It's not easy, but not impossible, to plant and harvest avocados here. We have tips for rearing and care for you.
The avocado, which actually comes from Mexico, has now also established itself here and is not only used in the kitchen, but also increasingly in the cosmetics industry.
»Tip: The most well-known avocado recipe is “guacomole”, an avocado cream that is preferably served as a spread (dip) or with meat dishes.
However, in our latitudes, it is very difficult to let the avocado fruits ripen sufficiently so that they are ultimately suitable for consumption due to the short vegetation phases. In addition, avocados are not self-pollinating either!
Suitable location for the avocado
Avocado trees like it warm and humid, which is why they are ideal for sunny conservatories or light-flooded greenhouses. In our area, avocados are therefore mainly kept as container plants.
»Tip: On hot, sunny days, the avocado tree can of course also be taken outdoors. Where it can remain even at night temperatures of up to approx. 5°C.
However, it should be noted that avocado trees can grow up to 20 m high in nature, which is why they have to be repotted regularly, even in the bucket, as soon as the root ball has rooted through. It is also necessary to cut them back regularly.
Caring for the avocado
Avocados prefer loamy, sandy soil. For this reason, a specially mixed potting soil should be used in the tubs.
»Tip: Conventional potting soil mixed with sand can of course also be used for this - usually inexpensive to make yourself.
This evergreen plant only needs to be watered a little, it can be allowed to dry out for a short time in between - especially in winter. After about 10 years, the first flowering phase can be expected.
»Tip: However, if the avocado plant is kept moderately moist - not wet - during the annual growth phase and fruit formation, it will develop all the more magnificently.
Furthermore, avocados should be regularly treated with aliquid fertilizer are fertilized weakly - about 1 x monthly. In principle, however, you should avoid fertilizing during autumn and winter - vegetation break.
Grow your own avocado
Of course, you can also grow the avocado yourself. What is needed for this is the core of a fruit that is as fresh as possible and very ripe, which should be thoroughly freed from the pulp and washed before it is placed in potting soil to germinate.
»Tip: The core should not disappear completely into the ground, but protrude about 2/3 out of the ground with the tip pointing upwards. Water regularly with a sprayer - do not wet!
It is also good if the breeding pot is covered with a transparent film during germination ( alternatively use a glass plate) so that increased humidity is retained in it. This film should only be lifted briefly to moisten it.
The germination time of the avocado is between 4 to 6 weeks on average (depending on the temperature, sometimes longer) and should take place in a warm location - e.g. B. on a south-facing window without direct sunlight, but with a room temperature of at least 21 °C and more!
»Tip: During germination, the core usually even splits into two parts, which is why growing the avocado yourself is so exciting!