The avocado tree was first grown in Mexico and Central America˳ One of the first records of the plant dates back to writings from the Aztecs who described the plant’s creamy green flesh and rich, buttery taste˳ Avocado seeds were even discovered buried deep inside Aztec cities along with other artifacts˳
The avocado tree temperature zone requires hot and humid climates so don’t try to grow one in Siberia˳ If you want to try growing your own, here is what you need to know about the zones avocados will grow in˳
Preferred climate for avocados
Avocados can only grow in warm weather and subhumid climates, primarily tropical and Mediterranean temperatures that stay warm year-round˳ Being a tropical plant, an avocado tree hates growing in anything less than 50 degrees Fahrenheit, although mature trees can tolerate temperatures as low as 30 degrees Fahrenheit for a short period of time˳ In terms of humidity, the trees prefer a climate with a percentage around 60 to 80%˳ While they can grow in dryer climates, around 40% humidity, problems may spring up with the fruit or tree˳ Generally, avocado trees need lots of moisture and nutrients from the soil˳
Avacado growing zone
Because of the specific growing requirements for avocado trees, you won’t find them in most of the United States˳ They only grow in the U˳S˳ Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11, but they don’t thrive in these˳ The only states that provide the avocado growing zone and where avocados are grown are Florida, California, and Hawaii˳ These three states grow over 200 varieties of the plant with just over half of the avocados sold in U˳S˳ supermarkets coming from the 50th state˳
Growing avocados on your own
If you want to try your hand at growing your own avocado trees, be prepared for a lot of work with potential failure because of the specific temperature and humidity requirements˳ The trees require regular watering so the plant can grow strong and produce fruit˳ If the plant doesn’t get enough water, or you live in an area prone to droughts, then the trees won’t grow˳ Thankfully, they don’t require a lot of pruning˳ Only dead or dying branches should be cut off, preferably with a high-quality pair of pruners that can be found at any hardware store˳
If you live in less-than-ideal climates, you can still grow avocado trees, but they won’t be in your backyard for most of the year˳ Grow them in containers in warm sunrooms and greenhouses where the winter temperatures still remain above 55 degrees Fahrenheit and in the summer between 75 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit˳ You can then move the tree (very carefully) into your summer garden before moving it back indoors when fall arrives˳
World regions where avocados grow
The U˳S˳ does not grow anywhere close to the world’s supply of avocados˳ Countries such as the Dominican Republic, Australia, and especially Mexico provide the world with their avocado supply, and for good reason˳ Mexico’s commercial avocado farms run across 400,000 acres throughout the country˳ Other countries also have a hand in avocado production, but to a lesser degree, such as Peru, Colombia, and Indonesia˳
Surprisingly, Australia has a large avocado industry, with 70 varieties grown throughout the country˳ The plant was first introduced to the continent in the mid-19th century where the seeds were planted in the gardens of royalty and the hot and humid climate made for perfect growing conditions˳ It wasn’t until 2010, 150 years later, that Australia started exporting its avocado supply to other countries˳ As of 2019/2020, Australia exports over 4˳5% of all avocados grown in the country˳
Lastly, avocado trees grow the healthiest at the 0-degree latitude mark (pretty much on the equator)˳
Final thoughts
Avocado trees are notoriously fickle plants, requiring very specific temperatures and humidity to grow effectively˳ While some avocados are grown in the United States, primarily in Hawaii, the country does not have the needed moderate temperatures year-round to effectively grow the plant˳ If you want to grow your own, you will need a greenhouse or hot sunroom and lots of patience˳
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