avocados are the fruit from the avocado tree, which is native to subtropical and tropical regions of Central Mexico. The flesh is creamy, somewhat buttery in texture, and has a mild yet distinctive flavor. Avocados are high in fat and have been linked to better wellbeing with many health benefits.
Growing Avocados is a process in which the tree actually grows and blooms to fruit. The average avocado tree takes 3-5 years to produce its first fruit, depending on care, variety, and climate. In this article we will look at whether or not can an avocado tree grow in Ohio
Can you grow avocados in Ohio?
In short, yes. Avocados are subtropical and tropical fruit that can grow in warm climates, but it still takes some work.
Ohio is known for the ability to grow tropical trees and plants, and the climate is perfect for avocado trees. An avocado tree will grow anywhere between 10-40′ tall, depending on care, variety, and climate. Avocado trees will grow in the ground or in a container.
The leaves range from dark to medium green and its flowers are small, white or pale greenish-yellow in clusters. The fruit is smooth and oval-shaped, ranging from pea-size to 2-3 inches in diameter; they come in various shades of green with either blackish spots or a bluish hue on the skin depending on the variety of avocado you purchase or plant.
How to grow avocados in Ohio
Start by choosing the right variety of avocado plants to grow in Ohio. There are three types of avocados trees, Mexican, Guatemalan and West Indian.
Most avocados grown in Ohio are Mexican varieties because they can withstand colder weather. The most popular choice for people who live in Ohio is the Hass or Dark-skinned cultivar. You will be able to find this at your local home improvement store or garden center.
Once you have your avocados plant, you will want to check their overall health by removing the bottom leaves and looking at the new growth in between. If they are not getting enough light, water them or move them where they receive more sunlight. To properly care for your avocado trees, be sure to prune and maintain a proper balance of sunshine and water.
How long does it take for an avocado tree to bear fruit?
Avocados will grow and flower in 3-5 years or so after planting. However, the harvest can vary greatly depending on the variety that you have and the variety of your climate.
In Ohio, you can expect an average of 2-3 pounds per week. If you live in a cooler climate, this may be reduced to one pound per week. If you live in a warmer climate and maintain proper care, then expect 6-8 pounds of fruit a week or more by the end of summer (depending on your location).
What is the lifespan of an avocado tree?
The lifespan of an avocado tree is at least 200 years. Since conditions and care vary, the lifespan can be considerably longer. Also, the variety of your tree can have a huge effect on its longevity.
How to care for Avocado trees?
Proper care for an avocado tree starts with proper watering in the winter and early spring. This can prolong the life of your tree. If you live in a cooler climate, make sure that your avocado tree gets at least 6 hours of sunlight every day. If you live in a warmer climate, make sure to water your avocados trees every 2-3 days or so. Pruning avocados can get tricky because their bark is very tender and subject to breaking easily if pruned wrong.
Always wear gloves, and trim off any dead or diseased leaves or stems. From then, you can prune your avocado trees as needed to maintain a tree that is free of any diseases or dead wood.
Final Thoughts
So can you grow avocados in Ohio? Yes, but it may be difficult. It depends on the variety and climate that you get for the tree. If you live in a warmer region, it will be much easier to maintain a healthy avocado tree because it needs less water and sunlight compared to colder regions.
You will have to have proper care for your avocado trees in order for them to bear fruit. If you do all of this, than an avocado tree can live up to 200 years with proper care and maintenance.
