How to Grow Avocados in Arizona
The avocado tree is a large evergreen that has thick, deep green colored leaves. Avocado trees are available in several varieties, but the Mexican and Guatemalan variety are the best suited for the hot Arizona climate. When growing the avocado tree in Arizona, the salty soil must be saturated to move the salt away from the roots and there must be some protection from the hot summer sun.
Select a planting location for the Avocado tree that is fast-draining and has a high nutrient value. Choose an area that is not part of a lawn and is protected from frost and wind.
Dig a hole 2 to 3 times the width of the container the tree came in and the same depth. Loosen the soil in the hole and fill it with water. Place the tree in the hole once the water has drained out.
- The avocado tree is a large evergreen that has thick, deep green colored leaves.
- When growing the avocado tree in Arizona, the salty soil must be saturated to move the salt away from the roots and there must be some protection from the hot summer sun.
Mix equal parts of organic compost and sand with the removed soil. Gently pack the soil around the root ball.
Build a 4-inch-high berm around the base of the plant with the remaining soil and fill it with water. The berm creates a water basin to thoroughly moisten the root ball.
Apply a 4-inch-high layer of compost around the tree at a distance of 12 inches from the trunk.
Give the tree a deep soaking every 2 to 4 weeks in the summer. Irrigate the tree for several hours to soak the soil and push salt away from the root ball.
- Mix equal parts of organic compost and sand with the removed soil.
- Build a 4-inch-high berm around the base of the plant with the remaining soil and fill it with water.
Fertilize the avocado tree with a fish emulsion 1 or 2 times during the growing season. The avocado tree does not tolerate increased salt levels and should not be fertilized with chemicals.
Provide a sun shade during June through August to prevent the tree from being burned. Plant the tree where it is shielded from the hot afternoon sun or cover the tree with a shade cloth during these months.
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Jennifer Loucks has been writing since 1998. She previously worked as a technical writer for a software development company, creating software documentation, help documents and training curriculum. She now writes hobby-based articles on cooking, gardening, sewing and running. Loucks also trains for full marathons, half-marathons and shorter distance running. She holds a Bachelor of Science in animal science and business from University of Wisconsin-River Falls.
