Have you been thinking you might like to buy an Avocado Tree? Avocado trees are subtropical tree that do best in a warm, semi-humid climate that experiences few and brief hard freezes. An Avocado Tree will only grow outdoors in USDA Growing Zones 8-11, but even then the territory has to be just right – the avocado prefers moderate, consistent temperatures, not extreme heat, cold winds or snow.
Growing Avocados Indoors
Growing an avocado tree indoors is both easy and rewarding. You can find several varieties of quality Avocado Trees for sale at Citrus.com. You can also find potting mixes specially formulated for avocado trees, containing compost blended with sand for a loose, fast-draining composition, along with kits containing everything you need for avocado growing nutrition.
If you’re hoping that by keeping your own avocado tree you can save money by not buying avocados, you need to know that you’re unlikely to get fruit from a potted avocado tree unless you get a dwarf variety that’s been grafted onto rootstock. Whether you get fruit or not, however, you’ll get great enjoyment out of the beauty of your indoor avocado plant!
Caring for an Indoor Avocado
Indoor avocado plant care includes plant support and feeding. Use a stake to keep the plants main stem sturdy and straight as it grows. Also, transplant the tree as it outgrows its pot. Prune off any suckers that arise from the rootstock.
Growing avocados in containers indoors requires lots of bright light so the plant won’t become straggly. In the beginning, pinching off excess growth will help promote a bushier, stronger plant.
Fertilize your avocado tree with water-soluble food every month, and turn it frequently to promote even growth.
Avocado trees require regular watering for the plant to thrive and produce fruit. Give the plant moderate water when the soil feels dry to the touch.
When to Prune an Avocado Tree
Generally, avocado trees don’t require much pruning. Major pruning of outdoor trees in order to encourage branching is done during the winter, or immediately after harvest. Light pruning tasks can be done whenever needed. Only prune out dead or dying branches.
For outdoor trees, it’s a good idea to cut off the top of the tree (about 10-15 feet) after several years of avocado harvests. This also helps keep the tree at a good height for easy harvesting.
Did You Know?
Every wonder how you can tell when is an avocado ripe? Avocado trees take up to a year on the tree to fully ripen. If the avocado yields to firm but gentle pressure, you know it’s ready-to-eat. It should feel slightly soft, but not mushy.
