Congratulations! With the help of our AvoSeedo, you have chosen an avocado seed and germinated an avocado pit, and a little tree (15 to 30 centimeters in height) has grown before your very eyes. This new growth means it’s time to start developing your tree in proper soil.
The avocado tree is a tropical plant. It is unsuited to grow outside in colder climates where the temperature is likely to drop below 10 degrees Celsius. Individual growers from colder climates should plant their avocado tree in a pot and move it around to ensure optimal exposure to favorable climate conditions.
Preparing the Pot
If your avocado tree will remain in a pot all its life, choose a 15-gallon container with drainage holes in the bottom right from the start. Terracotta is an excellent material for this purpose.
Good drainage is key to good growth. Avocado trees have a relatively shallow root system. If fully saturated for more than two days, the roots will rot and the plant will die. Loose, sandy, fertile soil that provides excellent drainage is essential. Choose a light potting soil, like a mix for cactuses, from your garden center. To help drain excess water away, you can also lay some stones at the pot’s bottom before filling it up with soil.
Planting the Avocado Tree
After you have readied your pot, carefully remove the little tree from the AvoSeedo. Untangle the roots if necessary. Make a hole big and deep enough for the germinated avocado pit and its roots to fit in. Spread the roots out as much as possible. Fill the hole in, packing the soil lightly around the pit. Leave the top half of the pit uncovered to prevent the seedling trunk base from rotting under the ground.
Caring For Your Avocado Tree
The correct amount of watering and lots of exposure to sunlight are the two most important factors to ensure the successful growth of your potted avocado tree. As mentioned before, overwatering can kill an avocado tree. Invest in a moisture gauge or poke your finger into the soil. If it feels dry and crumbly, it’s time to water again. The color of the leaves is also a good indicator of moisture levels. If the leaves turn yellow, the tree is getting too much water. If they turn brown at the tips, it’s probably thirsty.
An avocado tree deserves a special spot in front of the sunniest window in the house. If summer temperatures allow it, move it outside during the summer months, but make sure to have it safely back inside before the first frosty nights.
You don’t need much fertilization in the first year of the tree’s life. After that, a balanced fertilizer like a 10-10-10 is recommended twice a year.
Pruning and Trimming
When the plant grows to about one foot tall, trim it to half its size. This method will encourage a rounder, fuller plant. Annual pruning just before the spring growth spurt is recommended afterward.
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