Growing Requirements

• Avocados naturally grow as an understory tree in humid to semi-humid tropical forests. The tree can grow about 30 feet tall, with some varieties reaching 60 feet if left unchecked. Avocado trees have relatively shallow rooting systems. Because of this, they have trouble taking up water and are susceptible to dry periods. Most avocados are planted with few additional soil amendments mixed in. However, if your soil is heavy and clay-like, the tree benefits from being planted in a mound 1 to 2 feet high and 3 to 5 feet around to aid drainage and avoid root problems. Heavily mulch the base of the tree with coarse material like cocoa husks or redwood bark.
  
  

Growing Regions

• Avocados are generally grown in tropical or subtropical climates. They grow in USDA hardiness zones 9a to 11. Avocados do best in temperatures from 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit and moderate humidity. Only once the tree is established can it endure a freeze with little damage. If you live in an area outside the aforementioned USDA zones, avocados can be grown as houseplants and moved outdoors during the warmest months of the year, then brought back in for the coolest months.
  
  

Planting Time

• This avocado tree has been pinched back to encourage a side shoot to develop.avocado image by Sergey Goruppa from Fotolia.com
  
  The best time to plant avocado trees outdoors is between March and June. Warm days and nights allow the tree to become established before the hottest months arrive. Because of their shallow root systems and poor ability to uptake water, young avocados are extremely susceptible to sun damage and will die in the heat. Likewise, avocado trees cannot handle cold temperatures until established either, marking the end of spring the best time to plant avocados outdoors.
  
  

Sprouting Avocado Seeds

• Remove the seed from the center of the avocado and rinse in water until clean. The seed only stores for about a month so should be sprouted as soon as possible. Insert three toothpicks in a circle around the top half of the pit or the pointy end. Suspend the seed in a glass or other container and fill with water until just the bottom portion of the seed is submerged. Top off the water frequently as it evaporates and don't let the pit dry out. Put your seed in a sunny windowsill or in another bright spot. After about four to six weeks the seed splits and the roots and sprout emerge. Let grow to about 6 inches before transplanting into a potting mix.