General description

The avocado is a tree native to Mexico and Central America, classified in the flowering plant family Lauraceae along. Avocado or alligator pear also refers to the fruit, botanically a large berry that contains a single seed.

Avocados have a green-skinned, fleshy body that may be pear-shaped, egg-shaped, or spherical.  Avocado trees are partially self-pollinating and often are propagated through grafting to maintain a predictable quality and quantity of the fruit. Most Avocados do not grow true from seed, so the common method of propagation is grafting. Avocados do not ripen on the tree, so you only need to harvest what you need. The rest can remain on the tree. Mature fruit ripens in about 3 to 8 days once it is removed from the tree.
 

Plant requirements

Avocados are best suited for growing in a lowland tropical climate or frost-free subtropical areas along the coast. There are several varieties that are more cold tolerant and may withstand temperatures in the 20’s.

A grass-free area should be kept 2 to 5 feet out from the trunk of the tree. The best way is to mulch, which will also help retain moisture and improve soil quality at the surface. Keep mulch about 8 to 12 inches from the trunk to prevent rotting of the trunk base

Maintenance

Newly planted trees should be fertilized lightly once or twice during the first year, then about 3 to 4 times a year after that. A packaged citrus fertilizer or other common mixes include 6-6-6-2 or 8-3-9-2.

Newly planted trees should be watered every other day for the first week then 1 to 2 times a week for the first couple of months. In periods of drought, younger trees should be watered twice a week, but can be reduced or stopped once rainy season starts.

Avocado trees do not like wet feet, so be sure to plant your tree in well-drained soil. Trees can also be planted on a mound to ensure proper drainage.

Practical use

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