Holly's Homestead — Subtropical Fruit Tree
Avocado
Persea americana · Laurel family
DIFFICULTY Moderate
TYPE Evergreen perennial tree
MATURITY 3–5 years to first fruit
TYPE Evergreen perennial tree
MATURITY 3–5 years to first fruit
Sun
Full sun, sheltered from wind
Water
Regular, well-drained — hates wet feet
Soil pH
6.0–6.5
Spacing
6–8m
Depth
as per pot, root flare at soil level
01Drainage is everything
Avocados are extremely sensitive to waterlogged soil — root rot is the number one killer. Plant slightly proud of grade on a mound if drainage is at all uncertain.
02Planting
Method
Plant with the root flare at or slightly above soil level, on a mound if drainage is marginal.
Soil
Free-draining above all else; moderately fertile.
Timing
Plant in spring in warm, frost-free zones.
Planting timing varies significantly by Australian climate zone. Set your zone above (or use the Find My Climate Zone tool) for guidance tailored to your own area.
03Growing care
- Never let the tree sit in wet soil — err on the dry side over wet.
- Mulch well beyond the drip line, kept clear of the trunk.
- Stake and shelter young trees from wind — brittle branches snap easily.
- Feed lightly with a citrus/avocado-specific fertiliser through the growing season.
04Problems
- Root rot (Phytophthora) — the major risk; ensure sharp drainage above all else.
- Wind damage — brittle wood; shelter and stake young trees.
- Fruit drop — normal to a degree; heavy drop points to water stress or poor pollination.
- Sunburn on bark — young trunks; wrap or paint with white tree paint.
05Harvest & storage
Signs
Fruit doesn't ripen on the tree — pick at mature size then ripen off the tree over several days.
Method
Cut with a short stem attached, don't pull.
Curing
Ripen at room temperature, faster next to a banana.
Storage
Ripe fruit in the fridge a few days once soft.
Preserving
See Freezing Produce (freezing a harvest surplus) or Dehydrating (dried tropical fruit) for ways to keep a harvest surplus.
06Companions & rotation
Plant nearby
Native groundcoversComfreyAvoid nearby
Dense underplanting near the trunkRotation note
Not applicable — long-lived perennial tree.
