What Kind of Plant Food Do You Feed an Avocado Plant?

The fruit of the avocado tree

The avocado plant, which is native to the subtropical regions of Mexico, Guatemala, and the West Indies, requires a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium and zinc. Proper minerals in the soil help avocado plants develop a thick canopy of leaves and green-fleshed fruit.

Young Plants

Avocado plants do not require plant food during their first year of growth. Feeding young avocado plants excessively can cause leaf burn, poor growth, or death. The California Avocado Commission recommends using no more than 2 tsp. of fertilizer annually.

Synthetic Fertilizers

After the first year, avocado growers may apply a balanced nitrogen-phosphorous-potassium citrus fertilizer annually.

Organic Fertilizers

Organic gardeners can feed avocado plants with compost, coffee grounds or fish emulsion. Manure contains high levels of nitrogen. If applied during fall, the nitrogen will slowly leach into the soil through early spring when flowering increases the nutrient demands of the tree.

References

• Tropicamango: How not to Kill your Avocado Tree
• Lahabra Heights: Avocado Fertilization
• California Avocado Commission: Growing Avocado Trees

Resources

• University of California: Agrculture and Natural Resources: Avocado Information