Avocado Growing in Kenya: A Comprehensive Guide


Avocado farming is gaining popularity in Kenya due to the high demand for the fruit both locally and internationally. Kenya has the perfect climate for avocado farming, and farmers can enjoy good returns on their investment. In this article, we will discuss the different aspects of avocado farming in Kenya.


Varieties Grown in Kenya
Kenya has various avocado varieties that farmers can grow, with the most common being Hass, Fuerte, and Pinkerton. Hass is the most preferred variety due to its high oil content and longer shelf life. It's also resistant to various diseases that affect avocado plants.


Climatical Needs for Avocados
Temperature Avocado trees require a moderate temperature of 18°C to 25°C for optimal growth. Temperatures below 10°C can cause frost damage to the trees, while temperatures above 30°C can cause sunburn on the leaves.


Rainfall

Avocado trees require an adequate amount of rainfall to grow well, with an average of 1,000mm to 1,600mm per year. Too much or too little rainfall can affect the yield and quality of the fruits.


Sunshine

Requirements Avocado trees require plenty of sunlight for optimal growth and fruiting. The trees should receive a minimum of six hours of direct sunlight every day.
Altitude Avocado trees grow best at an altitude of between 1,200m and 2,000m above sea level. This altitude provides the optimal temperature and rainfall for the trees to grow and produce high-quality fruits.


Soil Types

Avocado trees require well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil should have a pH of between 5.5 and 6.5 for optimal growth. Avoid planting avocado trees in waterlogged soils as they can cause root rot.


Land Preparation

The land should be prepared well before planting avocado trees. The holes should be dug to a depth of 60cm and a width of 60cm. The topsoil should be mixed with well-rotted manure or compost to improve soil fertility.
Seedling Selection Select seedlings from reputable nurseries to ensure you get high-quality plants that are free from diseases. Look for seedlings that have a straight stem, dark green leaves, and a well-developed root system.


Grafting

Grafting is the most preferred method of propagating avocado trees in Kenya. It involves attaching a scion from a high-yielding avocado tree onto a rootstock. This method ensures that you get trees that are disease-resistant and have a high yield potential.
Planting Requirements Plant the avocado seedlings in the prepared holes and fill them with soil. Leave a depression around the stem of the seedling to hold water. Space the trees 8-10m apart, depending on the variety.


Mulching

Mulching helps to retain soil moisture, suppress weed growth, and improve soil fertility. Use organic mulch such as grass, leaves, or straw around the trees.
Pruning Prune the avocado trees to shape them and remove any dead or diseased branches. Pruning also helps to improve air circulation, allowing the trees to grow well and produce high-quality fruits.

Thinning

Thinning involves removing some of the fruits from the trees to improve the quality and size of the remaining fruits. Leave only the fruits that are well-spaced and healthy on the tree.
Pest Control Avocado trees are prone to various pests such as thrips, mites, and fruit flies. Use organic pest control methods such as neem oil or pheromone traps to control the pests.
Local Marketing Avocado farming presents an excellent opportunity for local marketing due to the high demand for the fruit in Kenya. Partner with local supermarkets, grocery

Time to Fruit Bearing


One important consideration when growing avocados in Kenya is the time it takes for the trees to start bearing fruit. Unlike other fruit trees that can bear fruit within a few years of planting, avocado trees can take several years to produce their first crop.


On average, it takes about three to four years for an avocado tree to start bearing fruit, although some varieties may take longer. It is important to keep this in mind when planning an avocado orchard, as it can take several years to see a return on investment.


During this time, it is important to properly care for the trees, including regular fertilization, irrigation, and pest control measures. This will help to ensure that the trees grow strong and healthy, which will increase their chances of producing a bountiful crop when they are mature enough to do so.

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