AVOCADO TREES

SOIL: Test soil Ph. The Ph should be 7 or less. If Ph is too high add
additional compost. The soil can also be tested for deficiency in
minerals such as Fe, K, P, S, Zs and B. You can however get a good
idea of such deficiencies from the condition of leaves:
Phosphor (P): Bronze young leaves.
Potassium (K): Yellow green leaves with dark veins.
Sulphur (S): Yellow new leaves
Iron (Fe): Yellow green leaves with light green veins
Zink (Zn): Rosette of small young leaves
Boron (B): Green leaves with yellow margins and holes.
HOW TO PLANT: Avocados are shallow rooted trees, Most roots
are only 10 to 20 cm deep. Plant in well-drained soil during Spring
when it starts to warm up. Plant trees at least 3 meters away from all
structures such as walls, pools, lawns etc. Plant trees in angular (not
round holes. The size of the holes depends on the quality of the soil.
In good soil 0,75x0,75x0,5 meters. In poor soil (clay-rich, gritty) plant
1x1x0,5 meter holes. Mix 50% soil with 50% compost. Cut the plant
bag and carefully remove plant from bag not waist any soil from
roots! Compact the soil slightly and same level as before. Cover the
surface with coarse mulch such as redwood, coco-beans or bark not
closer than 20cm from tree stem. Make a dam/pond around the plant
and water immediately at least 7 litres of water. Initially water plants
every day and two to three times a week thereafter depending on the
weather.
NUTRITION:
From the initial planting up to one year, Spray or water with micro
nutrition. See official information.
One year after planting fertilize with (1 table spoon) ammonium
sulphate three times a year (Spring, Summer and Fall). No fertilizer in
Winter. Best to use slow release stuff. Deep fluid irrigation after
fertilizing. Use home fertilizer and micro nutrients as needed.
Two year after planting fertilize with (0,1 km) ammonium sulphate
three times a year (Spring, Summer and Fall). No fertilizer in Winter.
Best to use slow release stuff. Deep fluid irrigation after fertilizing.
Use home fertilizer and micro nutrients as needed.
Three year after planting fertilize with (0,2 kg) ammonium sulphate
three times a year (Spring, Summer and Fall). No fertilizer in Winter.
Best to use slow release stuff. Deep fluid irrigation after fertilizing.
Use home fertilizer and micro nutrients as needed.
Use once a year a little Zn and add minerals mentioned above as
needed.
WEATHER CONDITIONS: Avocados are sub-tropical plants and
flourish in mild to hot (+ C) and high humidity. Not happy with cold
spells particularly with cold winds. Try to plant the tree in cosy area.
During cold spells cover with frost sheet but remove when heating up
again.
DISEASE AND PESTS: Avocado trees are normally free from
disease and pests. We have avocado trees that are more than 30 years
old with no disease and no treatment. For more detail on avocado
disease contact nurseries ore info on internet. During flowering and
formation of young leaves the plants are susceptible to green aphids.
On small plants they should be sprayed with insecticide but on large
plants should be left in order not to discourage bees and other
pollinating insects.