The green to blackish fruit with the buttery soft flesh is also very popular with us. Avocado is particularly delicious as guacamole with s alt, pepper, lemon juice and lots of garlic. But the fruit is also ideal as a he althy ingredient in smoothies. However, growing the tropical plant is not that easy in our latitudes. With these instructions you might be able to grow it too.
How to Grow Avocado Plants Successfully?
To successfully grow avocado plants in Central Europe, grow them from seeds in sandy, nutrient-rich soil, provide full sun, protect from frost and, if necessary, place them in a greenhouse. Varieties like Hass or Mexican avocado are best. Note that fruit yield is unlikely.
Where does the avocado actually come from?
The avocado originally comes from the rainforests of Central America, where the tree has been cultivated as an important food plant by the Indian population for thousands of years. The species has been cultivated worldwide in tropical, subtropical and Mediterranean areas since the 18th century. The main growing areas for export crops are the southern USA, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, Brazil, Argentina, Israel, South Africa, Indonesia and New Zealand.
What climate does the avocado thrive in?
As a typical tropical plant, the avocado thrives best in mild to hot temperatures. Since a seasonal climate is unknown in its homeland and similar temperatures prevail all year round, the tree cannot tolerate cool temperatures or even frost. However, some varieties are a little more robust than others in this respect.
Can the avocado even be cultivated in the Central European climate?
If the avocado is not intended to be grown outdoors, it also thrives in a continental climate. In hot mid-summer temperatures, the plant can also be placed in a sunny spot in the garden, otherwise a continuously warm location in the house/apartment or in the greenhouse is appropriate.
Can the plant be grown in a greenhouse?
The avocado can thrive in a greenhouse, provided it is in a sunny location and is continuously heated in the cooler seasons.
When can I harvest the first fruits?
The trees propagated from seeds or cuttings do not bear fruit until they are four to six years old at the earliest. However, you should expect to have to wait around ten years for your first avocados. However, due to our climatic conditions, it is very unlikely that your avocado tree will ever bear fruit. On the one hand, this is because the avocado is not self-pollinating and, on the other hand, because the warm period here is simply too short for fruit development.
What do I have to do so that I can perhaps harvest fruit?
You may be able to successfully harvest avocados if you cultivate several trees of different types in a heated greenhouse in a sunny location. You have the most chances if you live in a sunny wine-growing region with a rather mild climate.
Which plants are best for growing?
The avocado is cultivated in numerous varieties, which differ in their ecology as well as in the shape, color and size of the fruits. The different species also differ in their sensitivity to frost. The varietiesare best suited for cultivation in Central Europe
- Hate
- Mexican avocado (this is frost hardy down to around -6 °C)
How much light does the avocado need?
The avocado needs a place in the blazing sun - all year round, because as an evergreen tree it does not shed any leaves.
What does a good avocado soil have to be like?
The avocado is quite undemanding when it comes to soil properties. A loose, sandy soil enriched with nutrient-rich humus is best.
How often and what do I have to fertilize?
Young avocados should not be fertilized at all and older ones should only be fertilized occasionally (and sparingly) with a citrus fertilizer (€6.00 on Amazon).
How can I grow an avocado plant?
The best way to grow an avocado plant is from the seed in the middle of the pulp. There are two different methods for this, with the water method being particularly successful. The avocado germinates within about a month.
Tips & Tricks
The seeds contain a milky sap that turns red when exposed to air and can be used to dye textiles. Just try it once!
