Have you ever dreamed of growing your own avocado tree? Of being able to cultivate and enjoy your own delicious fruit whenever you want? Having your own avocado tree is possible, but there are certain things you need to know.
#1 Avocado trees grown from seeds, or ungrafted trees, rarely produce any fruit
In order to grow each tree that produces fruit, you need to graft the seedling, which involves mixing your seedling with a producing tree. Not a simple process if you’re new to planting. Luckily, grafted trees can be bought from plant nurseries.
#2 You can still plant a non-producing tree
Even if you have an ungrafted seedling, you can certainly still plant and grow it. An avocado tree that produces no fruit is still a wonderful addition to your garden’s foliage. Just know there is a strong possibility that your tree will never produce fruit.
#3 Certain varieties do better in particular climates
For example, California varieties tend to do well in climates found on California’s South and Central coasts. If you are going to grow an avocado tree, make sure your local climate fits the variety of avocado you’re trying to grow.
#4 Avocado trees produce two different types of flowers
There are A flowers and there are B flowers. A flowers are considered female, or receptive to pollen, in the morning, and male, shedding pollen, in the evening. B flowers are opposite, male in the morning and female in the evening. Most trees only produce A flowers or produce B flowers. However, avocado production is at its best when the two types are crossed pollinated.
#5 When it comes to pruning, less is best
Unlike other fruit bearing trees, avocado trees have the ability to self-regulate their fruit growth. While it is okay to do some pruning, too much pruning can be a problem. Over pruning can cause injuries to the tree and possible growth stunting. If you are unsure of how much protein you need to do to an avocado tree, start out light. Also, pruning is best done in the spring and early summer. Doing it in the fall or winter months could expose the delicate cut branches to excessively cold temperatures.
Growing an avocado tree can be rewarding. You get a sense of accomplishment, and some delicious fruit. But before you go planting the pit from the last avocado you enjoyed, make sure you know these 5 things.