Avocados grow well in most parts of Southern California so, chances are, you can successfully grow avocado trees right in your backyard . While it is pretty easy to plant and grow avocados, there are a few things you need to know that can make the difference between having a great harvest or having no harvest at all.
Is it illegal to grow your own avocado?
You can grow an avocado tree outdoors in parts of California, Florida and Hawaii in the United States.
Where do avocados grow in the yard?
Planting position
Give trees full sun and shelter from frost and strong winds . They also need protection from salt-laden winds in seaside locations. Although they like extra water during dry periods, they hate boggy conditions, so good drainage is essential.
How long does it take for an avocado tree to bear fruit?
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.
Will a potted avocado tree bear fruit?
Any avocado tree species can take upwards of 7-years to bear fruit , which is why most people will settle to grow these as houseplants. However, with the right indoor avocado tree care, you can encourage your plant to eventually fruit, while simultaneously growing other types of fruit indoors under your tree.
Can I grow an avocado tree indoors?
This fact leads to the question, “Can avocado trees grow indoors?” The simple answer to this question is yes . In fact, there are several dwarf varieties, which can help the cold and temperate season gardener produce the healthy fruits in their own home.
How fast do avocado trees grow?
Healthy avocado trees (Persea americana ) don’t grow slowly. In fact, these evergreens grow about 36 inches per year . Pruning out large branches to try to control growth only promotes the tree to grow taller.
What is the best soil for growing avocados?
Avocado trees prefer a soil pH between 6 to 6.5, and they thrive in well-draining soil .
What plants grow well with avocado?
The best companion plants for avocado trees include lavender, comfrey, garlic, strawberries, and sweet potatoes . While each plant has a different benefit, they all grow well next to, or underneath the canopy from avocado trees. Some attract pollinators, while others keep away pests or provide a living ground cover.
What do you spray on avocado trees?
When symptoms appear, sprays of horticultural oils or pyrethrin are recommended avocado tree treatment.
Do you need 2 avocado trees to produce fruit?
For the best yields of fruit, two avocado trees are required . ... Both flower types produce and are receptive to pollen at different times of day, and the best pollination and fruit set occur when type A and B avocado cultivars grow together.
Can I plant two avocado trees in the same hole?
Planting two trees of different varieties in one hole is a great option for a yard with little space or for a person or couple who only need one tree’s worth of avocados.
Does it take 9 months to grow an avocado?
Two Crops of Avocados
California Avocado trees are unique in that they carry two crops on them. ... Yep, that also means it takes an avocado 12-18 months to grow and become ready to eat. The avocados you see at the grocery store or farmers’ market took 12-18 months to grow and mature.
Do avocados like sun or shade?
Sun and shade
Hass avocado trees thrive in bright, direct, unfiltered sunlight. They need at least six hours of sunlight per day, but they can tolerate slight shade . The more light hitting the leaves, the better.
How do you care for a potted avocado plant?
- Keep your avocado plant in a warm, sunny location.
- Water frequently with an occasional deep soak. ...
- Pinch the stem back every time your plant grows another six inches or so, in order to encourage a bushier appearance.
- If you live in a warm-enough climate, plant your tree outside once it is big enough.
Can you keep an avocado tree small?
With a small number of cuts done every year, and possibly some pinches, you can keep an avocado tree down to 15 feet (my Hass), 12 feet (my Reed), even 10 feet. ... And if the pruning cuts are done at the right place and in the right time, our trees will still make quite a lot of fruit for their small size.
