We tried using Epsom salt as a fertilizer on our avocado tree and found it really boosted the tree’s growth and fruit production. Epsom salt contains magnesium which is an important nutrient for plants. We found out that it helps improve flower blooming and enhances the avocado tree’s green color when used as directed.
How to Use Epsom Salt as Fertilizer for an Avocado Plant
We experienced great results by following this simple process to use Epsom salts for our potted avocado tree:
- Purchase Epsom salt (magnesium sulfate) from any pharmacy, grocery store or garden center. Make sure it does not have any added scents, colors or ingredients.
- Dissolve 1-2 tablespoons of Epsom salt per gallon of water. Use warm water to help dissolve the crystals.
- Water the avocado plant with the Epsom salt solution. For a potted plant, use enough solution to allow some run off from the drainage holes.
- Repeat every 2-4 weeks during the growing season. We found monthly applications worked well.
The magnesium in Epsom salt helps plants absorb essential nutrients like nitrogen and sulfur. It boosts chlorophyll production and helps plants form bushier top growth and more abundant flowers and fruit. The sulfur also helps support disease resistance. Follow package directions since excessive Epsom salt can potentially burn the roots.
When to Use Epsom Salt Fertilizer
We got the best results by using Epsom salt fertilizer on our avocado tree during the active growing periods. This helps provide the magnesium boost when the plant needs it most to support new growth and fruit production.
For potted avocado trees, apply monthly in the spring and summer. Reduce applications in the fall and winter when growth slows.
For orchard trees, make 2-3 applications during the growing season spread out every 6-8 weeks. Time the applications around important growth stages like new shoot development, bloom time and fruit set.
Epsom salt can also be applied any time the leaves are looking pale or yellowish. Yellowing leaves on an avocado plant are a sign of magnesium deficiency.
Benefits of Using Epsom Salt Fertilizer
We found several benefits to using Epsom salt fertilizer on avocado trees:
- Provides magnesium – This vital plant nutrient helps plants absorb other nutrients. Avocados need magnesium for healthy growth.
- Improves flowering and fruit production – The magnesium boost enhances flowering and helps the tree set more avocados.
- Greener leaves – Magnesium is part of chlorophyll, so Epsom salt enhances green color.
- Supports disease resistance – The nutrients help plants resist issues like root rot.
- Affordable and easy to find – Epsom salt is an affordable way to supplement magnesium without a full fertilizer.
- Suitable for organic gardening – Epsom salt qualifies for organic use since it’s a mined mineral salt. Check OMRI listing for certified products.
Costs of Using Epsom Salt Fertilizer
One of the things we like most about Epsom salt fertilizer is the low cost. A 4 lb. bag of Epsom salt costs around $5 and provides enough to fertilize a mature avocado tree 2-3 times. It’s much cheaper than buying complete specialty fertilizers.
For large orchards, the cost is also very affordable compared to traditional magnesium sulfate soil additions. Epsom salt provides a readily available magnesium source when dissolved and applied as a foliar spray.
The dissolved Epsom salt liquid can also be poured on the soil around the base of the tree. This allows it to be absorbed through the roots and leaves to provide full benefits to the plant.
Results People Achieve Using Epsom Salt Fertilizer
Gardeners who use Epsom salt fertilizer on their avocado trees report great results:
- More abundant blossoms and increased fruit set. The magnesium boost at bloom time helps lead to more avocados.
- Lusher, greener foliage. The magnesium contributes to more chlorophyll for healthy leaves.
- Bushier top growth. Epsom salt helps plants produce more branches and leaves for a thicker canopy.
- Less leaf yellowing. For magnesium deficient trees, Epsom salt can eliminate chlorosis in leaves.
- Faster growth of young trees. The magnesium gives new trees an added boost to establish quickly.
- Bountiful harvests. With the right care, Epsom salt fertilized trees produce an abundance of buttery smooth avocados.
Overall, we found Epsom salt to be an easy, affordable way to provide magnesium that improved our avocado tree’s health and productivity. Our tree produced more fruit than ever after regular Epsom salt fertilizing. We will continue using it along with other best care practices to keep our tree thriving.
Conclusion
We discovered Epsom salt fertilizer is an easy DIY solution to give avocado trees a helpful magnesium boost. The salt helps improve flower blooming and enhances the plant’s green color when dissolved in water and applied monthly during the growing season. Avocados are magnesium loving plants that benefit from occasional supplemental feeding with this affordable mineral salt. With the right amount applied at the ideal times, an Epsom salt fertilizer regime can lead to an abundant harvest from a healthy, productive avocado tree.
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Epsom salt help avocado trees?
Epsom salt contains magnesium, which is an essential nutrient for avocados. It helps them absorb other nutrients, produce chlorophyll, and make flowers and fruit. Magnesium also keeps leaves green and helps trees resist diseases.
Can too much Epsom salt damage avocado trees?
Yes, using too much Epsom salt can potentially burn the roots of avocado trees. Follow package label directions and don’t over-apply. For foliar feeding, a dose of 1-2 tablespoons per gallon of water is usually sufficient.
How long does it take to see results after fertilizing with Epsom salts?
Improvements in leaf color and growth should be noticeable within 1-2 months. Fruiting benefits take longer to observe since it influences flowers and fruit set for next year’s crop. Plan to fertilize avocados with Epsom salt for at least a full growing season.
What else should I know before fertilizing avocados with Epsom salts?
- Test soil to ensure need for magnesium supplementation.
- Check if product is approved for organic use if desired.
- Apply monthly during growing season and reduce in winter.
- Combine with compost/well-balanced fertilizer for comprehensive nutrition.
How often should soil be tested when fertilizing avocados with Epsom salts?
Test soil every 2-3 years to monitor magnesium levels and determine proper ongoing fertilization practices. Adjust Epsom salt frequency and dose based on soil test results.
