Growing avocado in your garden, garden, terrace or patio can be a very rewarding activity, especially if you know the properties and benefits of an avocado, you will want to grow it safely. Avocado oil is also obtained from this fruit, both for food use and cosmetics. In this article, we will present how to grow an avocado tree.
The avocado, Persea Americana, is a tree native to Mexico that belongs to the Lauraceae botanical family, just like the laurel.
There are different varieties of avocados, Hass (pictured below), criollo, bacon, reed or Pinkerton.
How to grow an avocado tree?
We can sow the seeds of avocado and reproduce it from grafting. Planting is carried out in protected seedbeds from late winter or early spring. When you sow the seed, the peel or avocado bone (which must be perfectly clean and free of residue) make a cut of about 2 cm thick at the finer end, this will facilitate germination. Then it is placed on the ground putting the widest part down and the narrowest part (the one we have cut) looking up. Cover lightly with earth, without pressing. Water and keep humidity constant during the duration of germination.
Keep the seeds at a temperature of approximately 20ºC and in about 30 days the avocado bone will begin to germinate (it may take longer) and one month later we will transplant it to its final place of cultivation.
Another way to germinate the avocado bone is to put the widest area submerged in water and the part that ends in the tip to put it up. You only need three or four toothpicks and a glass or container of water. Here you can see how.
As it is a tree that does not have too deep roots, you can grow avocado in pots or containers that are about 50 cm deep in patios and terraces.
Avocado plant care tips
When you grow avocados remember to place them in an area protected from the wind because flowers, branches, and fruits can be vulnerable and pollination decreases.
Substrate: We need soils with a pH that is neutral, with good drainage, something deep and loose. Bring earthworm humus once a year, and you can also use stinging nettle and horsetail decoctions to strengthen it.
Climate: Although the avocado tree grows well in temperate climates with some humidity, it can withstand temperatures of 10ºC. However, the optimal temperature for the development of the tree is 20 ºC. Mexican avocado varieties are more resistant to cold.
Light: We should plant the avocado in an area with good sun exposure.
Irrigation of the avocado: It is a crop that requires regular irrigations and without excesses but without deficiencies, the drought can cause the leaves to fall while the excess of water can produce the fall of the avocados. It is important that you observe how much water the tree is asking you to adjust it properly.
Pruning: Annual pruning is done after two or three years of the tree to remove damaged branches or those that are growing too much. Remember that the avocado tree can grow to 20 meters.
Pests and diseases of the avocado: If there is an excess of water by irrigations or abundant rains and there is not good drainage, fungi can appear. We can also see red spider mites, avocado thrips and worms.
Harvest: In about 5 years, we can start harvesting avocados or avocados. Each year, the yield of the tree is greater, giving more fruits. Can not wait so long to enjoy some wonderful avocados?