A large evergreen carrying buttery, nutrient-rich fruit — but it demands free drainage and hates wet feet. Grafted trees fruit far sooner than seedlings.
At a glance
- Plant type: Fruiting tree
- Mature size: 8 m H × 5 m W
- Aspect: full sun
- Water: regular, moderate watering
- Frost: tender
- Maintenance: moderate maintenance
- Origin: Exotic
About Avocado
Persea americana is a fast-growing fruiting tree in the Lauraceae family. It reaches around 8 m tall and 5 m wide at maturity, with evergreen foliage.
Where to grow Avocado
Avocado suits subtropical, tropical and warm-temperate climates and grows best in full sun. It is frost tender, so protect it from hard frosts or grow it in a sheltered spot or pot.
Soil & planting
Avocado does best in free-draining soil. Plant into well-prepared ground, firm the soil around the roots and water deeply to settle it in.
Watering & feeding
Avocado does best with regular, moderate watering. Feed regularly through the growing season for the best crop. During the first growing season, water deeply whenever the upper soil begins to dry, then reduce the frequency as roots establish.
Pruning & care
Tip-prune Avocado in spring to maintain a dense, shapely habit. Its ongoing care level is moderate maintenance.
Using Avocado in the garden
Avocado earns its place for edible harvests and a feature or specimen planting.
Companion planting & design
Build the planting around neighbours suited to the same regular, moderate watering and subtropical climate as Avocado. Repeating the foliage or flower colour nearby will make the composition feel deliberate.
Buying Avocado
Plant Sale lists Avocado as potted plants, advanced specimens and bare-root stock. Use the interest form above to check current sizes, pricing and availability before ordering.
