Avocado

Growing

When planting an avocado tree, your primary concern is ensuring the soil is well-aerated and provides excellent drainage. This species is highly susceptible to root rot caused by Phytophthora cinnamomi, a soil-borne pathogen that thrives in waterlogged conditions. While you should provide regular watering, avoid letting the roots sit in stagnant moisture. If you are growing in a container, ensure the pot has ample drainage holes to prevent this fungal decay.

To ensure a productive harvest, try to plant at least two different trees near each other. Although some varieties are partially self-pollinating, having a second plant nearby significantly improves fruit set. You may also encounter pyriform scale insects, which can damage the fruit; certain cultivars are more vulnerable to these pests than others. If you are using nursery stock, many growers prefer grafted trees because they maintain much more consistent fruit output than those grown from seed.

The fruit is ready to enjoy once it softens, revealing a smooth, buttery, golden-green flesh inside. Because the fruit only ripens after it has been picked from the tree, you can manage the timing of your harvest by leaving the fruit on the branch until you are ready. Once harvested, keep the fruit unwashed and store it at room temperature to allow it to reach peak ripeness.