How to Grow Avocado Trees

Avocados grown from seed take 10 to 15 years to bear fruit.

The fruit of an avocado tree is technically a berry, consisting of a seed surrounded by pulp. They aren't difficult to grow but need a frost-free climate. Avocado trees also need a well-drained soil and full sun. The trees grow 30 feet tall and need a planting distance of at least eight feet from a house or other structure.

Things You'll Need

• Shovel
• Avocado tree
• Water
• Water hose
• Fertilizer containing nitrogen, phosphorous, potassium and magnesium (N-P-K-Mg)
• Nutritional spray containing copper, zinc, magnesium and boron

Instructions

Planting

1. Dig a hole 3 times as deep as the tree's container and three to four times as wide. Digging a large hole loosens the soil around the roots, making it easier for them to spread into the surrounding soil.

2. Fill the hole with some of the soil you removed so that when you set the tree in the hole, the soil level of the tree will be the same as or slightly higher than the surrounding soil.

3. Remove the tree from the container carefully. Rinse some of the growing medium from the roots with a water hose so the roots will be in direct contact with the soil in the hole.

4. Place the tree in the hole and fill with the soil you removed. Do not add amendments such as fertilizer, compost or organic material.

5. Firm the soil gently.

6. Water immediately. If the soil settles, add more soil to bring it even with the surrounding soil.

Care

1. Water the tree every other day for the first week after planting, then once a week for the first three months. Water slowly so the water sinks into the soil rather than running off.

2. Fertilize the tree every other month for the first year. Use 1/4 pound of fertilizer for the first feeding, gradually increasing the amount to 1 pound. Apply the fertilizer to the soil around the root zone and then work it into the top 2 inches of soil.

3. Spray with a nutritional spray up to four times a year for the first four or five years. Brands vary in their strength and optimum use, so follow the label instructions for mixing and spraying.

Tips & Warnings

• When planting more than one tree, allow 25 to 30 feet between trees.

• Avocado trees grown from seed take 10 to 15 years to produce fruit.

References

• University of Florida IFAS Extension: Avocado Growing in the Florida Home Landscape
• Agrilife Extension: Home Fruit Production: Avocado