AVOCADO TREES (persea)
A very popular fruiting tree, Avocado Trees are available for sale in a number of varieties, and can be grown from Queensland as far south as Melbourne depending on type. Avocados do require a frost free environment. All varieties prefer a humus rich moist but well drained soil. They are a high yielding tree once established, well suited to the home garden you will eventually have fruit to give to friends and neighbours.
Growing Avocado Trees
Avocado Trees generally require a humus rich well drained but moist soil. Warmer climates are best for most Varieties although cold climate Avocados will do well as far south as Melbourne. During the flowering period avocado trees do not like the temperature to fall below 10° at night and prefer daytime temperature below 25° once fruit has set this is not so important.
Mature tree can reach a height of 10m + depending on variety and growing conditions, however they can be pruned back to maintain a smaller size. Some loss of fruiting for a year or two may follow heavy pruning.
The root system of avocados is fairly shallow, and as they are a rainforest tree they do require protection from drying out. Mulching in spring with a lose mulch, kept well away from the trunk of the tree is often beneficial.
Choosing the right Avocado Tree Variety for your climate
Remember that with over 50 different varieties of avocado trees available different cultivars are suited to different climates. ‘Bacon’ does well in cold climates, ‘Gwen’ is late maturing and is a semi dwarf variety ( but will not grow well in cooler areas). Read about Avocado trees for Cold Climates, or consult with your local nursery to find the right variety for your area and climate.
Avocado Tree Varieties
- BACON – Type B
Smooth skinned ‘pear shaped’ fruit. Grows well in cooler climates such as Melbourne, also good in warmer areas. Very productive. Good pollinator for Wurtz and Reed. Also one of the faster varoeties to bear fruit, usually within 4 – 5 years. - HASS- – Type A
Dark green rough skin on a more rounded fruit, and 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 lowwer the amount of fruit for the next season. - FUERTE – Type B
Thin skinned with a medium sized fruit. 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. Very goog nutty flavour to the flesh, considered one of the best tasting avocados More susceptable to disease than some others due to the thin skin.. - WURTZ – Type A
Wurtz is naturally a smaller growing tree with a slightly weeping habit, excellent flavoured flesh, green pear shaped fruit. Also available as a semi dwarf variety suited to growing in pots and containers. - EDRANOL – Type B
Good tasting large fruit, best in warmer climates. Upright growth habit. - SHARWILL – Type B
Excellent for Northern NSW and Queensland. Not frost tolerant, however very good tasting fruit witha high oil content. - SHEPHARD – Type B
Smooth green skin, a golden buttery flesh that is not inclined to oxidise and turn brown when cut. Smaller tree than some.
The Type A and Type B refer to when the flowers release their 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……..
Futher information
Avocados are an evergreen densely foliaged tree that do well in areas where the winter is mild. In the cooler climates hardier varieties such as ‘bacon’ can be grown. Avocados require a deep well drained soil.
Avocado root systems are fairly vigorous so avocados should be planted away from foundations and paths. Although evergreen avocados will drop a lot of leaves, this combined with deep shade makes it is difficult to grow much under an avocado tree.
Avocados are also susceptible to loosing branches in windy conditions, so try to provide some protection from the wind when choosing a location. Avocado Trees need full sun if they are to fruit.
Avocado Trees are available for sale from the following nurseries
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, cherimoyas, persimmons and pomegranates. Online sales and wholesale.
www.treegrowers.com.au
In Brisbane and The Gold Coast Try
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
In Melbourne Try
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.