Avocado Tree Growth

Avocados are popular fruits.

Avocado trees are great for landscaping and provide a healthy snack. It is a simple seed to plant, but it does need plenty of care, time and attention. Keep in mind that avocado trees grown from a seed will be different from those found in stores. Haas avocados, for example, are grafted to achieve the qualities it possesses. Seed-grown trees may take 7 to 15 years to produce fruit.

Identification

The avocado tree is a medium to large evergreen tree. The large leaves are deep green with a leathery feel and are high in oil. According to the California Rare Fruit Growers, the flowers grow in panicles, or clusters, of about 200 to 300, though each panicle will only produce one to three fruits. The tree can grow up to 80 feet, but a usual height is around 30 feet. The pear-shaped fruit has a dark green skin in all varieties, with the flesh of the fruit ranging from green to a yellow-green.

Types

There are three main species of avocado: Guatemalan, Mexican and West Indian. Hybrids of the three exist as well. The West Indian variety needs to be in humid, tropical weather. The Guatemalan avocado is native to cool, high-altitude tropics, and the Mexican variety grows well a in Mediterranean climate and is native to subtropical weather. All types of avocado do well away from the ocean, but not in the desert. They also need to be protected from high winds.

Starting Out

To start the process of growing a avocado tree, wash the seed once it is removed from the fruit. Suspend the seed on three toothpicks and place it in a glass of water so that 1 inch of the seed is covered. Keep out of sunlight, but in a warm place. Replace the water as needed and roots will start to appear in 2 to 6 weeks. When the roots reach 7 inches, cut them back to 3 inches.

Planting

Plant the seed in rich humus soil in a 10 1/2 inch pot when the roots are thick and the stem has leafed again. Leave the seed partially uncovered. Water the plant frequently, occasionally giving it a deep soak. Do not over water. The soil should stay moist but not too saturated. The plant will sprout yellow leaves if over watered. Let it dry out if that happens. The leaves will turn brown if there is too much salt in the soil. Run water through the soil and drain for several minutes if browning occurs.

Placing in the Ground

To take advantage of the landscaping benefits of avocado tree, place in the soil with a pH balance around 6. It is a short-rooted tree and needs plenty of aeration. The tree grows well when mulched with course materials like redwood bark in a 2-inch diameter. Keep the mulch about 6 to 8 inches away from the trunk. Plant the tree in a non-lawn area of the garden where it can be protected from wind and frost. The best time to plant is between March and June, and make sure the tree is taking up enough water in the summer months. Plant the seed, or root ball, in a hole just wider than the root ball and no deeper than it. Cover with soil.

Fertilizing

It is important to fertilize the tree with the proper nutrients avocados need. According the California Avocado Commission, the tree needs nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium in a fertilizer with zinc. Young trees need very little fertilizer, so use sparingly. Give the tree 1 to 2 tsp. of balanced fertilizer per year. This can be spread out over several feedings.

References

• California Avocado Commission: Grow Your Own Tree
• California Rare Fruit Growers: Avocado
• Tropica Mango Rare and Exotic Fruit Nusery: How Not to Kill Your Avocado Tree

Resources

• California Rare Fruit Growers
• California Avocado Commission