Growing Avocado

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Growing Hass avocado requires proper climate, soil conditions, and care.

Climate & Location Requirements

  • Temperature: Ideal range 15°C–30°C (59°F–86°F)
  • Elevation: Grows well at 800–2,500 meters above sea level
  • Rainfall: Prefers 1,000–1,500mm annually; needs good drainage
  • Soil Type: Well-drained, loamy, or sandy soil with pH 5.5–7.0
  • Sunlight: Requires full sun exposure for healthy fruiting

Propagation & Planting

  • Best method: Grafted Hass avocado seedlings (fruit in 3-4 years)
  • Planting distance: 5m x 5m (400 trees per hectare)
  • Hole preparation: 50cm x 50cm x 50cm deep with compost
  • Planting season: Best in the rainy season for root establishment

Irrigation & Water Management

  • Young trees: Water 2-3 times per week
  • Mature trees: Water weekly (reduce during fruiting)
  • Drip irrigation recommended for water efficiency

Pruning & Canopy Management

  • Prune after harvesting to maintain manageable height (3-4m)
  • Remove dead branches to improve airflow and reduce disease risk
  • Maintain an open center canopy for better sunlight penetration

Fertilization & Soil Health

Year 1-2: Apply NPK (10-10-10) every 3 months
Year 3+: Use organic compost + potassium (K) for fruit development
Add dolomite lime if soil is too acidic
Mulch around trees to retain moisture & improve soil health

Pest & Disease Management

  • Common Pests: Thrips, mites, borers – use neem oil or organic sprays
  • Diseases: Root rot (caused by Phytophthora) – ensure good drainage
  • Fungal issues: Use copper-based fungicides for prevention

Flowering & Pollination

  • Hass avocado has Type A flowers (opens female in the morning, male in the afternoon)
  • Plant Type B avocados (e.g., Fuerte) nearby to increase pollination
  • Bees & wind help improve fruit set

Harvesting & Yield

  • First harvest: 3-4 years after planting (if grafted)
  • Peak production: 8-10 years
  • Annual yield: 150-300 fruits per tree
  • Harvest timing: When skin turns dark green to black
  • Post-harvest: Store at 5-7°C for longer shelf life

Market Potential & Profitability

  • High demand for fresh & processed avocado products
  • Suitable for local & export markets (Hass is an export-grade variety)
  • Can be processed into avocado oil, puree, and guacamole
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