Growing an avocado tree indoors
Avocados likely came from the south of Mexico were they where cultivated for centuries before North America was colonized. The pear shaped fruits are a delicious healthy food that makes an excellent condiment or add-on to your diet. The avocado tree is a warm season plant and can be easily damaged by cold or frost, making it difficult to grow in the northern gardens. That said, gardeners can learn how to grow an avocado plant indoors to enjoy fruits grown at home.
What is a avocado tree
What is an avocado tree? An avocado tree is a fast-growing, hardy and drought-tolerant plant that produces a fruit resembling an eggplant. The fruit is usually eaten raw or cooked, and is high in monounsaturated fats, potassium, and vitamin B6. Avocados can also be used in cooking and baking.
Avocado trees are available as seedlings or young plants, which can be grown indoors in most climates. A mature avocado tree will grow to a height of 8 to 12 feet tall and width of 6 to 10 feet.There are cases where avocado trees can be as tall as 80 feet (24+ meters). The leaves are alternately arranged and have serrated margins. The flowers are small, yellowish green, and borne on short stalks. There are three types of avocados – the Hass variety, the Fuerte variety, and the Jaboticabal variety.
Can avocado trees grow indoors?
Yes, there are even dwarf varieties that you can grow in the garden. The Wurtz avocado tree also known as the Little Cado will grow up to 10 feet and produce amazing fruits. Due to its size this variant makes it a good fit for people looking to grow an avocado tree indoors. However do not expect fruit from your avocados when planting them in pots. They cannot grow or bear fruit without blossom and the fruiting season. You can also expect the flavor will be less tasty compared to an avocado tree grown from root stocks.
If you want to grow more fruit, consider purchasing a dwarf tree that has been grafted onto rootstock and invest in a grow tent in which you can control the night time temperatures.
Growing an avocado tree indoors
If you’re looking at Growing an avocado tree indoors then we suggest you start with a grafted dwarf tree. You can grow avocados from seed however trees grown from seeds rarely produce good avocados, they do make for beautiful house plants however. Learn how to grow and avocado from the pit below.
Growing avocado from pit
If you are looking to grow an avocado tree indoors from the pit then follow the below steps.
1) Start off by halving the avocado and removing the pip from the ripe avocado.
2) Clean the pip and wash away any excess flesh.
3) Grab a few cocktail sticks and push them into the avocado forming a stand that will allow the avocado to stand up.
4) Place the cocktail sticks and avocado into a glass of warm water, the water should submerge the dimpled end by around one inch.
5) Place the glass in a light, warm area near a window. Change the water often, but not too frequently.
6) Once roots appear in the water, it is time to transfer to a pot.
Growing Avocados indoors
If you are looking to grow an avocado tree indoors, there are a few things that you will need to do in order to ensure success, follow the below steps to grow an avocado tree indoors:
1) Purchase a healthy avocado seedling or young plant from a nursery or garden center.
2) Plant the seedling in a pot filled with potting soil and water it well.
3) Keep the pot in a warm area (75 degrees F is ideal) until the seedling has germinated and growth begins.
4) When the seedling has grown to about 1 inch in height, transfer it to a larger pot.
5) Keep the plant in a bright location and water it regularly.
6) When the avocado tree is about 8 to 12 inches tall, transplant it outdoors into a sunny location or move it into a passageway or hallway that receives full sun.
7) prune the tree regularly to maintain its shape and size.
How to Care for an avocado Tree Indoors
Growing an avocado tree indoors is a fun and easy way to enjoy the fruit of this popular fruit tree. Here are some tips for caring for your avocado tree indoors:
1. Start by planting your avocado tree in a well-drained soil mix and place it in a sunny location.
2. Water your avocado tree regularly, especially during dry spells, using a water hose or bucket with a nozzle.
3. Fertilize your avocado tree with a Growlands Indoor plant food every week in early spring and summer and then once per month in late fall.
4. Prune off dead branches and twigs every two to three years to keep your avocado tree healthy and looking its best.
5. Harvest your avocado fruit when it is ripe, using a sharp knife to slice the fruit from the stem.
We hope you enjoyed this article and have plenty of success growing your avocado tree. Should you wish to improve the health and growth of any other house plants make sure to checkout the Growlands shop.