The Compact Avocado Tree Variety That You Can Grow In A Pot

Avocados are versatile, delicious, and nutrient-rich fruits. Therefore, it is no surprise that many people want to grow them at home. And while growing an avocado tree is easy, there is a problem. Typical avocado trees are large plants, which can be an issue for people with small gardens or no garden at all. Luckily, though, avocado trees come in compact cultivars that can be grown in pots. Take, for instance, the Reed avocado tree (Persea americana 'Reed'). It is a Guatemalan avocado cultivar known for its heavy yield, compact, upright growth, and large fruits. And although it can grow to about 30 feet tall, with regular pruning, you can keep it to a more manageable size of around 8 to 10 feet, which is perfect for growing in containers or pots.

Just keep in mind, though, that the Reed avocado tree is not very cold-tolerant. It grows well only in the southern U.S., in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11. So, if you're outside these zones and want to grow an avocado tree, you might want to find another kind of avocado tree that is best for your garden, depending on where you live. On the plus side, however, the Reed avocado has a very good taste and excellent shelf life. Even better? You can harvest its fruit for a long time, starting from July through September. What's more, even if you plant it alone, without another pollinator tree, it still produces well. With good care, you can even make your avocado trees produce even more fruit.

If you are planning to grow a Reed avocado tree in a pot, you need something large. Anything smaller than 10 to 15 gallons is not recommended. Also, take care when transplanting or repotting Reed avocado trees. They have a very shallow, sensitive root system, and you must handle them with great care when changing pots. In addition, make sure to fill the pots with a good-quality soil. For healthy growth, the Reed avocado tree requires well-draining, fertile soil rich in organic matter with a neutral pH.

Once the pot is ready, choose a bright, sunny location. Reed avocado trees are full sun plants. You need to grow them in a spot that receives at least 6 hours of sun every day. As for watering, these plants have moderate needs. However, they still will need regular deep watering during the first few weeks of establishment. When growing them in containers, you must ensure good drainage, as soggy conditions can lead to root problems. Besides watering, regularly feed your Reed avocado trees as well with a balanced fertilizer.

Fertilize in spring and summer, about every 4 to 6 weeks, when the plants are actively growing. And since you will need to prune your Reed avocado tree when growing it in a pot, do the pruning in late winter or early spring. Doing it right after the cold weather keeps the growth less vigorous, which can help keep them compact. Also, prune with a plan. Pruning the wrong branches is one of those common mistakes people often make when pruning their fruit trees.