Avocados, the creamy and nutrient-rich superfood, have gained immense popularity in recent years. While they are commonly associated with tropical regions, avocados can also be successfully gown in subtropical areas. Let’s explore the essentials of cultivating avocados in backyard gardens in the subtropics, enabling you to enjoy the delicious fruits straight from your own trees.

Choosing the right variety

The old A or B question –

• Both types – flowers open female on the first day then close, and the same flower opens male the next day
• A types – this happens in the middle of the day when insects are active and is warm and dry (usually)
• B types – this happens overnight when insects are less active, weather is cooler and dew can destroy pollen.

If you want more than one Avocado tree an excellent pair is both Lamb Hass and Pinkerton. Both are long flowering and maturing which means you can have fruit all year long.

If you want a potted Avocado tree Wurtz is ideal as it is a dwarf variety by nature and the flower opens in the afternoon so it can cross pollinate with itself.

Warning – Don’t plant a Shepherd in Brisbane and surrounds as they don’t fruit very well south of Bundaberg.

Rootstock

Much of Brisbane and surrounds has heavy clay soils. All our Avocados have Velvic and Satano rootstock which is vital for success. There are
some exciting advances with the Bounty rootstock which we look forward to in the coming years.

Climate and Location

Avocados thrive in subtropical climates characterized by mild winters and long, warm summers. They require full sun exposure to ensure optimal growth and fruit production. Avocados are sensitive to excessive moisture so preparation is important. Soil needs to be raised at least 30cm with quality organics.

They require lots of watering and well draining soil. It is also desirable to create a mound to plant them on. Please see our see our video on clay soil prep.

When considering a location it is optimal to avoid harsh western sun and strong winds. Strong gusts can damage the delicate branches.

Growing in pots

Important to keep soil moist but not wet, so premium potting mix is a must. Ensure pot has good drainage. Keep your plant pruned and keep an eye out for pests and diseases. Select varieties like Rincon, Lamb Hass and Wurtz which are naturally smaller growing.

Pruning

This is especially important in heavy soils. Containing the size of the tree will also keep the roots contained and less exposed to damp and rot.

Feeding and mulching

When planting it is important to use a general fertiliser to establish the tree and get it growing. We suggest a combo of a slow release like Troforte and a pelletised product like Katek Super Growth or Organic Link. These are both superior to other slow release and pelletised fertilisers.

NOTE:

• 6 week foliar application of Phosphorous Acid assists plant resistance to root rot. Soil drench if a fungal problem is evident.
• Inspect for QLD spotting bugs on fruit when small. Small fruit can fall off and larger fruit show skin splitting and white sap. When fruit is tiny to 5cm, spray fortnightly with pyrethrum.
• A well cared for plant will be less susceptible to pests and diseases. Conversely, a stressed plant is a sitting duck

There is great joy in nurturing you own avocado trees. Enjoy the simple indulgence of your homegorwn avocados while enjoying the subtropical delights of your garden.

VARIETIES WE STOCK THROUGHT THE YEAR – many are seasonally available

TYPE A FLOWERING

Lamb Hass

• Smaller/dwarf tree that bears more fruit and it matures later in the season than regular Hass
• Smaller tree and larger friut than Hass
• Flesh is creamier than Hass and it has a slightly nutty and creamy taste

Hass

• Large-sized fruit, 200-300g
• Dark green coloured, bumpy/leathery skin, dark purple skin turns to black when ripe
• Harvest months are August – December

Gwen

• Heavy bearing which keeps it small
• Popular with growers and home gardeners

Rincon

• Even smaller grower than Wurtz
• Early flowerer and heavy producer
• Great for pots or smaller gardens

Wurtz

• Dwarf avocado tree great for pots and small backyards
• Weeping habit, reaching 3-4m if left unpruned
• Medium sized pear-shaped fruit with dark green skin and excellent flavour

Pinkerton

• Pear-shaped form with a noticeable long ‘neck’. They also have slightly pebbled green skin, which stays green throughout ripening
• Tastes exceptionally good, It has all the main notes of buttery and nutty flavours of the Hass

Choquette

• Smooth, green glossy skin when ripe, massive fruit weighing over 1kg
• Resistance to fungal and other plant diseases
• Winter bearing variety
• Flesh of the fruit itself is high in good fat. It has a large content of fatty omega acids
• Fair amount of vitamins K, C and E. As well as smaller amounts of vitamin B, phosphorus, magnesium and other minerals

TYPE B FLOWERING – remember do not plant without an A type

Sharwil

• Rough green skin, which stays green and does not turn black as it ripens
• Smooth, creamy flesh houses one of the smallest seeds of any avocado
• High oil content that gives it a deliciously rich, nutty flavour

Fuerte

• Vigorous spreading tree that bears every 2 years, harvesting in April – June
• Slightly rough, thin green skin
• Flesh is of a buttery texture with excellent flavour
• Its weight and size are often considered a standard for judging other varieties