Holy Guacamole!

Did you know you can grow your own avocados? Read on!

As we celebrate Guacamole Day, learn how easy it can be to grow avocados at home. From picking the right variety to caring for your tree, this article guides you through the basics so you can enjoy fresh avocados straight from your garden.

Growing avocados can be quite rewarding, but it does require the right climate and some patience. Here’s what you need to know:

1. Climate Considerations:

• Ideal Growing Conditions: Avocados thrive in warm, tropical or subtropical climates. They need plenty of sunlight and prefer temperatures between 60°F (16°C) and 85°F (29°C). While some varieties are more cold-tolerant, like the Mexican avocado (hardy down to about 20°F or -6°C), frost can still damage the tree.
• Best USDA Zones: Avocados grow best in USDA Zones 9-11. If you’re outside of these zones, you might need to consider growing them in containers so you can bring them indoors during colder months.

2. Steps to Grow Avocados:

• Choosing a Variety: Depending on your climate, choose a variety suited to your region. Hass is popular and productive, but cold-tolerant varieties like ‘Mexicola’ are good for cooler areas.
• Starting from Seed or Grafting:
  • From Seed: You can start with an avocado pit from store-bought fruit, though this can take years to bear fruit and may not produce quality avocados.
    1. Remove the seed and rinse it.
    2. Insert toothpicks around the middle and suspend the seed over a glass of water, pointy side up.
    3. Place it in a sunny location and change the water every few days.
    4. In 4-6 weeks, roots will grow, and a sprout will emerge from the top.
    5. Once the plant is about 6 inches tall, transplant it to a pot or directly into the ground if the climate allows.
  • Grafting: For faster fruit production and higher quality, it’s better to buy a grafted avocado tree from a nursery. Grafted trees usually start bearing fruit in 3-4 years, while seed-grown trees can take 7-10 years.
• Soil Requirements:
  • Avocado trees prefer well-draining soil. A sandy or loamy soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH (6.0 to 7.0) is best.
  • Avoid waterlogged or heavy clay soils, as avocados are prone to root rot.
• Watering:
  • Avocados like moist but not soggy soil. Water deeply and regularly, especially in the first few years of growth. Once established, they are drought-tolerant but still appreciate regular watering.
• Fertilizing:
  • Fertilize with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) in early spring, summer, and early fall. Avoid fertilizing in winter.
  • Adding organic compost or mulch around the base helps retain moisture and add nutrients.
• Pruning:
  • Prune lightly in early spring to shape the tree and remove any damaged or dead branches. This also helps control the tree’s size.

3. Harvesting Avocados:

• Avocados do not ripen on the tree. Once mature, you can pick them and allow them to ripen off the tree at room temperature. Maturity varies by variety but can take 6-18 months from flowering to full fruit development.

4. Challenges:

• Pests & Diseases: Avocados can suffer from root rot, especially if overwatered. Pests like aphids, scale, and mites can also affect trees.
• Pollination: Avocados have a unique flowering system, with flowers being either Type A or Type B, opening at different times of the day. Having both types nearby can increase fruit production.

If you’re in a colder climate, growing avocados indoors in containers is a great option, as you can move them outside in warmer months and protect them during the winter.

Check out our avocado recipes! Cocina 214’s Famous Gaucamole, and Smoked Salmon and Guac Toast.

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