Learning how to plant an avocado tree is a good idea. Especially since we all know avocados are one versatile fruit that can give us numerous vitamins and nutrients. If you want to know if you can leave your avocado plant in water, you have come to the right place since we have already researched the answer for you!
Absolutely! You can leave your avocado in water because that is part of growing them from seeds.
Since you are seeking answers about growing your avocado plant in water, you might as well consider learning everything about its caring guide and tips. And because we already have all the information, we suggest you continue reading to learn more about your avocados. Let's delve into the details!
How To Germinate Avocado Seeds
An enjoyable and easy gardening hobby is growing avocados from seed. To start the avocado growing process, please prepare the following:
- Avocado seeds
- Potting soil with adequate drainage
- Small pot
Once you finish preparing all the materials needed, please follow the steps below.
- Get your knife and create up to four holes around your avocado seed.
- After that, you'll need to use the toothpicks and put one onto each hole. Suspending the seed in water is the purpose of this step.
- Put only the bottom or thick part of the avocado seed in the water. It would be best to submerge only one-third of the seed.
- Keep the water fresh by changing it every day and putting the seed somewhere warm and sunny.
- Observe the seed for a few weeks. By then, leaves and roots should emerge from the top of the avocado seed.
- When this happens, prepare the small pot and fill it with the potting mix, then carefully plant the avocado seed.
When Is The Ideal Time To Plant Avocado Trees
It is springtime when avocado trees fare best when planted outside. So, the tree has plenty of time to settle in before the winter chill sets in. You should keep this in mind if you are in the northern part of the USDA hardiness zones for avocado trees.
In addition, if you want to plant several avocado trees, ensure to provide at least 30 feet of space between them. You also have to ensure they are ten feet from buildings or structures. Maintaining enough space between avocado trees is so important.
Before planting, remember that avocado trees have a delicate root structure, so take care not to disrupt the roots more than necessary. Also, ensure the hole you dig is larger than the tree's roots. Since planting the avocado tree too deep or too shallow can lead to complications, it would be best to dig a hole that matches the height of the avocado's rootball.
Furthermore, young and immature avocado trees are susceptible to extreme winds, so putting some support would help. We suggest planting your trees in an area where they can get even a bit of protection from winds. Doing so will ensure that it will remain upright and healthy. However, you must allow your avocado tree receive lots of direct sunlight.
Lastly, it would be best to incorporate sand or other well-draining substrates if it seems that the soil where you will plant it seems to be not suitable enough.
How To Properly Care For Avocado Tree
When planting avocado trees, there are several factors that you should consider if you want to achieve optimal results. Check the following:
The avocado tree requires abundant sunlight to reach its full potential. You have to plant this tree where it will receive at least eight hours of direct sunlight daily. These trees are adaptable and can survive in partial shade, but full sun is ideal for optimal growth and fruit production.
Suitable Soil Type
Avocado trees thrive in moist but well-drained soil. We highly suggest you only use soil that drains well and does not retain too much water because if it doesn't, expect your avocado plant to suffer from root rot.
The optimal range of soil pH for avocados is between five and seven. We consider that range to be acidic to neutral. One thing you should never forget is that the alkalinity of soil can harm your avocado trees.
You can protect the shallow root system of your avocado trees by applying a layer of mulch. Doing so will also help the soil retain water. In addition, it prevents collar rot from developing and the roots from suffocating. All you have to do is apply the mulch at least six inches away from the base of the trunk.
Read more: "How Much Does A Yard Of Mulch Weigh?"
Watering avocado trees less often but greatly per watering is beneficial. It promotes the development of healthier, more robust roots. Observe the roots and let them dry before giving them a good soaking.
There will be a greater need to water the avocado tree throughout the summer when temperatures rise, and the soil may dry out quickly. Watering needs increase as a young tree matures and establishes itself. Roughly two inches of water per week is ideal for mature trees.
Observe Temperature And Humidity
Unless you choose to grow an avocado tree inside your house, you can only cultivate one of these well-known fruit trees in USDA hardiness zones 9 to 11. Avocados do not thrive in extremely cold locations. They do best in mild winters and warm summers between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit.
Applying fertilizer to an avocado tree during its active development phase will promote optimal growth and increased yields. Feeding should begin in late winter or early spring and continue through the fall per the fertilizer's directions.
If you want a healthy tree, get a fertilizer with plenty of nitrogen. Avocado and citrus trees benefit significantly from fertilizers developed explicitly for them.
Read more: "Can You Dissolve Fertilizer In Water? Should You?"
How To Pollinate Avocado Trees
Avocado trees can be selective when it comes to pollination. The blossoms on these trees are perfect since they include both male and female parts. Female and male avocado tree flower parts emerge at different times, allowing for self-pollination. However, it isn't always as successful. So, we recommend you plant at least two avocado trees to ensure successful pollination.
There are two main classifications for avocado trees: "type A" and "type B." In the morning of the first day, "type A"trees release their female parts, whereas, on the afternoon of the second day, the male parts open theirs.
On day one, the female portions of "type B" trees bloom in the afternoon, while the male parts bloom the next morning. As a result of these temporal differences, hybridization between the two species is conceivable. Get both "type A" and "type B" trees for the best outcomes when planting avocado trees.
Read more about: "What Is The Difference Between Pollination And Fertilization?"
How To Grow Avocado Trees In Containers
You are free to grow avocado trees in containers and pots. However, expect that they won't get very tall. This option is convenient for people living in the northernmost part of the avocado's recommended USDA hardiness zone, as they can move or transfer potted trees to a warmer location before the onset of cold weather.
Dwarf or young trees are preferable to plant in containers because they will maintain their small stature for a more extended period. Make sure the container you choose has adequate drainage and no clogged holes.
Containers made of breathable materials, like terra cotta, are ideal since it allows water and air to circulate freely. When filling in the container or pot, it would be best to use soil amendments like compost and sand, which drain well.
How To Prune Avocado Trees
We recommend pruning dwarf or young trees because they will stay relatively tiny for a longer time. Pruning will make them more bushy but controllable.
If you have grown your avocado from seeds, it would be best to prune them if they are still at six inches tall, cutting off the top pair of their leaves. Moreover, if it is already stretched a foot tall, we suggest trimming it around six inches. And once you finish this, remember only to prune your avocado tree once a year.
To maintain the neatness of your mature avocado trees, you must occasionally prune them. It will also allow enough light and air circulation to enter and travel through the entire tree.
Furthermore, any time of year is fine for light pruning, but early spring is best for significant pruning. If you want to ensure the tree is always easily accessible, remove any branches that droop down low. Clear away overgrowth to improve visibility and air circulation. Get rid of the rotten wood and trim all the V-shaped branches.
Lastly, if you want to keep the tree tiny, it would be best to continue cutting off the branches tips. Keep in mind that you shouldn't cut a length of more than a third of each branch as you start.
Wrap It All Up
If you want to own avocado trees to enjoy its delicious and nutritious fruits, you can always try to plant one or more. Growing avocados is straightforward with sufficient knowledge on how to do it.
We hope this article answers all your questions. If there is anything we haven't discussed yet, please leave a comment, and we'll get back to you. Thanks for reading!