Has anyone had success with an avocado tree in the SE Texas/Houston area? I've read that they need excellent drainage (sandy soil, actually), which (of course) I do not have! Can they be container grown? Thanks!!
Anyone grow avocados?
I had one growing in a container for a couple of years. I then read somewhere that they were about 15 years old before bearing fruit, so I dumped it. Now I've heard that isn't so, so I don't know what to believe. They are pretty easy to grow in a pot with any potting soil. Poke 3 toothpicks in the seed and put the fat end down, suspended in a glass of water (the toothpicks rest on the edge of the glass to keep it from being totally submerged). About the bottom third of the seed should be in the water. It will crack open and sprout within a couple of weeks. I wait until I have the first set of true leaves and then pot it up. I keep it in an east facing window while in water and once established in potting soil, put it outside on the patio. I have heard of some bearing fruit in Houston and may have to try again. I just wish I knew if they really have to be that old before bearing!
I googled and found that they start bearing fruit after 8-20 years if grown from seed, depending on variety and conditions.
As a general rule, avocados grow well wherever citrus is successful.
Interesting that avocados really DO bear from seeds. I've been growing the seeds for years - just stick in big pot w/potting soil and wait for them to get bigger then transplant to garden. Since I really need shade I never gave a thought to their bearing fruit so I just raise them for the shade they provide. Only have another 7-9 years to see.. I should live so long!
Ann
Where I lived in southern California, many neighborhoods had fruiting trees that had been grown from seeds. The size of the fruit doesn't always follow true to the parentage - that is, a seed from a large fruit may ultimately produce a tree with small fruit, or vice versa. The ag station of the University of California, Riverside campus, has done much research and has a sizeable orchard. Some fruits there weigh over two pounds, but are not practical commercially because they are too fragile to ship.
There is at least one dwarf variety that should do well in a large container. I haven't seen it in the nurseries here, but it could be ordered for you.
Editing to add this reference that discusses the three basic types - Mexican, Guatamalan, and West Indian - http://www.slm.bm/avocado.htm
This message was edited Sep 24, 2006 9:33 AM
Thanks! I'm mostly interested in a tree that bears fruit (I LOVE avocados), so I'm looking for one from a nursery, grower, etc... I *could* plant a tree into the ground (in one of my full sun beds), but they are only raised about 6", and my soil underneath is typical Houston black gumbo (clay) - it's been amended with a lot of organic matter, etc., but it certainly isn't "sandy," or "rocky," which is what I've read avocados like to grow in. That's why I had the idea of container growing, but what do y'all think about putting it into the ground?
I grow mine in plain ol' dirt. The more I neglect it the better it does. I will occasionally top it to make it bush more. It gets the same fert. as any other plant in the bed. Actually, there are about 3-4 seeds in there and they all have good big tops on them.
Ann
I have an avocado tree which is about 6 years old started from a seed. It has had a rough life. We have moved a couple of times, the morning glories took over last year and general neglect. However I cannot leave it out in the winter. It will go back to my husband's shop this winter.
We sell fruit-bearing avocados @ the Farm where I work. The trick to have them bear is that they must be grafted if you don't want to wait for decades. Surrounding counties are having sells for the next approx 6 wks. Ck those or the fruit trees sells in Jan & Feb. Note: They ain't cheap but do bear fruit. Sugar Land GC had a sell last wkend. Harris Cty - Prec 2 is having one this wkend & they will have avocados there.
I can get you dates on others if you would like. LMK
Montgomery County Master Gardeners are having their fall plant sale on Oct 7. We sold those "hardy" avocado trees at the spring plant sale, but I haven't checked to see if they will be available at the fall plant sale. Will do so if you request. (Hi Smockette!)
CJ
I saw fairly large avocado trees for sale at Lowes in Waco last week. I was really tempted but as it is I do not have enough room in my greenhouse to overwinter the tropicals that I have. Maybe the Lowes in your areas also have them.
Patsy
I've seen them on the Park's website. They'll also give you reasonably good advice. You might try that. If I remember right, they're mighty proud of their avocados, but they'll bear within a year.