Avocado (Persea americana)

General Info

It is believed that avocados are native to South Central Mexico. From there it spread throughout the tropical Americas. Because of this, different avocado varieties are adapted to different growing conditions are are usually classified by type (West Indian, Guatemalan, or Mexican). Avocados produce fruit nearly year round, with the early season varieties giving fruit as early as June, and late season varieties holding fruit into February/March.

Types

West Indian: Produce large fruits with lower oil content, most sensitive to cold weather, usually has smooth, leathery and glossy skin.

Guatemalan: Some varieties are cold tolerant, medium oil content, large fruits, and have thick bumpy skin. ‘Hass’ avocado is a Guatemalan type.

Mexican: Most cold tolerant, produce small fruits with high oil content.

Flowering

Avocado trees are classed as having either A or B type flowers. The difference between type A and B flowers is their timing of acting as male or female. Ideally, A type avocados are planted along with B type avocados for better cross pollination. For example, in commercial avocado fields in California, ‘Hass’ (type A) avocados are interplanted with ‘Fuerte’ (type B) Avocados. A single avocado tree will produce fruit on its own, but fruit set is increased with the presence of both flower types.

Season

June-March (of the next year)

Size

Medium tree up to 30-feet, though they can reach up to 60-feet.

Growing Conditions

Avocado trees thrive on full sun and well-drained soil. Trees are intolerant of even brief standing water.

Years to Fruit

Seedling trees can take many years to fruit, grafted trees will usually fruit 3 years after grafting.

Taste

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Climate

Tropical/Sub-Tropical

Cold Tolerance

Cold tolerance differs by variety, with some frost sensitive while cold tolerant varieties can handle temperatures into the low 20Fs and possibly lower.

Propagation

Grafting

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