Amazing Avocado Trees

Whether they are simply a seed or a full grown tree they are really a delight to have.

The tree above is an elder avocado that is a super producer.  This picture shows just how incredible a tree can be.  Ours likes to get up close to the house giving the house a tree house feel. They also provide great shade for a home if you are looking for a tree that can fill out and do that for you.

This is a younger tree that was started from a seed. Although it will take a while to bear fruit it sure is a pretty plant to be enjoyed as we watch it grow.  The avocado trees really have neat leaves that make for a wonderful patio or outdoor plant.  They also tend to grow quite quickly.

Here is one that is about 6 years old and you can see they really are pretty.  Their trunks seem to like to curve around in different shapes.  We see this within their upper limbs as well.

The picture below shows you what they look like as they grow.  They are very hard when they are growing which not only keeps them safe during weather conditions but also not as interesting to the birds and other outdoor critters.  It is so much fun to pick the fruit as it grows and have the opportunity to enjoy what you pick.

Here is what a avocado tree looks like, just in case you haven’t see one before.  They really make beautiful large trees and produce amazing harvest.  Every home I have lived at somehow had an avocado tree in it.  We sure have been blessed with such an amazing tree. We have always had more then we could eat, plenty to share, and many to sell at a fraction of the cost.  Since they produce so much you can have enough to have a small side business for the farmer’s market or neighbors. As they are expensive but so incredible in nutrition they also make wonderful gifts that you can grow yourself.  Talk about sharing the love.  You can just provide gifts of avocado love all year.

Typically avocados run from $1-$2 in most stores we let our extras go at the farmers’ market selling (4) for a $1 and you would be surprised at how much extra money these amazing fruit bearing trees can generate.  We always have fresh guacamole on hand and I have found its rich fats are better then any mayonnaise or other sandwich toppings.  We love to add fresh herbs and make avocado herb spread great for dips and sandwiches.  One of my favorite is grilled zucchini and grilled bell peppers, still crisp with the avocado herb dip, yum! They are great for shakes, dressings, salads and so much more.  They simply take on the taste of anything they are combined with which make delicious desserts great as a fat substitute instead of oil in baked goods, breads and so much more.  Outside of their green color their rich creamy consistency is much like a thick yogurt or pudding. When you mix it with ice and some natural sweetener like agave or a date it quickly takes on a delicious creamy shake like consistency.

If you are in the market for a fruit bearing tree think about a an avocado tree they won’t disappoint and are really beautiful trees.  Keep in mind if you are in the market for one the ideal scenario is you get one that is ready to bear fruit meaning its a little older. Trees that are ready to bear fruit tend to be a little bit more expensive but certainly worth their weight in fruit.

If you are looking to keep the costs as low as possible you can opt to start one from a seed which is the least expensive way and this way will cost you one avocado. This way will take much longer to bear fruit, however, you will see it grow from a seed to a tree.  It is quite a spectacular sight to see it as it develops.  It is also a great tree to plant for kids.  They love checking it and refilling the water and seeing it get bigger over the years.

Straight from the official avocado website:

1. Wash the seed. Using three toothpicks, suspend it broad end down over a water-filled glass to cover about an inch of the seed.

2. Put it in a warm place out of direct sunlight and replenish water as needed. You should see roots and stem sprout in about two to six weeks.

3. When the stem is six to seven inches long, cut it back to about three inches.

4. When the roots are thick and the stem has leafed out again, plant it in a rich humus soil in a 10-1/2″ diameter pot, leaving the seed half exposed.

5. Give it frequent, light waterings with an occasional deep soak. Generally, the soil should be moist but not saturated. Yellowing leaves are a sign of over-watering; let the plant dry out for a few days.

6. The more sunlight, the better.

7. If leaves turn brown and fry at the tips, too much salt has accumulated in the soil. Let water run freely into the pot and drain for several minutes.

8. When the stem is 12 inches high, cut it back to 6 inches to encourage the growth of new shoots.

9. Don’t expect your house plant to bear fruit. Although this does occur occasionally, it usually requires grafting. A plant grown from seed will take anywhere from five to 13 years to flower and bear fruit. Fruit on trees grown from seeds are seldom good to eat.

As you can see in this photo the avocado tree can grow comfortably in just about any setting.  They add a nice touch to backyard landscaping as you can see here.

If you have thought about it in the past and just didn’t know what kind of fruit tree to get pick yourself up an avocado tree.  They grow rapidly on their own and are a great deal of joy as they produce endless fruit.