How to care for your avocado tree and increase its production

In recent years, the avocado has become one of the most appreciated and consumed fruits, especially in Spain. It is highly versatile in the kitchen, and can be used for breakfast, lunch, dinner, or even dessert. But what if you want to grow a tree? How can you care for your avocado tree and increase its production?

If that's the goal you've set for yourself, but you don't have much of an idea about the needs of this plant, below we'll give you the keys to understanding everything you need to succeed. Shall we begin?

The different types of avocado

You may not know this, either because you've only found one variety of avocado at the nursery or store where you're going to buy it, or because you weren't able to find that information. But the truth is, there are different varieties of avocado. And why do we tell you this? Because, depending on where you live, the climate, etc., you may choose a variety that's more suitable for your survival.

In general, there are four varieties that are the most used and common:

• Hass: which is the most popular and is characterized because the avocados are very tasty and have a creamy texture.
• Strong: which is resistant to colder climates. The fruits have a smoother skin.
• Bacon: which is a winter variety that resists low temperatures very well.
• Zutano: which is fast growing and yes, it is also cold resistant.

There are more than 500 varieties of avocado trees worldwide, so you're spoiled for choice. However, only a few are sold commercially. For example, for warm climates, the Russell or Catalina varieties are often recommended.

Avocado tree care

Now that you've figured out the first step you need to take, which is choosing the best variety for where you want to plant it, the next step is to understand the plant's needs. With this in mind, here's a guide to help you understand the most important aspects of its care.

Location and temperature

We start by recommending that you plant it in a sunny area. But be careful, because if it's too hot where you live, you'll be in trouble.

And the avocado tree is a tree that does not tolerate extreme temperatures, neither cold nor heat.

His ideal is among the 20 and 30 degrees centigrade If you want it to grow. But for flowering and production, it's best to keep it between 18 and 25°C. When exposed to temperatures above 40°C, you risk affecting production, as it tends to drop the fruit.

As for the cold, there are some varieties that can tolerate temperatures as low as -4°C, but this isn't typical. In fact, when temperatures drop below 0°C, avocado leaves and flowers can suffer.

Yes you must have be very careful with the wind. It doesn't like drafts at all, so try to plant it in a place where it won't be affected by them.

Substratum

The best soil for an avocado tree is, without a doubt, one that has a pH between 5.5 and 7.0It's best to use light, well-draining soil. You can even mix in some compost, especially perlite or similar, to prevent the soil from compacting or causing waterlogging.

Before planting it directly in the ground, to prepare it properly, you can add a little compost to the bottom of the hole and then plant it. This will give it nutrients and strength to establish and root more easily.

If you keep it in a pot, keep in mind that this will limit fruit production and growth. You'll also need to change the soil every few years to provide fresh nutrients.

Irrigation

Watering is one of the most important aspects of avocado tree care. Therefore, you should pay close attention to it. For proper growth, experts recommend watering according to this pattern:

The early years, While the tree is young, you should water it two or three times a week. During periods of drought or extreme heat, you should water more frequently. But avoid creating waterlogging, as this will only harm the roots.

On the other hand, when the tree is more stable and older, it can better withstand periods of drought, but it should not be neglected, although it can go longer without watering (perhaps once or twice a week).

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If what you want is to increase your production, the avocado tree It requires adequate fertilization, which is rich in nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron and zinc. In this way you will be promoting the development of leaves, branches, roots, flowers and fruits, respectively.

In the case of iron and zinc, it is used to prevent nutritional deficiencies.

The best fertilizer you can give is compost or manure, but in spring and summer you can use mineral fertilizers.

Pruning

The avocado tree, like many other trees, will need pruning to allow it to air out and allow light to reach the entire tree. However, as it grows, you will have various types of pruning: training, maintenance or production.

Plagues and diseases

We'll finish with the pests and diseases that can put your tree in trouble. In the first case, you should take into account red spider, thrips and aphidsYou can treat all of them with neem oil (which prevents them) as well as potassium soap.

Furthermore, the Diseases will mainly affect the root (when there is excess moisture), to the leaves and fruits (called anthracnose) or mildew, which appears in humid climates.

Here you must act to prevent these diseases.

Does it now make sense to you how to care for your avocado tree and increase its production?