Persea americana
Avocado Trees are a very popular fruiting tree available for sale in a number of varieties. They are not just a source of creamy, nutritious fruit but also a joy to grow in your garden. Beyond the fruit, avocado trees make stunning ornamental additions to your garden. Their glossy, deep green leaves and graceful branches provide year-round beauty.
How to Grow Avocado Trees
Growing an avocado tree requires patience. These trees can take several years to produce fruit, so don’t be discouraged if you don’t see avocados immediately. The reward of harvesting your own creamy, nutrient-packed avocados makes the wait worthwhile.
- Climate: Avocado trees thrive in subtropical and tropical regions. While they can handle some cold, frost-free climates are best for optimal fruit production. During the flowering period, avocado trees do not like the temperature to fall below 10° at night and prefer daytime temperatures below 25°. Once the fruit has set, this is not so important.
- Location: Plant your avocado tree in a sunny, sheltered spot with moist, well-draining, humus-rich soil.
- Watering: Avocado trees need regular watering, especially during dry spells. The root system of avocados is fairly shallow, and as they are a rainforest tree, they require protection from drying out. However, they dislike sitting in waterlogged soil, so good drainage is crucial.
- Pruning: Mature trees can reach a height of 10m plus, depending on variety and growing conditions; however, they can be pruned back to maintain a smaller size and to encourage airflow through the canopy. Some loss of fruiting for a year or two may follow heavy pruning.
- Fertilizing: Avocado trees benefit from balanced fertilization. Apply a slow-release, high-nitrogen fertilizer during the growing season. Mulching in spring with a loose mulch kept well away from the tree’s trunk is often beneficial.
Choosing the Right Avocado Tree Variety for Your Climate
Keep in mind that there are over 50 avocado tree varieties, each suited to different climates. For instance, ‘Bacon’ thrives in colder areas, while ‘Gwen’ is a late-maturing semi-dwarf unsuitable for cooler regions. To discover the best fit for your climate, consult your local nursery or research Avocado trees for Cold Climates.
Avocado Tree Varieties
- BACON – Type B
Smooth-skinned, pear-shaped fruit with a mild, creamy flavour. It grows well in cooler climates such as Melbourne but also good in warmer areas. Very productive. Good pollinator for Wurtz and Reed. It is also one of the faster varieties to bear fruit, usually within 4 – 5 years. - HASS – Type A
Dark green rough skin on a more rounded fruit known for its creamy texture and rich flavour. It is excellent as a home fruit tree because of the long harvest time. Fruit lasts for a long time on the tree; however, this will also lower the amount of fruit for the next season. - FUERTE – Type B
A hybrid variety with smooth, medium-thin skin and a delicious taste, often described as nutty and buttery. Pale yellow flesh and more oily than most. A large tree that may only fruit well every second year. - REED – Type A
Large rounded fruit, thin skin and a large seed. Its great nutty flavour is considered one of the best-tasting avocados. They are more susceptible to disease than others due to their thin skin. - WURTZ – Type A
Wurtz is naturally a smaller growing tree with a slightly weeping habit. A green pear-shaped fruit with excellent flavoured flesh. It is also available as a semi-dwarf variety suited to growing in pots and containers. - EDRANOL – Type B
Large fruit with a nutty, buttery flavour high in oil content. It grows best in warmer climates with an upright growth habit. - SHARWILL – Type B
Excellent for Northern NSW and Queensland. Not frost tolerant. However very good-tasting fruit with a high oil content. - SHEPHARD – Type B
Smooth green skin with a golden buttery flesh that is not inclined to oxidise and turn brown when cut. A smaller tree than some.
(Type A and Type B refer to when the flowers release pollen.)
As avocado trees are evergreen and have brittle branches, they are generally not available for sale by mail in all but the smallest sizes.
Further information
Avocado trees are evergreen with dense foliage and thrive in regions with mild winters. In cooler climates, you can grow hardier varieties like ‘Bacon.’ Avocados require deep, well-drained soil.
Avocado root systems are fairly vigorous, so avocados should be planted away from foundations and paths. Evergreen avocados will drop a lot of leaves, and combined with its deep shade, makes it difficult to grow much under an avocado tree.
Avocados are also susceptible to losing branches in windy conditions, so consider planting in locations with protection from the wind. Avocado Trees need full sun if they are to fruit.
Avocado Trees are available for sale from the following nurseries
470 Monbulk-Silvan Road Monbulk VIC 3793
"Guaranteed mail order flowering bulbs, perennials, roses, trees, landscaping plants, garden accessories and community fundraising Austra lia-wide."
www.gardenexpress.com.au
Mail order fruit tree nursery with over 200 temperate climate fruit trees.
Heritage varieties and dwarf fruit trees. Apple Trees, Stone Fruit, Nut Trees and Berry Fruit.
www.yalcafruittrees.com.au
Lot 522 Pavans Access Grassy Head NSW 2441
Fruit trees specialising in Avocados, Custard apples, Persimmons, Jackfruit,Black Sapote and Pomegranates. Online sales and Wholesale.
www.treegrowers.com.au
Brisbane and The Gold Coast
300 Oxley Drive Coombabah QLD 4216
Located on the north end of the Gold Coast at Runaway Bay. The 6 acre site is home to Queensland's biggest & best garden centre. Selling in volume direct to the public. Focus on top quality both in our plant & pot ranges.
www.rossevansgardencentre.com.au
Melbourne
WISHING WELL NURSERY
407 -409 Monbulk Rd Monbulk VIC. 3793 – PH 03 97566107
Fruit Trees, Roses, Perennials and annuals. Includes Avocados for cold climates, persimmon and Olives.