Loaded with good fats, protein and minerals, avocadoes are almost the perfect fruit for you and your family’s diet, plus they provide great shade in any garden. With a little “How To” help, they are not difficult to grow and can make a wonderful addition to your garden.
Avocadoes will not tolerate poorly drained soils, so this is your first consideration when looking for a good spot for planting.
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Root rot or phytopthera is the most common problem – foliage turns pale and becomes sparse and the tree will die. There is no cure for this fungus disease other than ensuring that you plant in a free-draining position.
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They need plenty of sun and shelter from the wind.
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Add compost to the soil before planting. It is easy to damage the roots on a young tree, so handle with care as you plant.
Avocado trees are grafted; this is evident by the knuckle-like bump at the bottom of the trunk, so always make sure this is above the ground when you plant.
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Stake the tree well when it is young and be careful not to damage the roots.
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Stake the tree by inserting the stake when the hole is open at the time of planting.
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Young trees are frost tender but become hardier as they mature, so cover with frost cloth during early spring and early winter.
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Variety |
Size |
Harvest |
|
Reed |
4m x 5m approximately; fruit bearing 3 to 5 years from planting. Upright growth habit. |
Large round smooth green fruit. Harvest from February to April. |
|
Fuerte |
4m x 6m approximately; fruit bearing 3 to 5 years from planting. Slightly more spreading in its growth habit. |
Medium sized fruit. Harvest August to October. |
|
Hass |
4m x 6m approximately; fruit bearing 3 to 5 years from planting. Upright growth habit. |
Medium sized fruit. Harvest December to March. This is a very dependable crop with its distinctive purple skin. |
