How to Grow Avocado

A year-round fruit for the home garden across the warmer US.

Avocado is a rewarding year-round crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

In frost-free regions avocado can be grown almost year-round. Elsewhere, plant in the milder months on either side of summer. See your region on the avocado page for exact timing.

Varieties

• Brogdon, Cold-hardier purple-skinned (Florida fruit nurseries)
• Choquette, Large, popular South FL variety (Florida fruit nurseries)

How to grow it

• Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
• Spacing: about 700 cm (276 in) between plants.
• Sowing: sow about 40 cm deep.
• Water: roughly 25 L per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Thrips and Fruit-spotting bug. In humid regions, Phytophthora root rot and Anthracnose can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Avocado is usually ready to harvest within roughly 49 months once established. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant avocado where you garden.

See also: Avocado in the plant library →

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