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Avocado cultivation
4 October 2024
Avocado cultivation
- Avocado cultivation at home
- Tips for cultivating avocados
- Avocado cultivation in Peru – 2017
- Avocado cultivation in home conditions
Avocado (Persea americana) is an exotic fruit that has gained immense popularity due to its health benefits and culinary applications. Growing avocados at home can be enjoyable if you follow a few simple rules. Below is a complete guide to avocado cultivation, from choosing a variety to harvesting.
Avocado cultivation at home
Choosing the Right Variety
Avocados come in many varieties, but they are typically divided into two main categories:
– Tropical varieties – Require a warm, humid climate. They grow in USDA zones 10-11.
– Subtropical varieties – More resistant to cold. They grow in USDA zones 9-11.
For container cultivation in temperate climates, choose subtropical varieties like ‘Fuerte’ or ‘Bacon.’
See international announcements on Agro-Market24: Avocado price
Avocados need plenty of sunlight for proper growth. In warm climates, they grow best in full sun, for about 6 hours a day. In cooler climates, where you cultivate avocados in containers, place the plant in a bright spot or use grow lights to ensure adequate light.
Temperature and Humidity
Avocados thrive at temperatures between 18-25°C. In winter, in cooler climates, avoid exposing the plant to frost. For container-grown avocados, move the plant indoors in winter, where temperatures are stable. Moderate humidity is crucial; in dry conditions, mist the leaves or use a humidifier.
Watering and Fertilizing
Avocados do not like excess water but cannot tolerate drought. The soil should be moderately moist—water when the top layer of soil dries out. Excess water can lead to root rot.
Fertilize every 6-8 weeks with a balanced fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10) or a citrus fertilizer containing micronutrients.
Soil and Pot Selection
Avocados need well-draining soil with a pH of 6-6.5. An ideal mix includes peat, perlite, and compost. Ensure the pot has good drainage to avoid water stagnation, which can lead to root rot.
Pest and Disease Management
Avocados can be susceptible to pests such as spider mites, aphids, and scale insects. Regular inspections and organic pest control methods will help keep the plant in good condition. Fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew, can be controlled by avoiding excessive moisture and ensuring good air circulation.
Pruning and Shaping
Pruning helps maintain the shape of the plant and encourages branching, which can lead to more abundant fruiting. Remove dead or diseased branches to support healthy growth and air circulation.
Propagation
Avocados can be propagated from seeds or cuttings. Propagation from seeds is easy—place the seed in water to stimulate germination. When the shoots reach several centimeters in height, transplant the seedling into soil. Propagating from cuttings of mature plants will yield faster growth and fruiting.
Fruiting
Avocados grown from seeds may start to bear fruit in 5-13 years, while plants propagated from cuttings may fruit earlier. The key to successful fruiting is good growing conditions, proper care, and regular fertilization.
Tips for cultivating avocados
– Variety: Choose dwarf or subtropical varieties, such as ‘Fuerte’ or ‘Bacon,’ for container cultivation.
– Soil and Pot: Well-draining soil with a pH of 6-6.5 and a pot with good drainage, at least 30 cm in diameter.
– Lighting: 6-8 hours of light per day. Use grow lights if necessary.
– Temperature and Humidity: 18-25°C and moderate humidity. Move indoors in winter.
– Watering and Fertilizing: Water when the top layer of soil is dry. Do not overwater. Fertilize every 6-8 weeks.
– Pruning: Regular pruning to shape and stimulate growth.
– Propagation: Seeds or cuttings from mature plants.
– Fruiting: Fruiting from seeds in 5-13 years, faster from cuttings.
Avocado cultivation in Peru – 2017
5,200 Hass avocado seedlings will be delivered to the “Association for the Development of Valles de Oro Cajamarca, La Libertad, Amazonas,” located in San Vicente, in the province of Boliwar, La Libertad.
Farmer Francisco Díaz Llaja says that there are about 500 avocado growers in this part of the country, covering over 200 hectares.
“The idea is for farmers to grow export-quality avocados, which are agro-export products that will bring them higher incomes. The association has already received support under the ‘Procompite B’ program,” said Hernan Aquino.
After delivering over 5,000 Hass avocado plants, the Regional Agricultural Office of La Libertad will provide further technical assistance.
Avocado cultivation in home conditions
This is a process that requires care but is achievable. You can start with an avocado seed, which should be planted in compost soil. The avocado seed works best in a warm place where the temperature is room temperature and water is available in moderate amounts.
To grow an avocado, first place the avocado seed in water, using toothpicks to stabilize it in the pot. The plant should be regularly fertilized using fertilizers rich in potassium, and caring for the avocado includes ensuring proper humidity and sunlight. The avocado tree also needs a bushy crown to grow and fruit properly.
When growing avocados in home conditions, it is important to place the pot in a sunny spot and ensure proper soil. Growing avocados in larger pots can yield better results. Avocado plantations in humid climates such as Mexico are known for their efficiency.
Avocado fruits may appear after several years, and the first fruits from avocado cultivation are likely to be green gold. In winter, the avocado may need to be moved to a conservatory, where temperature and humidity can be controlled.
It is also worth noting that in their natural environment, avocados grow in Latin America, where conditions are optimal for their growth. Water resources and fertilization are crucial for the health of the plant, and avocado seeds can be used for propagation.
Globally, avocado cultivation is gaining popularity, and you can successfully grow your own avocados in home conditions by adhering to principles regarding soil, water, and fertilization.
