the soil well, and then allow it to dry out somewhat before watering again. As with most plants, you don’t want the tree to get too dry. The rule of thumb for mature trees is about 20 gallons of water a day during the irrigation season. Seedlings will require quite a bit less water, of course. Check the soil before watering each time to make sure it has dried somewhat. If the soil from around the roots can hold the impression of a hand when squeezed, it has enough water.

Mulching and Fertilizing

Mulch with coarse yard mulch. Redwood bark or cocoa bean husks and shredded tree bark will work. Choose something that is woody and about 2 inches in diameter. Coarse yard mulch is available at some garden-supply centers and through tree-trimming operations. Tree-trimming operations sometimes have material that has been pruned from the tops of trees and doesn’t contain any diseased roots. Use online search engines to find a local tree service. Put 20 pounds of gypsum spread around the tree base, and mulch the area with 6 inches of mulch, keeping the material about 6 to 8 inches away from the tree trunk. Fertilize your young avocado trees with ½ to 1 pound of actual nitrogen per tree per year. You can spread it out over several applications as long as it totals ½ to 1 pound of nitrogen. The other important nutrient for avocado trees is zinc. Ordinary home fertilizer for houseplants will normally work.

Other growing tips

Be patient about seeing fruit. If you have purchased and planted a tree, you can probably expect to see your first fruit three to four years after planting. If you are growing from a seed, it can take anywhere from five to 13 years before the tree is mature enough to set fruit. When the tree does flower, expect a lot of flowers to fall without setting fruit. This is natural.

Should I plant a “B” type avocado with an “A” type avocado to help with good pollination?

Avocado flowering patterns fall into two groups: “A” type and “B” type flowers. A-type flowers open female in the morning and male in the afternoon, B-type are male in the morning and female in the afternoon.
It is widely accepted that fruit production can be helped with the presence of another avocado variety, but it isn’t always required.

How does temperature influence pollination and fruit set?

Optimum fruit set occurs at temperatures between about 65 – 75 F. Cooler or warmer temperatures are less ideal.
Under some conditions, you may get a fruit from a flower that did not pollinate properly. These small, elongated fruit will often fall from the tree on their own, but if they “hang on” you can pick them and eat them. These fruit are called “cukes” but are sometimes marketed in stores as “Cocktail” or “Finger” avocados.

What can I do about my avocado tree dropping fruit?

This is called fruit drop. An avocado tree typically produces about one million flowers, but only 100-200 pieces of fruit per tree. In other words, 1 fruit in 10,000 will set and mature. Sometimes the tree will set fruit but drop them when they are pea to walnut size. This is typical.
To minimize fruit drop of good “fertilized” fruit, avoid stressing the tree. Don’t under or overwater it. Research suggests that fruit retention is also better when there are other avocado varieties present to provide cross-pollination, and that these crossed fruit have a higher tendency to stay on the tree.
There is also some indication that over-fertilizing with Nitrogen during the early fruit stages can also somewhat influence fruit drop. Check with your master gardener for help with fertilizers for your climate/location.

How can I tell when my avocados are ripe and ready to pick?

Avocados do not “ripen” on the tree, that is, they do not get soft while on the tree. They mature on the tree.
Once you pick an avocado, it can take from 7-21 days for it to soften when left at room temperature. You can speed the process up slightly by placing the avocado in a bag with some other ripe fruit (like an apple or banana) or slow the process down by keeping the fruit in the refrigerator. More on how to ripen avocados.

So, when should I pick my avocados?

Pick a couple of avocados and try to ripen them. If they shrivel up or seem rubbery instead of soft, they are not mature yet. Keep picking fruit every few weeks. Note on the calendar when they soften instead of turning rubbery.

Also, note the taste of the fruit. The oil content of the fruit usually increases through the season, and there will be a certain point when it tastes “just right. ” That date will usually vary somewhat due to climate conditions, and some years will be better than others. Some varieties can also reach a point where they have too much oil and some will turn rancid (although many types fall from the tree before reaching that point).

The Hass Avocado in California typically comes to maturity in February and is good through September or October. These dates depend a lot on where you live and climate conditions.

How many fruit will a mature tree produce in one year?

It is possible for an avocado tree to produce 200 to 300 fruit per tree once it is about 5-7 years of age. The avocado tree, however, alternates bearing. This means that the tree may produce a large crop one year, and then produce a small crop the following year. There are lots of variables that influence this.

How many years will a normal avocado tree produce fruit?

Typically, an avocado tree will continue to grow and produce fruit until something kills the tree.

When is the best time to prune avocado trees?

Avocados can be pruned any time of the year, but there tends to be less vigorous regrowth if it is done after cold weather in the winter, sometime around February.

How large will my avocado tree get?

Growth is reflected in rootstock, variety, soil depth and texture, windiness, irrigation and pruning. Reed, Bacon and Hass trees can ultimately grow to 35 feet in 30 years. Pruning can keep the trees to a manageable size, under 15 feet, but it must be done on a regular basis.

What’s the creamy-white foamy looking stuff that grows out of the bark where there are cuts, or small branches have died and dropped off?

It is just sap coming from a wound. It dries into that sugary white, fluffy stuff.

What areas of California are most hospitable to avocados?

Most areas of Southern California are suitable for avocados, except for the mountains and high deserts, where it gets too cold and too dry for fruit set. Outside of Southern California, it depends on the climate. Cold is most often the problem faced in other parts of the state. Still, there are home growers with avocado trees in and around San Francisco. There is also an area along the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains where avocados are being grown in Fresno and Tulare Counties. Growing areas in Southern California include:

• San Diego County
• Orange County
• Los Angeles County
• Riverside County
• Western San Bernardino County
• Ventura County
• Santa Barbara County
• Some parts of San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz Counties

Not finding what you are looking for? Contact a master gardener* or see the below resources. All links open a new window:

1. Tips for the Backyard Avocado Grower (PDF) 
   This sheet, developed by the California Avocado Commission, was designed to provide Do-It-Yourself tips on growing an avocado tree
2. Ventura County Avocado Handbook* 
   This helpful handbook, hosted by the University of California Cooperative Extension, provides text book-like information on growing an avocado tree including grafting, planting, flowering and more
3. Growing Avocados (YouTube)*
   YouTube offers a helpful selection of avocado growing tips and videos from avocado enthusiasts all over the world
4. Avocado Source*
   The free, virtual library of avocado knowledge. Search for documents, research and more
5. Avocado Variety Information*
   Almost 1,000 varieties of avocados are identified on this page. Also available through this site is general avocado information, resources on flowering, irrigation, phenology and rootstocks

For cultural advice on your avocado tree or plant, please contact a master gardener* or nursery nearest you.

For assistance over the phone from a Master Gardner, try one of the following hotlines:

The California Avocado Commission does not sell, produce or have avocados, seeds or trees available for purchase. For information on where avocado trees are sold, please contact a nursery nearest you.

* Please note: The California Avocado Commission provides this information as a convenience to you; it should not be considered an endorsement by the Commission of a third-party website or the company who owns it. The Commission is not responsible for the quality, safety, completeness, or accuracy or nature of the content of the linked websites.

How to Grow and Care for an Avocado Tree

If you live in the southern tip of the United States or further south, you have the unique opportunity to grow an avocado tree outdoors in your garden. These tall, evergreen fruit trees are best known for their creamy fruits with abundant health benefits. The tree’s thick, bright green foliage is also grown for its ornamental value. However, it is important to keep in mind that all parts of this tree, including the fruit, are toxic to a wide range of animals .

Common Name	Avocado Tree
Botanical Name	Persea americana
Family	Lauraceae
Plant Type	Tree, Fruit
Mature Size	60 ft. tall, 30 ft. wide
Sun Exposure	Full, Partial
Soil Type	Loamy, Sandy, Well-drained
Soil pH	Acidic, Neutral
Bloom Time	Late Winter, Spring, Early Summer
Flower Color	Yellow, Green
Hardiness Zones	9-11, USA
Native Area	North America, Central America, Asia
Toxicity	Toxic to pets

How to Plant an Avocado Tree

It is best to plant avocado trees outdoors in the spring. This allows the tree ample time to become established before cooler, winter temperatures arrive. This is especially important in the northern areas of the avocado tree’s hardiness zones. Choose a planting location that provides ample room for these tall trees to grow. Plant them at least 10 feet away from structures and allow for at least 30 feet in between each avocado tree, if you’re planting more than one.  

Keep in mind that the root system of avocado trees is quite sensitive, so try not to unnecessarily disturb the roots during the planting process. Dig a hole that is wider than the root structure. The depth of the hole should generally match the height of the root ball, since planting the tree too deep or too shallow can cause problems. 

The trees are vulnerable to high winds so very young, soft, and immature trees may benefit from support. Choosing a planting location that offers wind protection will help keep your tree upright and healthy. Just be sure the your tree receives plenty of sunlight and has well-draining soil. If soil conditions are less than ideal, amend the soil with sand or another well-draining substrate before planting. Avocado trees can also be grown in a container, though this will eventually stunt their growth.   

The 10 Best Planters of 2023

Avocado Tree Care

The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy

The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy

The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy

The Spruce / Gyscha Rendy

Light

Like most tropical plants, the avocado tree thrives on a lot of sunshine. Plant this tree in a location where it can receive at least 8 hours of sunlight every day. 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. It is important that the soil is aerated and does not hold onto excess water, as soggy soil can lead to root rot. A soil pH that is acidic to neutral, between 5 and 7, is ideal. These trees are sensitive to alkaline soil. 

Adding a layer of mulch around the tree can help the soil retain the right amount of moisture and will offer protection to the avocado tree's shallow root system. Be sure to keep the mulch about 6 inches away from the base of the trunk to avoid suffocating the roots or causing collar rot. 

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 when temperatures are hot and conditions may be dry, the avocado tree will require more frequent watering. Young trees also require more frequent watering as the tree establishes. Mature trees should receive around 2 inches of water per week.  

Temperature and Humidity

These famous fruit trees can only be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9-11, limiting them to tropical and subtropical climates, unless you decide to grow an avocado tree indoors. They are frost-sensitive and grow best in temperatures between 50 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. 

Fertilizer

Fertilizing an avocado tree during the growing months will help encourage healthy growth and fruit production. Start in the late winter to early spring and feed until the fall, depending on the specific instructions included with your chosen fertilizer. Nitrogen is important for this tree, so be sure the fertilizer you choose has high amounts of nitrogen. Fertilizers specifically designed for avocado or citrus trees work well.  

Pollination

Pollinating an avocado tree can be a bit tricky. These trees have what are called ‘perfect’ flowers, which means each flower has both female and male parts. However, avocado tree flowers open their female and male parts at separate times, making self-pollination possible but not always as fruitful. For optimum pollination, it is ideal to have two avocado trees. 

Avocado trees are considered either type A or type B. Type A trees open their female parts in the morning of the first day and their male parts in the afternoon of the second day. Type B trees open their female parts in the afternoon of the first day and their male parts in the morning of the second day. These different times make cross-pollination possible between the two types. When choosing which trees to plant, be sure you have both type A and type B for the best results.  

Types of Avocado Trees

All avocado trees stem from three main varieties: Mexican, West Indian, and Guatemalan. Within these categories, there are several avocado varieties available.  

• Hass: One of the most popular avocado varieties, the Hass avocado is often found in grocery stores. It is a hybrid of Guatemalan and Mexican avocado varieties. This is a type A tree that produces thick, bumpy-skinned, rich, and creamy fruits. It is more sensitive to heat than other varieties. Hass avocado trees are known to produce a reasonably sized yield when grown on their own.  
• Fuerte: Also a widely known avocado type, the Fuerte avocado is a type B tree often grown with Hass avocados. This variety is also a hybrid between Guatemalan and Mexican varieties. These trees produce large, oval-shaped fruits with relatively smooth, thin skin that peels away easily. The fruits have less oil content than Hass avocados. These trees are also more sensitive to heat, making them a good fit for the northern borders of the avocado's growing zones. 
• Pinkerton: This type A, Guatemalan tree is popular for its smaller size and large fruit yield. It produces oblong fruits with flesh similar to the Hass avocado—rich and creamy. These trees require a type B avocado tree to produce a significant fruit yield.  
  

Harvesting Avocados

Harvesting homegrown avocados is satisfying since a good amount of time and patience goes into growing these creamy fruits. For nursery-bought trees, you can 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. The fruits do not ripen on the tree, so avocados are picked as soon as they are full size. Bring the avocados indoors and let them rest on a counter until ripe. Give the avocado a gentle squeeze to test for softness. Once the flesh is soft but not squishy, it is time to enjoy the fruits of your hard work.  

How to Grow Avocado Trees in Pots

Though they will not reach their full height, avocado trees can be kept in containers. This is ideal for small yards or gardens near the northern edge of the avocado’s growing zones, as potted trees can be moved to a protected area when cold weather arrives.

Young trees or dwarf varieties are ideal as these will stay small for some time. When choosing a container, be sure it drains well and has unobstructed drainage holes. Breathable materials such as terra cotta make a great choice, as water and air can freely move through the container. Fill the container with well-draining soil, such as compost and sand. 

Pruning

Pruning avocado trees will encourage more manageable, bushy growth. It is best to start when trees are young. If grown from seed, start pruning when the seedling is only 6 inches tall, snipping off the top pair of the leaves. When it reaches a foot in height, trim back 6 inches. After this, prune the tree yearly. 

Mature trees require occasional pruning to keep the tree clean and to create adequate space for air and light to travel through. Light pruning can be done any time of year, though heavy pruning should be done in the early spring. Prune away any low-hanging branches to keep the tree clean and accessible. Prune thick areas to ensure adequate light and airflow. Cut back any dead wood and trim away V-shaped branches. Continue to prune the tips off the brranches if you decide to keep the tree on the smaller side. Remember, start slowly and do not take off more than one-third of the length of each branch. 

Propagating Avocado Trees

Propagation is often done through grafting, layering, or cuttings. It is best to propagate in the spring when new growth is abundant. Grafting is often done to combine the desirable qualities of two different varieties of avocados while layering and starting cuttings are done to produce duplicate trees. Here’s how to perform each method of propagation: 

Cuttings

You will need sharp snips, moist and well-draining potting soil, a small pot, and IBA rooting hormone.

1. In the spring, select new growth that is 5 to 6 inches long and has several leaves that have not opened.
2. Using sharp snips, cut the new growth branch at a 45-degree angle. 
3. Wound the cut end by scraping at the bark on either side of the cutting. This will encourage root production. 
4. Dip the cutting into IBA rooting hormone. 
5. Bury the cut end into moist, well-draining soil. 
6. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in a sunny area. 
7. After a couple of weeks, gently tug the cutting to check for resistance, which indicates root growth. Repot the cutting into a larger pot or outdoors. 

Grafting

You will need sharp snips, a sharp knife, and something to cover the grafted area, such as grafting tape. 

1. Follow steps 1 and 2 as if you are taking a cutting. 
2. Remove the tip of the cutting, along with any leaves that are present. 
3. Then, wound the tree you would like to graft onto by removing a section of bark.  
4. Make sure the cambium of the cutting and the cambium of the tree are touching. 
5. Secure the cutting onto the tree, making sure to cover the exposed areas. 
6. In a few weeks, the grafted branch and the main tree should be fused together. 

Air Layering

You will need a sharp knife, a rooting medium that can be wrapped around a branch, and rope or tape to secure the rooting medium around the tree.  

1. Select the branch you would like to take as a new tree.
2. Using a clean knife, cut two circles around the branch to create a section of bark that can be peeled away. 
3. Once the bark is removed, scrape the inner branch to clean the cambium away. 
4. Wrap the exposed inner branch with rooting material, such as compost in a small bag (make sure the compost is wrapping the branch, not the bag) or another rooting medium. Secure around the branch. 
5. In several weeks, roots should develop. When this occurs, cut the branch off below the formed roots and plant the new tree.  

How to Grow Avocado Trees From Seed

Starting avocado trees from seed is a fun, simple project. However, it is important to keep in mind that seeds will not produce trees identical to the parent tree. To do this, you will need an avocado seed, a jar of water, toothpicks, a sharp knife, a small pot, and well-draining potting soil. Then follow these instructions: 

1. Using a sharp knife, poke three or four holes around the circumference of the avocado seed.
2. Poke the toothpicks into the holes. This will create the supports needed to suspend the seed in water. 
3. Submerge the thick, or bottom end, of the seed into the water. Around one-third of the seed should be in the water. 
4. Place the seed in a sunny location and change the water daily. 
5. After a few weeks, roots should form and leaves should appear at the top of the seed. 
6. Once this occurs, gently plant the seed in well-draining soil.  

Overwintering

When grown in the appropriate zones, avocado trees do not require extra care during the winter. For trees grown on the northern edges of their growing zones, it is best to keep them in pots so they can be moved indoors or to an area protected from cold weather. 

Common Pests and Plant Diseases

Common pests that may bother an avocado tree include mites, caterpillars, borers, lace bugs, and thrips. Diseases include root rot, fruit rot, sun blotch, and cankers. Be alert to the presence of these pests or early signs of disease. Prompt action is the best way to remedy any developing problems before they threaten the health of your avocado tree.

Article Sources

The Spruce uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read our editorial process to learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.

1. “The Scoop on Avocado and Your Pets.” ASPCA, https://www.aspca.org/news/scoop-avocado-and-your-pets

how to grow from seed, planting and care

Avocado is a powerful tropical tree that gives tasty and healthy fruits. It will not be possible to grow such exotic on the site, but it is easy to tame the American-Mexican guest at home, in winter gardens and greenhouses. A plant can always be grown from a seed, but care is difficult for beginner gardeners. I share my experience of growing avocados, talk about what mistakes I made and give advice on how to fix them and prevent them. nine0003

Growing conditions

To create comfortable growing conditions for avocados in the apartment, remember where they come from and in what conditions they grow in their natural environment.

Avocado is a fruit tree, the Latin name is Perseus americana, a distant relative of the Laurel tree. The avocado is native to Central America. There it grows in forests with abundant moisture, where the climate is warm temperate all year round. In nature, the avocado trunk strongly branches and grows up to 20-30 m, and the leaves reach a length of 35 cm

Avocado does not tolerate frost or drought. A temperature of 25 - 30 ° C is suitable for him, and not lower than 18 - 20 ° C. At lower rates, the plant stops growing, sheds leaves, and looks untidy.

Where to put avocados in the apartment

For avocados, you need to choose a place that is sufficiently lit, but it is better to avoid direct sunlight. The plant is suitable for bright diffused light, windows of eastern or western orientation. On the southern window sills, the leaves and trunk of the avocado may burn, and on the northern windowsills, it will be necessary to highlight the plant, especially in winter. nine0003

BTW

My window sills in my apartment have a southeast orientation. At first, the seedling grew on the east window, in the summer I moved the plant to the south window sill. The shoots grew quite actively and after a few pinches even began to branch. However, the leaves began to dry out and fall off.

Now I have rearranged the plant pot in the room next to the east window, where there is enough light but no direct sunlight.

Photo: my avocado six months apart

How I grew an avocado from a stone

I have never seen avocados for sale in flower shops. The plant is vigorous and is not offered for ornamental cultivation. However, amateurs have adapted to germinate the bones. And even from an ordinary fruit bought in the winter in a supermarket, you can grow a homemade avocado. It will hardly bloom and bear fruit, but in terms of decorativeness it will compete with familiar palm trees. And the process of seed germination itself is an exciting and creative activity. nine0003

Photo: this is how I germinated an avocado seed

2. When a root 3-4 cm long appeared, I transplanted the seed into a small container with soil for rooting. I covered it with a plastic transparent cup on top, regularly sprayed it with water from a spray bottle and ventilated the mini-greenhouse.

Photo: it is important to place the avocado seedling in a warm and humid environment

3. When the sprout became larger, the cup was replaced with a cut plastic bottle. She kept the avocado in the greenhouse until it was completely strong, and the friendly spring sun shone outside the window. nine0003

Then I transplanted my pet twice (using the transshipment method) into a bigger pot.

TIP

If the window sill is ventilated, it is better to put the container with the plant on a stand, and cover the gaps at the bottom of the window with something so that the avocado roots are also warm.

Photo: transplanted avocado tree 1.5 months after planting the seed

Planting and transplanting

For the first time, the avocado is planted from a glass of water (where the seed sprouted) into a small pot for rooting and the appearance of the first sprout. A cut plastic bottle or other similar elongated container (for example, from under a pack of Pringles chips) is suitable for this. nine0003

Then, when the plant grows and gets stronger, leaves appear on it, the avocado can be transplanted into a larger pot. It will already be necessary to lay drainage from expanded clay or broken bricks, moss and sand on top. Huge bonuses without wagering for registration http://www. 1topcasin-obonus.xyz. Great start for newbies.

1. Remove the avocado from the previous container and carefully, without damaging the roots, place in a new pot on the laid drainage, moss and sand.
2. Then add the prepared soil so that the avocado pit just peeks out above the surface. nine0037
3. Lightly tamp and spill well.

As with other plants, plant and transplant avocados during the spring months from March to May inclusive.

TIP

If you take the gifts of nature - moss from the forest, soil from the garden, sand from the local beach - do not forget to steam all the ingredients, spill with boiling water, spill with a biofungicide, in general, disinfect in any way possible.

Avocado pot

Important points to consider when choosing a container for growing avocados:

• The larger the container, the stronger the tree will grow and stretch upwards. Therefore, if you do not want to get a clumsy giant, transplant the plant gradually as it grows.
• The avocado pot needs to be longer than wide. The avocado root goes to the depth, and the plant needs to provide this depth. Therefore, choose a floor container for growing avocados, especially when the tree grows to 1-1.5 m
• A pot with special drainage holes is best. After all, the tree loves moisture, but it does not tolerate stagnant liquid and can easily rot. This is what happened to my first avocado, which could not stand my love and care, and suddenly withered from excessive watering. nine0037

BTW

Now my avocado is a little over half a year old (from the moment of planting in a pot), it is approx. 80 cm (after two pinches) and grows in a pot 23 cm in diameter and 22 cm high. . You can prepare the soil mixture in the following proportions:

• 2 parts of sod land,
• 1 part sand,
• 1 part humus.

Or: leaf earth, peat and sand in equal proportions.

When buying or making soil mixture for planting avocados, consider:

1. The soil must be ventilated, fertile, loose, well retaining moisture;
2. The soil should not be acidic,
3. Moss and sand content in the soil mixture will be very pleasant for avocados.

BTW

My avocado grows in ordinary garden soil. At the bottom of the pot, I generously laid drainage (at least 2/3 of the volume). nine0003

I mulched the top layer of soil with pebbles - this mulch looks both decorative and retains moisture. Although the best moisture-saving mulch for avocados would be moss or stone chips.

In addition, the mulch protects damp soil from the dominance of house flies, especially during the cold season.

Photo: Nutshell and Pumpkin Seed Mulch

Care Instructions

At first, I was worried that my avocado was shedding leaves. In addition, they withered gradually: at first the edges dried up, the leaves became rusty in appearance, but without plaque. I attributed to my tree both fungal diseases and a lack of trace elements. nine0003

As it turned out, the loss and drying of the leaves are care errors. Even with sufficient watering, avocado roots lack moisture, especially in dense soil.

To avoid this, it is advised:

1. wrap the roots with sphagnum moss or use hydrogel when planting,
2. regularly spray the leaves,
3. maintain high air humidity,
4. prevent drafts and dry soil.

How to shape an avocado

Pruning and pinching are important steps in growing ornamental homemade avocados. Without these operations, the tree will stretch out with a long fishing rod, so it is necessary to stimulate the formation of lateral shoots.

The first pinching is recommended after 4-5 leaves and regularly pinching side branches.

My avocado didn't want to branch at first. I pinched the main shoot late, at a height of approx. 40 cm, because due to improper care, the plant shed its leaves, and it was not permissible to deprive it of its precious green foliage. After the first pinching, it was not possible to achieve branching, then she pinched the trunk again when it grew another 10-15 cm. After that, it formed 3 shoots, and the crown became more magnificent and pretty. Now we need to monitor and regularly form. nine0003

Photo: 3 avocado shoots after pinching

Watering and spraying

Avocado loves moisture, so you need to water regularly, not allowing the topsoil to dry out, especially in spring and summer. In the autumn-winter period, when there is much less sun and heat, watering is reduced.

Make it a habit to spray your avocado leaves daily.

TIP

Deciduous houseplants do well in a room with a humidifier. Remember that the air in the apartments is quite dry, especially during the heating season. Spraying is not always possible to achieve the required humidity. nine0003

Therefore, I recommend putting a humidifier in the room. Air with an optimal humidity of 50-70% will be useful for both indoor flowers, and for you and your children.

Photo: a young avocado - it's time to pinch such a plant

Top dressing and fertilizers

Houseplants need top dressing even more than garden dwellers. After all, they grow in unnatural conditions, where there is no precipitation, earthworms are not found in the soil, and there are no natural processes of renewal and improvement of the soil. nine0003

Usually, amateurs do not bother with fertilizers for home flowers. It is most convenient to use specially designed complex mineral compositions - they are sold in stores in liquid form, they last for a long time.

At the same time, do not get carried away with mineral dressings. It is even advised to reduce the dose indicated in the instructions when applying.

Here are some general tips for feeding indoor avocados:

• Alternate mineral and organic fertilizers. nine0037
• In spring and summer, fertilize the plants no more than twice a month. Stop fertilizing in autumn and winter.
• An infusion of onion skins or eggshells can be used as an available organic fertilizer.

Secrets of growing avocados at home — Botanichka

At first glance, it may seem that growing an avocado tree from a stone at home is difficult, if not impossible. But it's not. Everyone can afford to grow this ornamental tree without much effort, and in the future to enjoy its fruits. True, you need to know some secrets. We will reveal them to our readers in this publication. nine0003 Avocado Seedling. © Jeffrey Schwartz

The first step is to shop for an avocado

The avocado tree has broad leaves and flexible stems that allow it to be used in many decorative arrangements. Usually, three trees are planted in pots, from which pigtails are formed in the process of growth. There is a belief that the presence of an avocado tree in the house harmonizes relationships and creates a romantic atmosphere.

To do this, you need to purchase a ripe avocado from the store. To test it for ripeness, you need to press the fruit with your palms on both sides, and then release it. The ripened fruit will restore its structure, so you can safely buy it. But even if the avocado is not yet fully ripe, you can also buy it - it will ripen over time. nine0003

To make the fruit ripen faster, you can put it next to apples or bananas, because these fruits release ethylene gas, which contributes to faster ripening.

Sprouting the pit of an avocado

The avocado must be peeled, pitted and sown on the same day. Usually the seed germination is 100%. There are three ways to plant a bone.

1. Unpeeled stone can be planted directly in the ground, leaving a third on top. The blunt end must be in the soil. In this state, the bone is left, it is necessary to water it once a week. nine0037
2. An unpeeled bone can be pierced in three places with toothpicks 3 mm deep, then placed in water with a blunt end. The bottom part must be in the water and the puncture points must not be immersed in water.
3. The peeled avocado pit should be placed in water, leaving a third on top. The peeled stone germinates faster, and in this case, you can observe how the root system and stem are formed.

For planting, it is better to choose a large bone, since it has more energy for growth. Water for soaking should be used separated, at room temperature (23-25 ​​° C). You can add charcoal or activated charcoal to the water, but this is not necessary, since the stone is unpretentious and will germinate well without these additives.

A seed may sprout in a week or two months. It depends on the season. It is best to plant it in the spring, as at this time it will germinate faster. nine0003

Planting the stone in the ground

As soon as the sprout grows 3 cm, it can be planted in the ground. The soil should be loose, well-drained so that the bone can breathe. Avocados do not like stagnant water in the roots, so drainage is required. You can take a small pot for planting, later, after a year, the plant can be transplanted.

Drainage should be 2 cm high. It is necessary to make a small depression in the soil, plant a stone in it so that a third comes out of the ground, then pour it with ordinary settled water, preferably with a small amount of salts, preferably filtered.

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