About Avocado Trees
Cold Hardy Avocado (Persea americana) brings the lush evergreen foliage and creamy homegrown fruit of an avocado tree to gardeners in cooler climates. This fast-growing tree blooms from late winter into early spring. It is recommended for outdoor planting in USDA zones 8 through 11, while gardeners in colder zones can grow it in a container and move it to a protected, non-freezing location for winter. The tree is reported to tolerate brief temperatures down to approximately 20°F once established, although young trees should still be protected from frost and freezing temperatures.
Cold Hardy Avocado is partially self-pollinating, so a single tree can produce fruit. However, planting another compatible avocado variety with an overlapping bloom period nearby can improve pollination and produce a heavier, more reliable harvest.
When to Plant Avocado Trees
Spring is the best time to plant, after the danger of frost has passed and while temperatures are beginning to warm. Spring planting gives the tree an entire growing season to establish before it encounters winter cold.
Fall planting is suitable in warm, mild-winter climates where the tree has plenty of time to establish before freezing temperatures arrive. If frost or freezing weather is approaching, keep the tree in its container and protect it for winter rather than planting it in the ground. Unlike dormant deciduous fruit trees, avocado remains evergreen and is susceptible to cold damage.
Where to Plant Avocado Trees
Choose a warm, protected location in full to partial sun, ideally receiving at least six hours of direct sunlight each day. Allow enough room for a mature tree approximately 8 to 10 feet tall and 4 to 6 feet wide. Protection from strong winds and exposure to southern or southeastern sunlight can be particularly helpful near the colder end of its outdoor range.
Excellent drainage is essential. Avocado roots are highly susceptible to damage and root rot in saturated soil, so avoid low areas where water collects. If your soil drains poorly, planting on a raised mound may be preferable. Avocados generally perform well in slightly acidic soil and may struggle in highly alkaline conditions.
How to Plant Avocado Trees in Containers
Container growing allows gardeners outside zones 8 through 11 to enjoy a Cold Hardy Avocado Tree. Choose a sturdy container with several unobstructed drainage holes that is a few inches wider than the existing root ball. Set it atop a wheeled plant stand to make moving possible. Avoid starting with an excessively oversized container, which can hold too much moisture around the roots. As the tree grows, move it into progressively larger containers when roots begin filling the pot.
Fill the container with a fertile, loose, fast-draining potting mix. Plant the tree at the same depth it was growing in its nursery container, water thoroughly, and allow excess water to drain freely. Never allow the pot to sit in standing water.
Place the container outdoors in a sunny location during warm weather. Before freezing temperatures arrive, move it to a bright, protected location that remains above freezing. Reduce watering during winter as growth slows, but do not allow the root ball to completely dry out.
How to Plant Your Cold Hardy Avocado Tree in the Ground
Dig a hole approximately twice as wide as the root ball and about the same depth. Carefully remove the tree from its nursery container and position it so the top of the root ball sits level with or slightly above the surrounding soil. Planting too deeply can encourage root and crown problems.
Backfill primarily with the native soil, gently firming it around the roots without heavily compacting it. Water slowly and thoroughly after planting to settle the soil.
Apply approximately two to three inches of organic mulch over the root zone to conserve moisture and moderate soil temperatures. Keep mulch several inches away from the trunk to prevent excess moisture from collecting against the bark.
How to Care for Avocado Trees
Newly planted avocado trees require consistent moisture while establishing. Water deeply, then allow the soil to dry somewhat before watering again. Young trees may need water two to three times per week initially, depending on rainfall, temperature, soil, and drainage. Reduce watering as the tree establishes, and always avoid keeping the root zone continuously saturated.
Feed during the active growing season with an avocado/citrus fertilizer or an appropriate balanced fertilizer according to label directions. Avocados require nitrogen as well as other nutrients, including zinc, for healthy growth. Avoid excessive fertilizer, particularly on newly planted trees.
Prune lightly as needed to maintain shape and remove dead, damaged, or crossing branches. Avoid unnecessary heavy pruning, which can reduce fruit production.
Although this selection has greater cold tolerance than many avocados, young and newly planted trees benefit from frost protection. Cover the tree with frost cloth when freezing weather threatens, mulch the root zone, and choose a protected planting location. Container-grown trees should be moved to a protected, non-freezing location for winter.
Harvesting From Your Cold Hardy Avocado Tree
Cold Hardy Avocado typically produces its harvest from approximately July through September, although exact timing varies with climate and growing conditions.
Unlike many fruits, avocados do not soften and fully ripen while hanging on the tree. Harvest hard, mature fruit by clipping it from the branch with pruning shears, leaving a short piece of stem attached. Allow the fruit to ripen at room temperature after harvest. It is ready to eat when it yields slightly to gentle pressure.
If you’re unsure whether the fruit is mature, pick one and allow it to sit at room temperature. If it softens evenly and develops good flavor, the remaining fruit is generally ready to begin harvesting. Fruit can be picked gradually rather than harvesting the entire crop at once. Pick five to ten each week, depending on how much you eat each week. Allow the avocados to ripen on your kitchen counter, continuing to pick each week so that you always have ripened avocados in rotation at the ready.