Grafted vs Seedling: Which Should You Choose?
This is one of the most important decisions when selecting an avocado tree. Understanding the differences will help you make the right choice for your needs and timeline.
Grafted Trees
Best for: Most home gardeners who want reliable, early fruiting
Seedling Trees
Best for: Patient gardeners or those interested in breeding new varieties
Popular Avocado Varieties for the Philippines
Different avocado varieties perform better in tropical climates. Here are the top choices for Philippine growing conditions:
Hass Avocado
The world's most popular avocado variety, known for its rich, nutty flavor and creamy texture.
- • Fruit size: Medium (150-300g)
- • Skin: Dark purple-black when ripe
- • Fruiting: Year-round in tropical climates
- • Tree size: Medium, manageable
Growing Tips
Requires well-draining soil and regular watering. Performs well in Davao's climate with proper care.
Fuerte Avocado
A classic variety with excellent flavor and good disease resistance. Great for beginners.
- • Fruit size: Medium to large (200-400g)
- • Skin: Smooth, green, thin
- • Fruiting: Winter to spring
- • Tree size: Large, spreading
Growing Tips
More cold-tolerant than Hass. Needs space to grow but is very productive once established.
Reed Avocado
Large, round fruit with excellent flavor. Known for its consistent production and disease resistance.
- • Fruit size: Large (300-500g)
- • Skin: Thick, green, pebbled
- • Fruiting: Summer to fall
- • Tree size: Medium, upright
Growing Tips
Excellent for tropical climates. Produces heavy crops and handles heat well.
Rootstock Selection
The rootstock determines how well your avocado tree will perform in your specific soil and climate conditions. Here's what to look for:
Key Rootstock Characteristics
Disease Resistance
- • Phytophthora root rot: Most common avocado disease
- • Duke 7: Excellent resistance
- • Torres: Good resistance
- • Mexicola: Moderate resistance
Soil Adaptation
- • Clay soils: Duke 7, Thomas
- • Sandy soils: Mexicola, Topa Topa
- • Alkaline soils: Duke 7, Zutano
- • Acidic soils: Most varieties
After-Care for Strong Early Fruiting
Proper care in the first few years is crucial for establishing a healthy, productive avocado tree. Follow these guidelines for best results:
Watering Schedule
Avocados need consistent moisture but cannot tolerate waterlogged conditions.
- • First year: Water 2-3 times per week
- • Second year: Water weekly
- • Established trees: Water every 10-14 days
- • Dry season: Increase frequency
Fertilization
Feed your avocado tree regularly with balanced nutrition for optimal growth and fruiting.
- • First year: Light feeding every 2-3 months
- • NPK ratio: 8-3-9 or similar avocado-specific fertilizer
- • Organic options: Compost, well-rotted manure
- • Micronutrients: Zinc and iron are important
Pruning for Structure
Proper pruning in the early years creates a strong framework for future fruit production.
- • First year: Remove lower branches, maintain single trunk
- • Second year: Select 3-4 main scaffold branches
- • Ongoing: Remove crossing branches, maintain open center
- • Timing: Prune after harvest or in late winter
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Planting too deep: Avocado roots need oxygen; plant with root ball slightly above soil level
- Overwatering: Leads to root rot; let soil dry slightly between waterings
- Wrong variety for climate: Choose varieties suited to your specific growing conditions
- Inadequate spacing: Avocados need room to grow; plant at least 6-8 meters apart
- Poor drainage: Ensure excellent drainage; consider raised beds if needed
