tips for growing avocado in a pot and bearing fruit
Growing avocados in a pot can give you a lot of joy, especially if you either have limited garden access or are in a place with unreliable weather.
Due to their height and spread, avocado trees have a reputation for needing lots of space. Even so, they can grow in containers with proper treatment.
Either you grow in a pot or just dream of fresh avocados, here are ten simple tips to give your tree a great start and fruit in the future.
Choose a plant that comes in a compact form and can easily grow in a cage. Smaller varieties like ‘Wurtz’ and ‘Little Cado’ are the best option since they have less height and still provide good avocados.
If the area where you live is chilly, choose ‘Bacon’ or ‘Zutano,’ since they can withstand some cold temperatures and move indoors when needed.
How successful your avocado tree will be is affected by the type of pot you use. A pot should be at least 15-20 inches wide and have several drainage holes.
Proper drainage is necessary for avocados, because their roots do not like to be wet. As soon as the tree reaches its fifth year, consider moving it to a bigger container.
For best results, use large pots made from terracotta or ceramic since they contribute to airflow and keep your tree safe as it grows.
For farming to succeed, the soil content and how it is put together is just as essential. Everything works well with an avocado as long as the potting mix drains well to prevent the roots from rotting.
You might want to use an equal portion of potting soil, coarse sand and either perlite or pumice. As a result, the soil stays loose, airy and rich in nutrients.
Since standard garden soil can compress in small spaces and may stop the roots from getting air, do not use it in containers.
Watering requires you to be careful not to do it too much or too little. Water the tree deeply, but do not water it too often so the roots stay wet all the time. Allow the soil to dry for about an inch before you decide to water.
Depending on the weather in your area, you may need to water your lawn every several days. Check that the pot has free drainage and do not keep it in a saucer full of standing water. Since plants are growing less during winter dullness, you should water them less too.
It’s also very important to make sure plants get a lot of sunlight. Avocados should get a full 6 to 8 hours of light each day. Arrange your pot so it receives light from the south if you grow it indoors.
When a sunny spot isn’t available, you should use a full-spectrum grow light. Move your pot once each week to ensure every part of the plant receives sunlight which helps it stay healthy.
For your tree to grow well and get ready for fruiting, apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium (for instance, 6-6-6 or 8-3-9).
Make sure to water the plant at least every 4 to 6 weeks from spring to summer, but cut back on watering again in autumn and winter. Avoid over-fertilizing by sticking to the instructions printed on the package.
Pruning on a regular basis keeps your tree small and helps it concentrate on making fruit instead of growing unneeded leaves. Removing the dead branches and those that overlap should be done in late winter or early spring.
Trim the tree so it forms a central leader and branches that are spaced equally which is better for its air and light circulation. At the time when the tree starts growing fruit, this structure becomes more important.
If avocado trees live inside with little sunlight, pests such as spider mites, aphids and scale insects may infest them. Pay attention to anything that shows leaves are sticking together or changing color.
As soon as you notice a problem, spray the plant with either neem oil or insecticidal soap since they are safe for eating. Having good air circulation and a clean greenhouse is another way to avoid problems with infestations.
If you want to increase your fruit yield and are ready to try something advanced, grafting may be a good option. Trees grown from avocado seeds usually take a great deal of time to produce fruit and there is always a chance they won’t.
Placing a cutting from a mature producing tree onto your potted one will increase how fast and reliably your tree fruits. Brief experience may be needed, but there are many tutorials and groups ready to help.
Remember to notice and deal with anything related to the weather or environment. Avocados grow best when both the temperature and humidity are moderate. Indoor trees should be kept humid, so you can use a humidifier or a water tray during winter. Prevent putting the plant near items that give off very cold or very hot air, like radiators.
Patience is definitely the key factor in experiencing the benefits of roasting. Expect to wait 3 to 5 years if your avocado tree is grafted and maybe even longer if it was grown from seed,
until it starts to bear fruit in a container. Provided you treat them well, give them the proper setup and try a bit each day, you will eventually enjoy eating your own ripe avocados from your indoor or outdoor space.
