Are you a fan of avocados? If so, you’re not the only one – the Mexican fruit (yes, avocados are a fruit, not a vegetable) has grown popular along with the popularity of Mexican cuisine. Apart from the ubiquitous guacamole, avocados are enjoyed in everything from salads to breakfast toast. And avocados aren’t just delicious – they’re good for you, too! Avocados are known for being a source of “good fat” (monounsaturated fat, which helps main healthy cholesterol levels). They’re also packed with other nutrients, such as magnesium, potassium, folic acid, vitamin C, and vitamin E, and are high in fiber. In fact, the only bad thing about avocados, it would seem, is their price – compared to other produce, avocados tend to be more expensive.
Grow Your Own Avocados
An obvious solution for an avocado-lover would be to grow their own at home. But if you live in a colder climate, you may have figured it was out of the question. While you can find cold-hardy avocado trees for sale (along with cheap citrus trees, Citrus.com also offers several varieties of avocado tree for sale), you might be surprised to learn that you can also grow dwarf variety avocado trees indoors. Dwarf varieties of your favorite avocados (including the popular Hass Avocado Trees) are more likely to produce fruit when grown in pots or containers.
Growing an avocado tree indoors is both easy and rewarding. If you’ve purchased citrus trees online from Citrus.com before, you’ll be happy to know you can find several varieties of quality Avocado Trees for sale at Citrus.com as well, along with the items best suited to help you care for them (including specially formulated potting mixes and kits containing everything you need for avocado nutrition).
Caring for Indoor Avocado Trees
Dwarf avocado trees grow well indoors, but they do need regular feeding (fertilizing it with a water-soluble food every month is a good idea) as well as a stake to keep them sturdy and straight as they grow. You’ll also need to prune off any suckers that form on the rootstock, and “pot up” the plant before it outgrows its original pot.
Because avocado trees need a lot of light, you may want to consider moving your potted avocado outdoors when the weather warms. Indoors you may have to provide a grow light to help it along. (Avocado plants grown in containers will become straggly if they don’t get enough light, which is essential for a strong, sturdy, bushy plant). Turning the plant frequently in its pot also helps promote even growing.
Avocado trees also require regular watering for the plant to thrive and produce fruit. Feel the soil often; if it feels dry, it’s time to water. Generally, avocado trees don’t require much pruning.
A Rewarding Endeavor
It can take a long time to grow your own smooth, creamy, nutrient-rich avocados (the fruit takes a year on the tree to fully ripen), but it’s definitely worth it. And you’re sure to be delighted with the tree itself while you’re waiting – an attractive, evergreen plant with broad leaves, adding an avocado tree to your indoor décor will make a lovely statement even without the fruit.
