Avocado

Garden Help > Fruits & Nuts

UC Links

How to grow: UC Backyard Orchard, Avocado

Pest management: Avocado

UC Riverside: Avocado Information Home Page

The Basics

When to plant: March–April (after last frost date)

Harvest window: Varies widely depending on variety

Fertilization: Nitrogen throughout the growing season; iron, zinc, and other nutrients may be needed

Annual care overview:

• Train young trees to promote lateral growth.
• Trees are susceptible to frost damage; frost-protect plants when overnight lows are forecast to dip below 30°F.
• Avocados are harvested when mature, which will happen before the fruit softens.

More links:

• Avocado Production in Home Gardens, University of California, San Diego

Some Recommended Varieties for Santa Clara County^*

Bacon, Fuerte, Hass, Lamb Hass, Mexicola, Pinkerton

^* Many other varieties may also do well here in Santa Clara County. This list is based on UC Master Gardener trials, taste tests, and feedback from local growers.