Position
Find a sunny spot in your garden for your Pinkerton avocado tree, preferably one that is sheltered from the wind. Plant it about 3 meters from buildings and walls, and around 7 to 10 meters from other avocado trees.
Size
The Pinkerton tree grows to a mature height of around 7 meters with a canopy spread of 6 to 9 meters.
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; plants with at least one bag of acid compost.
Give your plants the best possible start by adding a bag of Volcanic Rock Dust (R25 per bag) to the soil. Volcanic Rock Dust helps replenish essential minerals and trace elements that have been depleted from our soils over time.
We also recommend adding a bag of Superfrass (R25 per bag) when planting. Superfrass provides a natural source of NPK and micronutrients to encourage strong, healthy growth, while also helping to improve the plant’s natural resistance to pests.
Together, these products help create a nutrient-rich growing environment and give your plants the foundation they need to establish and thrive.
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 year-round.
Use from 2 to 5 centimeters 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 allow nitrogen to be absorbed deeply into the soil.
Our high-nitrogen, slow-release berry fertiliser (for all plants) works well for 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. Practice good garden hygene.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids, citrus psylla, red scale, citrus greening. Spraying regularly with Agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control) will assist in prevention or in after-the-fact control. 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 fall. They will continue to ripen once picked.
