Gem Avocado Tree

1. Planting:  Acclimating your greenhouse-grown avocado tree is crucial for its first season. To prevent shock, initially place the tree in a spot by the house with indirect sunlight, allowing one to two hours of direct light daily. After acclimation, move it to a location that receives eight hours of full sunlight in well-draining soil. In summer, protect your tree from temperatures above 90°F with shade cloth or Plant Guard products. In winter, ensure it stays above 32°F.

When planting avocado trees, avoid disturbing the roots. If you have heavy clay soil, create a mound using a mix of sand, compost, and fine mulch to elevate the tree. The mound should be taller than the depth of your tree pot and about 6 feet in diameter. Dig a hole as deep as the pot and plant it at the same soil level as in the pot, avoiding any soil against the trunk to prevent rot.

In the first two years, the Gem tree can produce such an abundance of flowers that it may lead to defoliation, making the tree appear as if it will die. However, with proper care, the trees typically recover from this stress. If defoliation occurs, applying whitewash can be effective. This tendency to defoliate seems to decrease by the third year. Additionally, it is important to stake the Gem Avocado tree well during its early years due to the heavy production load it carries.

2. Watering: To keep your avocado trees healthy, avoid overwatering and let the roots dry between waterings. Water deeply but less often, creating a watering basin around the drip line and expanding it as the tree grows. Watering once a week is usually enough for in-ground and container trees, but it can be adjusted based on the weather. If you notice browning leaf tips, it may be due to salts in your water. Avoid using water from a softener.

3. Pruning: Limit pruning to maintain the tree's shape and size. Regularly pinch the terminal buds of young trees instead of heavy pruning. Protect the trunk from sunlight, as avocados can get sunburned.

4. Fertilizing: In spring and fall, apply 3 to 4 inches of mulch under the tree's canopy, keeping it 6 inches away from the trunk to prevent rot. This is a good time to use a balanced avocado or citrus fertilizer. Organic options include composted manure, blood meal, fish emulsion, alfalfa meal, and vermicompost. Avoid disturbing the roots.