The avocado, which is native to warm and humid regions, does not know much cold or frost and is therefore not hardy in this country. In order for it to be able to live for many years, you have to overwinter the avocado accordingly. Here you can find out what needs to be considered.

In a nutshell

  • does not tolerate temperatures below zero
  • the younger the plants, the more sensitive they are to cold
  • almost exclusively cultivated in tubs
  • outdoors only in summer temperatures

Overwintering avocados

The avocado (Persea americana) is not hardy in our latitudes. Due to its natural origin, it needs a warm and humid environment. It cannot cope with temperatures at or below freezing. While it also feels very comfortable outdoors in the warm season, you should bring the avocado indoors in autumn or before the first frost and overwinter in a suitable place.

Young plants particularly sensitive

Young plants and seedlings are particularly sensitive. They should be kept in a warm place and should not be exposed to any fluctuations in the weather. Initially, they only stay indoors at constantly warm temperatures. They can only spend the warm season in the garden, on the balcony or the terrace from the age of two to three years. Then the avocado has to move to its winter quarters.

In time for the winter quarters

As soon as temperatures drop towards freezing point in autumn, the avocado should move to its winter quarters. Before storing, it is advisable to remove both dried flowers and other dead parts of the plant. In addition, you should check them for possible diseases or pest infestation and take appropriate countermeasures if there are any. After that she can move.

  • in a very bright and cool place
  • evergreen avocado needs a lot of light even in winter
  • the warmer the room, the greater the need for light
  • too warm hibernation, however, favors pest infestation
  • constant temperatures between 10 and 15 degrees are ideal
  • short-term minimum temperatures of up to three degrees are tolerated
  • if necessary also all year round in a heated room

Tip: If the lighting conditions in the winter quarters are not optimal, the additional use of plant lamps can make sense.

care in winter

  • Avocados need water regularly, even in winter
  • still water a little more sparingly
  • never overwater
  • Let the substrate dry out from time to time
  • little or no fertilizer is used
  • If possible, water the plant more often

Before wintering out

Before the avocado leaves its winter quarters, you should give it a pruning and, if necessary, repot it in a larger pot and fresh substrate. In its natural habitat, the avocado can grow to a height of 20 m, but as a houseplant it remains much smaller. Here it grows mainly as a shrub.

  • Avocado grows in most cases as a long, straight shoot
  • appropriate pruning can encourage branching and shrubby growth
  • to do this, cut off the shoot of a well-rooted plant
  • at a height of about 30 cm
  • such a cut makes sense at the earliest from the age of three to six months
  • Pruning technique can also be applied to older specimens
  • always cut to inward-pointing eyes for shrubby growth

Pruning back at the end of winter is a good opportunity to repot the avocado. The new planter should only be slightly larger than the old one. Commercially available standard soil, which is mixed with some clay, can be used as a substrate.

Tip: The shoot tip removed during the cut can be used as a cutting for plant growth of the avocado tree.

frequently asked Questions

Can pest infestation occur during the winter?

Especially when plants are overwintering, the risk of pest infestation is particularly high and often the result of unfavorable conditions. Spider mites, scale insects and mealybugs are the most common. It is best to check the plants regularly. If there is an infestation, the use of predatory mites and other beneficial insects, for example, and the setting up of yellow boards or stickers can be helpful.

When can the avocado go outside again?

The plant can only go outside when there is no longer any danger of frost, either from night or late frosts. In the first few days you should not put them in direct sunlight, but first get used to the new conditions.

Can you overwinter an avocado in a greenhouse?

In principle, this is possible. However, the greenhouse should be heatable and flooded with light and be well ventilated.

Category:

Garden plants