The green to blackish fruit with the buttery flesh is also very popular with us. Avocado is particularly delicious as guacamole with salt, pepper, lemon juice and lots of garlic. But the fruit is also ideal as a healthy ingredient in smoothies. However, the cultivation of the tropical plant in our latitudes is not very easy. With these instructions you may succeed in the cultivation.

Where does the avocado actually come from?

The avocado originally comes from the rainforests of Central America, where the tree has been cultivated by the Indian population for thousands of years as an important food plant. The species has been cultivated in tropical, subtropical and Mediterranean regions worldwide since the 18th century. The main growing areas for export fruits are the southern USA, Mexico, the Caribbean Islands, Brazil, Argentina, Israel, South Africa, Indonesia and New Zealand.

In which climate does the avocado feel comfortable?

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 does not tolerate cool temperatures or even frost. However, some varieties are a bit more robust than others in this respect.

Can the avocado even be cultivated in the Central European climate?

Unless the avocado is to be grown outdoors, it will also thrive in a continental climate. In hot midsummer 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 has a constant heat supply during the cooler seasons.

When can I harvest the first fruits?

Trees propagated from seeds or cuttings bear fruit at the earliest when they are four to six years old. However, you should assume that you will have to wait around ten years for your first avocados. However, due to the climatic conditions that prevail in our country, 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 to develop.

What do I have to do so that I can perhaps harvest fruit after all?

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 best chances if you live in a sunny wine-growing region with a rather mild climate.

Which plants are best for cultivation?

The avocado is cultivated in numerous varieties that differ in terms of their ecology and the shape, color and size of the fruit. The different species also differ in their sensitivity to frost. The varieties are best suited for cultivation in Central Europe

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  • Mexican avocado (this is frost hardy to about - 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 must good avocado soil be like?

The avocado is quite undemanding in terms of soil properties. A loose, sandy soil that has been 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 only occasionally (and sparingly) with a citrus fertilizer.

How can I grow an avocado plant?

The best way to grow an avocado plant is from the seed in the middle of the flesh. There are two different methods for this, with the water method being the most effective. The avocado will germinate in about a month.

tips and tricks

The seeds contain a milky sap that turns red when exposed to air and can be used to dye textiles. Just try it!

Category:

Trees