Avocado Gardening: Which variety is considered best for growing avocado in the balcony? How much sunlight does an avocado plant need per day? How long does it usually take for an avocado plant to bear fruit?
Avocado is counted among the healthiest fruits in the world, but its price is very high in India. The price of an avocado in the market is often Rs 150 to Rs 200 or more. So, if you eat avocado regularly, growing it at home can be a smart and economical option. The good thing is that with a little care and the right technique, you can easily grow an avocado plant in your balcony too.
choose the right variety
Growing avocados starts with choosing the right variety. Typical avocado trees can grow up to 60 feet tall, so dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties are better for balconies or smaller homes. Varieties like Wurtz (Little Cado) and Hass are considered suitable for container gardening. Although avocados can be grown from seed, it may take several years to bear fruit. For better results, it would be more beneficial to buy a grafted plant from a trusted nursery.
Choose a big pot and the right soil
The roots of the avocado plant are not very deep, but it needs enough space to spread. Therefore, choose a pot at least 16 to 20 inches deep and wide. It is very important to have a good drainage system in the pot, because accumulation of water can cause the roots to rot. For soil, use well-drained and slightly acidic to normal (pH 6-7) soil. Adding compost to it improves plant growth.
plenty of sunlight is necessary
The avocado plant likes sunlight. It should get at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. Therefore, keep the pot on a balcony or place where there is enough sunlight. When the plant gets sufficient light, it grows rapidly and remains healthy.
Do not make this mistake while watering
Overwatering can harm avocado plants. Water the plant only when the top layer of soil feels dry. In summer, watering may have to be done every 2 to 3 days, whereas in winter, watering once a week is sufficient.
regular care necessary
Do regular pruning of the avocado plant planted in the balcony. If the plant starts growing too tall, trim the upper part, so that its branches become dense. Also keep an eye on yellow leaves and pests and resolve them in time.
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It may take time to bear fruit
Avocado tree does not yield fruits immediately after planting. Even grafted plants may take a few years to bear fruit. But once the plant is mature, you will have fresh and chemical-free avocados for a long time. This will not only improve your health, but will also save you the expense of buying expensive fruits from the market.
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