avocado

[cmacP]

After getting a avocado to grow in a jar of water, when do I plant it outside and where is the best position? and what compost do I use if any?

[WendyS]

I think the bad news for you is that this plant is really a Mediterranean one, and will not survive the cold frosts in this country. (My two didn't anyway). If you're still determined to have a go, try planting it in a large container with John Innes No. 2 in a sunny spot and in the winter move the container to the most sheltered spot in the garden, preferably to a greenhouse. If you haven't got a greenhouse you will probably need to cover it round with sacking during the winter. I think this plant will not fruit until the tree is several years old and am not sure whether you need more than one of them so that they can fertilise each other. Googling "Growing avocados" might give you more information. Hope it doesn't die on you after all the loving care you've given it to date.

[WendyS]

Have just done a check on Googe. Apparently an avocado tree will not bear fruit until it's about ten years old. Hope you have a lot of patience!

[logman]

It depends what country your garden happens to be in ! If its anwhere in the uk, treat it as a house plant or better still in a conservatory or heated green house. Elsewhere check on local climatic zones for your region. Good Luck..

[cmacP]

Thank you for the info, I should have told you that I live in South Africa - the region is called the western cape with a winter rainfall. Hot summers and not very cold winters, with no frost, but cold wind.

[WendyS]

In that case, in ten years you may be lucky enough to be picking your own instead of having to buy them in the supermarket. I was assuming you lived here in the UK. Obviously this is a favourite website all over the world.

[logman]

I had a funny feeling you were from warmer climes ! Your aspect seems ideal, may the fruit be with yuo !