Position
Find a sunny spot in your garden for your Pinkerton avo tree, preferably one that is sheltered from the wind. Plant it about 3 metres from buildings and walls and around 7 to 10 metres from other avo trees.
Size
The Pinkerton tree grows to a mature height of around 7 metres with a canopy spread of 6 to 9 metres.
Soil Type
Pinkerton avo trees are water-hungry, but the roots rot when they become waterlogged. So, these trees do best in sandy, loamy soil that drains well. A slightly acidic soil pH is recommended between 5.0 and 7.0, plant with at least one bag of acid compost.
Watering
Like all avocado trees, Pinkertons demand a lot of water. If you live in an area with regular rainfall, you may only have to water your tree two to three times a week. In drier areas, this may increase to daily watering. Soak the soil completely when watering your tree. Then, water it again when the soil is somewhat dry.
Mulching
Apply organic mulch to your Avocado tree all year round.
Use from 2 to 5 centimetres of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. It retains moisture, and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Fertilising
Sprinkle a tablespoon of nitrogen around your tree three times a year – once in spring, once in summer, and once in autumn. Then, water the area liberally to absorb the nitrogen deep into the soil.
Our high nitrogen slow-release berry fertiliser (all plant) works well with all plants and trees. 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months.
Pruning
Keep any low horizontal branches that are close to the ground pruned away so that they don’t take up too much of the tree’s resources. It’s also beneficial to keep the canopy fairly light and open so that light can get in and make it easier for you to access the fruits.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids, citrus psylla, red scale, citrus greening. Spraying regularly with Agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control ) will assist in either prevention or after the fact. If you already have aphids or mites, wash the tree with a harsh hosing, and when dry, spray with Neem oil or EM Control.
Practice good garden hygiene (remove fallen fruit and leaves).
Watch for root rot (if overwatered) and fungal infections during wet periods.
Harvesting
Pick the largest avocados first, usually midway through autumn. They should mature on the tree for as long as possible but try to pluck them off before they start to drop off. They will continue to ripen once picked.
