Hass Avocado (Persea americana)

Medium sized ovate fruit with a black pebbled skin. Nutty rich flavour. The skin ripens black. Fruit size is from 170grms to 390grms.

Habit - Avocado tree forms a thick canopy giving dense shade with it's large, dark green, leathery leaves.

Pollination - Light yellow/green flowers appear in abundance on the end of the branches in spring. 'A' Type flower. The female opens in the morning the first day for 2 to 3 hours and then closes. The male flower opens in the afternoon of the second day for 2 to 3 hours then closes. Hence cross pollination of two varieties helps in the warmer climates.

In the cooler climates opening and closing of the flower tends to overlap therefore making them more self-fertile. Bees and flies are the pollinators. Cross pollination with 'B' Type flowering variety - Hashimoto, Bacon or Fuerte.

Harvest - November to March. Fruiting will begin 2 to 3 years from planting. The fruit takes 9-12 months to mature depending on the variety and the amount of heat during the year. At maturity pick fruit and ripen at room temperature.

Most of the grafted Avocado plants will start flowering as early as 18 months when planted in the ground or in a planter box and given the right conditions and care.

Plant is 2+ years.

Plant Care

• Soil: Prefers well-drained, fertile soil with a pH between 6 and 6.5.
• Watering: Water deeply at regular intervals, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings to avoid waterlogging.
• Temperature: Thrives between 15°C and 30°C. Frost protection is necessary in cooler climates.
• Light: Requires full sun for optimal growth and fruit production.
• Fertilising: Fertilize with a balanced NPK ratio such as 10-10-10 every three months during the growing season. Avocados also benefit from additional zinc, so consider a fertilizer that includes micronutrients or add a zinc supplement.
• Pruning: Prune in early spring to shape the tree and remove any dead or diseased wood.
• Mulching: Use organic mulch to retain moisture, suppress weeds, and add nutrients back to the soil as it decomposes.
• Pest Control: Monitor for pests like aphids, mites, and scale, treating with appropriate pesticides as needed.
• Flowering and Fruiting: Avocado trees have self-incompatible flowers; having multiple varieties can improve pollination and fruit set. Fruit typically matures 6 to 18 months after flowering.
• Potting: While avocados can be grown in large pots, they perform best planted in the ground. Ensure adequate drainage in containers.
• Feeding Regime: Supplement with phosphorus and potassium-heavy fertilizers during the flowering and fruiting stages to support fruit development.