How to Feed Avocado Trees

Overview

Avocado trees, whether grown as indoor houseplants or planted out in the landscape, add evergreen beauty to their surroundings. Their broad, glossy leaves are deep green, and once the tree is mature enough, it produces avocado fruit you can harvest for use in your kitchen. Both landscaping avocados and potted ones require proper care to reach maturity and remain healthy. Fertilizing them regularly with the nutrients they require helps them develop and grow well.

Step 1

Apply ¼ lb. of 6-6-6-2 analysis fertilizer every month from spring until fall during the first four years after planting the tree. Work the fertilizer into the soil around the trunk, applying it 3 feet away from the trunk so the fertilizer does not come in direct contact with the trunk or roots.

Step 2

Spray avocado trees with a nutritional foliage spray that contains zinc, boron, manganese and copper during the first four years after planting. Spray every six weeks, beginning in April, for a total of three applications. Follow the application rate indicated on the spray label.

Step 3

Fertilize tress that are more than four years old every other month with a 6-6-6-2 analysis fertilizer. Follow application rates on the label, as the rate depends on the size of the avocado tree.

Step 4

Spray four-year-old and older trees with a zinc and manganese nutritional spray every six weeks beginning in April, for a total of three applications. Follow label application rates.

Step 5

Apply a liquid houseplant food to potted avocado plants. Fertilize twice monthly from spring until fall, following the label application instructions.