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Growing Avocado

Filed under: — admin @ 2:59 pm


I have an avocado that we started from a seed (pit). It is now one year old and not doing so well. What are its requirements - soil, water, light, etc. for optimal performance??

Avocado makes a nice houseplant. Plant in well drained potting soil. It does best in partial shade/ low light and will tolerate temps of 55-65F for a few months. Excessive heat and dry air can cause leaf drop and marginal browning of leaves. Fertilize in the spring and place it outside in the shade for the summer, it will stimulate new growth. You can control the size and shape by pruning. It will not flower or bear fruit indoors as the commercial fruit bearing avocados are vegetatively reproduced. Hardy in zone 9-11

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3 Comments on Growing Avocado»

  1. Name: CINDY BROUSSARD |

    I HAVE AVOCADO TREES PLANTED AND THEY ARE DOING FINE. I HAVE HEARD IT WILL BE ALL MOST IMPOSSIBLE TO GET FRUIT.IS THIS SO? IF SO HOW CAN I GET THEM TO PRODUCE? I LIVE IN LOUISIANA AND THE STONES THAT I USED WERE FROM FL

    The question is are you willing to wait 20-30 years for the seedling to produce fruit and once it does will the quality of the fruit be worth the wait. Grafted trees from local nurseries planted in the spring will take less time to produce fruit. One recommended variety is Mexicola Grande which is hardy in the low 20’s. Enjoy your avocado plant as an attractive houseplant.

    Comment by Kris — 7/9/2006 @ 3:02 pm

  2. I planted an avocado pit about last summer. It is about three feet high and has a nice round shape. I want to move this tree to a diffrent location, Right now it gets sun most of the day. I need to move it back a little that would put it to have more shade. Can I replant this small tree to its new location now in the middle of summer or should I wait ? Would transplanting this tree cause harm? Would the new location be a good choice. I live in Florida. Thanks for your tip?
    Need advice!

    Best time to plant is in March-June before the heat of summer. Avocado trees will grow in a shaded area but will not produce fruit unless in full sun. Plant where it can get protection from wind and frost. The shallow tree roots will need lots of room to spread(up to 20 ft) and good draining soil with a ph 6-6.5. Plant in an area with no lawn so there is no competition with the shallow roots. For more info go to www. ucavo.ucr.edu

    Comment by Denise — 8/24/2007 @ 7:16 pm

  3. I transplanted a three foot avocado tree about a week ago. Now the leaves are wilted and seems very dry and crisp. Should I cut off these leaves for new growth? There seems to be little spurts that are on the branch. I thought that maybe if I prune off the wilted leaves that this would help the new spurts. What should I do about this, and is there anything I should feed the plant with at this time. Its been very warm I live in Florida.

    HI Denise
    It sounds as if your tree is going through a bit of transplant shock. The roots were disturbed and now need to regrow to support all the leaves on top. Since the leaves are dry and crisp they are mostly dead and can be cut off. The only thing I would suggest to feed it at this time is a root starter solution that will stimulate new root growth. Make sure it gets adequate water especially in hot weather.

    Comment by denise — 5/8/2008 @ 7:44 pm

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