Without a cut, the avocado plant disappoints as a lonely, thin stem with sparse foliage. A targeted pruning at the right time will give you an avocado tree in top shape. In this guide you will learn when and how to encourage the exotic plant to branch better.
When and how do I prune my avocado plant?
The ideal cutting date for an avocado plant is in spring. Use sharp pruning shears to cut off the main stem above the fourth leaf. The deeper the cut, the stronger the sprouting of side shoots will be. Cut back any side shoots that may be present up to the fourth leaf.
Cutting date is in spring
In spring, pruning prepares the avocado plant for the new growth season. In March and April, any damage caused by the strain of overwintering can be clearly seen and can be regulated as part of pruning care. In the very rare event that your avocado plant surprises you with a flower, postpone the cutting time until later to preserve the chances of a harvest.
Observe requirements
Every cut has a deep impact on the growth of an avocado plant. In order for the tropical, evergreen tree to emerge stronger from pruning, the following requirements are important:
- The avocado plant is at least 3 months old and well rooted
- The main shoot has exceeded the magical height of 30 cm
- Every shoot that is cut thrives with at least 4 leaves
Before you decide to cut the main stem of an avocado plant, please remember the law of top growth. As a result, the growth in height almost comes to a standstill if you cut off the top bud on the dominant shoot. A massive sap buildup forms below the interface, allowing previously passive buds to sprout.
Pruning encourages bushy branching
If you can confirm all the requirements for pruning, please take a pair of sharp, sparkling-clean secateurs (€9.00 on Amazon) with a bypass mechanism. This has the advantage that two sharp blades cut an avocado shoot smoothly. Anvil pruners run the risk of the shoot being crushed and dying. This is how you cut the laurel plant correctly:
- Cut off the stem above the fourth leaf (counting from the root collar)
- The deeper the cut, the stronger the sprouting of side shoots
- Cut back any side shoots down to the fourth leaf
It is up to you to decide how many side shoots an avocado plant will sprout. Extra bushy growth can be achieved by cutting back each additional new shoot to encourage its buds to sprout. After pruning, optimize the result by applying liquid fertilizer weekly from April to September.
Cut leafless shoots to buds
Before you lose a leafless shoot, it is worth trying to revitalize sleeping eyes by pruning them back. To do this, stroke the bark with your fingertip. Where you feel a small bump, make the cut at a short distance. With a little luck and loving care, the avocado plant can be encouraged to sprout at this point.
Tip
Refined avocado plants bear fruit after just two or three years under ideal conditions. Check the valuable fruit trees regularly for wild shoots that sprout below the thickened grafting area. Cut off a wildling as quickly as possible because he wants to deny the noble part nutrients and access to light.
