Edibles – Fruit – Avocado Tree

Avocado tree 

Botanical name: persea americana

Beginner friendly?: moderate 

Average size at maturity: reaches heights of over 50 ft with up to a 30 ft spread 

Hardy zone: zones 10-12 

Foliage color: green

Flower color: yellow/green 

Bloom time: early spring 

Growth rate: can grow 1-2 ft per year 

Pruning instructions: prune to maintain desired shape and size in the late winter-most of the spring season 

Propagation methods: propagate by layering or grafting in the late winter/early spring 

Landscape use: edible landscaping, focal/accent tree, privacy screening, container plant 

Special features: heat tolerant, attracts pollinators and wildlife, produces edible produce 

Light needs: 6+ hours of sun per day 

Watering instructions: keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged 

Fertilizing instructions : use a slow-release organic fertilizer once a year in the early spring 

Best time to plant: spring, fall 

Best type of soil: sand, loam 

Companion plants: garlic, fennel, marigolds, cilantro, rosemary 

Toxicity level: toxic for pets and for wildlife such as birds, rabbits, horses, and cows if ingested, but non-toxic for humans 

Invasive species: no