In the homeland of the avocado, it is consistently warm and humid all year round. The tropical climate does not have seasons such as spring, summer, autumn and winter, but only a diurnal climate - this means that the sun actually always shines, with occasional interruptions due to heavy tropical showers. Therefore, the avocado knows no cold and must be protected from frosty temperatures and other harm.
How can I overwinter an avocado in winter?
To overwinter an avocado in winter, it should be placed in a bright, warm location, preferably in an apartment or a heated greenhouse. Water and fertilize sparingly and ensure frost-free temperatures.
Do not put young plants outside
In principle, avocado plants can also spend the summer months in a warm and sunny spot in the garden. Although the tropical plants are not hardy, they can tolerate cooler temperatures. However, this principle does not apply to seedlings and young plants because they need permanent warmth and protection from weather fluctuations. For this reason, young plants should only be kept indoors or in a greenhouse, with constantly warm temperatures of at least 20 °C (but between 22 and 25 °C is better), especially in winter.
Older avocados also feel good in the garden
As soon as the plants are a little older - around two to three years old - they are hardy enough to be placed in the garden for a few months. This is possible in a wind-protected and sunny location as soon as no further frosts are expected. Basically, the older the plant, the more you can expect of it.
Warm apartment or heated greenhouse is optimal
As soon as it gets cooler, i.e. H. However, before the first frosts appear, you should bring your plant inside. It now feels most comfortable in a bright, warm location in the apartment or in a heated greenhouse. Basically, avocados need less water and fertilizer in winter than in summer. On the contrary: let the soil dry out before watering it again. Your avocado requires constant warm temperatures and is not hardy. Finally, at the end of the winter season, you can repot it into a larger pot.
How to care for your avocado in winter:
- bright location
- constantly warm temperature
- do not leave outside
- water little
- fertilize little
Tips & Tricks
Avocados can grow up to 40 meters high in the wild. Your indoor avocado will most likely not reach these dimensions, but it may well become very tall (and wide) after a few years. In such a case, it is possible to hand the plant over to a nursery for overwintering. For a fee, your avocado will be protected in a constantly warm place throughout the cold months.
