Fuerte Avocado (Persea americana)
Fuerte Avocado is of a medium-to-large size, elongated and pear-shaped, with a thick, yellow, slightly oily flesh.
Its deliciously rich, creamy flavor is praised in particular for its nutty undertones often likened to hazelnut, and a finish that’s quite clean, almost grassy in nature. This avocado is a green-skinned variety with darker speckles, meaning it does not darken as it ripens; instead, ripeness can be judged when the avocado gently yields to pressure.
Plant is Type B, 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.