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🥑 ‘Brogdon’ Avocado (Persea americana ‘Brogdon’) — Cold-Hardy, Purple-Skinned, Flavor-Packed!
Meet Florida’s beloved cold-tolerant avocado with a striking deep purple skin and rich, nutty flesh. Selected in Winter Haven in the 1930s and celebrated for its resilience and taste, ‘Brogdon’ is a must-have for home growers across much of the Sunshine State and the warm South.
SHIPS AS A 3-GALLON PLANT
🌟 Quick Facts (Easy Reference)
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Botanical Name | Persea americana ‘Brogdon’ |
| Plant Type | Evergreen fruit tree (grafted) |
| Sale Size | 3-gallon container |
| Mature Size | Unpruned: ~20–30 ft tall, 15–20 ft wide; Maintained by pruning: ~10–15 ft |
| USDA Zones | 9b–11 |
| Sun Requirements | Full sun (best fruiting); tolerates light/brief shade |
| Cold Hardiness | High for avocado; mature trees can handle low 20s °F |
| Growth Habit | Medium vigor, rounded canopy; evergreen (may briefly shed older leaves before or during bloom) |
| Spacing | 20–30 ft from structures/trees; rows ~20–25 ft if orchard-style |
🍐 Fruit & Harvest Details
- Flavor & Texture: Rich, nutty, “buttery” flesh—perfect for guacamole, toast, or fresh eating. Thin skin, purple to near-black when ripe.
- Fruit Size: Averages 8–12 oz.
- Skin/Flesh: Deep purple skin; smooth, creamy yellow-green flesh.
- Flower Type: Type B — self-fertile under Florida conditions, but pairs beautifully with Type A varieties (like ‘Choquette’ or ‘Monroe’) for greater yields.
- Harvest Window (Florida): July–September (may vary by microclimate).
- Ripening Note: Pick mature fruit and allow 3–8 days to soften indoors.
🌿 Why Grow ‘Brogdon’?
- Cold Resilience: One of Florida’s hardiest avocado cultivars, surviving temperatures as low as 22°F.
- Outstanding Flavor: A premium guacamole variety with balanced oil content and creamy texture.
- Eye-Catching Beauty: Glossy evergreen leaves and deep purple fruit make it ornamental as well as edible.
- Reliable Pollinator: Type-B flower structure enhances cross-pollination for nearby avocado trees.
📍 Where & How to Plant
Best Location:
Choose a sunny, warm location with well-draining soil—no standing water. If drainage is questionable, plant on a 2–3 ft mound to elevate the root zone.
Our “High & Tight” Method (GreenDreams Standard):
- Plant slightly high—root flare at or above surrounding grade.
- Backfill with native soil (no deep burying).
- Tight tamp for air removal, then deep water.
- Top-dress with compost + minerals (biochar, azomite) and mulch 2–4" away from the trunk.
▶️ Watch our tree planting method: GreenDreams “High & Tight” YouTube Tutorial
💧 Watering, Feeding & Pruning
- Watering: Keep evenly moist for the first 8–12 weeks. Thereafter, water deeply once or twice weekly, allowing the soil to dry slightly between waterings.
- Feeding: Fertilize lightly every 3–4 months with a balanced organic fertilizer (6-6-6 or 8-3-9). Increase feeding as the tree matures.
- Pruning: Maintain at 12–15 ft for easy care and harvesting. Prune lightly after harvest—avoid cutting right before cold snaps.
- Seasonal Habit: Evergreen but may shed some older leaves before bloom; this is normal.
- Cold Events: Protect young trees with frost cloth or micro-sprinklers during hard freezes.
🪴 Container & Indoor Growing
- Container Growing: Suitable for large containers (15–45 gal) with excellent drainage. Prune annually to maintain a compact form.
- Indoors: Possible short-term, but requires very bright light or grow lamps; best fruiting occurs outdoors in full sun.
🌼 Companion & Support Guild Plants (Available at GreenDreams!)
- Nitrogen & Biomass Builders: Pigeon Pea (Cajanus cajan), Perennial Peanut (Arachis glabrata), Sunn Hemp (Crotalaria juncea), Mexican Sunflower (Tithonia diversifolia).
- Pollinator & Beneficial Attractors: Firebush (Hamelia patens), Porterweed (Stachytarpheta spp.), African Blue Basil, Sunshine Mimosa (Mimosa strigillosa).
- Aesthetic Pairings: Turmeric (Curcuma longa), Gingers, and Fakahatchee Grass (Tripsacum dactyloides) for a lush, Florida-native landscape.
🧑🍳 Culinary Uses
- Fresh: Add slices to salads, wraps, and sandwiches.
- Mashed: Perfect for guacamole, dips, or spreads.
- Smoothies & Dressings: Blend with lime, salt, and herbs for creamy, nutritious bases.
- Storage Tip: Pick firm, mature fruit and allow to ripen on the counter. Once softened, refrigerate up to 3 days.
Origin Story
The ‘Brogdon’ avocado was developed by Tom W. Brogdon in Winter Haven, Florida, in the 1930s. It was officially recognized in 1951 and became a Florida classic for its balance of cold tolerance (thanks to its Mexican lineage) and creamy, tropical flavor (from its West Indian parentage). Its distinctive deep purple skin has made it a garden favorite ever since.
Troubleshooting (Florida & Southeast)
- Yellow or Dropping Leaves (Spring): Normal seasonal leaf replacement before new growth.
- Bronzed or Spotted Leaves: Could indicate avocado lace bug—manage early with organic soap sprays or predatory insects.
- Root Rot: Caused by poor drainage—improve soil aeration and plant on a mound.
- Leaf Blotch or Fruit Spots: Typically anthracnose; improve airflow, avoid overhead watering.
- Low Fruit Set: Ensure full sun, healthy canopy, adequate moisture, and nearby pollinators or complementary avocado varieties.
❓ FAQ
Is it self-fertile?
Yes—‘Brogdon’ will produce fruit on its own, but adding a Type-A avocado can increase yields.
How cold can it tolerate?
Mature trees can handle down to 22°F; protect young trees from frost.
When does it fruit in Florida?
Typically from mid-July through September.
How big does it get?
Unpruned: 25–30 ft tall. Maintained trees: 10–15 ft.
Can I grow it in a pot?
Yes! Choose a large, well-draining container and full-sun placement.
⚠️ Cautions
- Avoid overwatering or poorly drained soil to prevent root rot.
- Young branches can break under heavy fruit loads; prune for good structure.
- Watch for avocado lace bugs in dry seasons; manage with IPM-friendly methods.
🌟 Is This Plant Right for You?
✅ Ideal For:
Gardeners in USDA Zones 9b–11, especially Florida & Gulf Coast growers. Excellent for those seeking a cold-tolerant, flavorful avocado.
❌ Not Ideal For:
Those in Zone 9a or colder without freeze protection, or gardeners with poorly drained, shaded planting sites.
🚚 Shipping Information
- 4” & 1-Gallon Plants: Ship best to Florida, the Southeastern U.S., and Texas.
- We can ship nationwide, but plants shipped to northern or western states may need extra recovery time.
- Shipping Policy: We ship Mondays via UPS Ground from Florida.
- Weather Advisory: Buyer discretion recommended during peak heat or cold—GreenDreams is not responsible for damage caused by extreme temperatures during transit.
🏪 Local Pickup
📍 GreenDreams Nursery & Farm
18709 US Hwy. 41, Spring Hill, FL 34610
🕘 Open Tues–Fri 9 AM–5 PM | Sat 8 AM–3 PM
Come visit us and explore hundreds of edible, medicinal, and native species in person! 🌿
🌿 Beyond the Plant: GreenDreams Services
At GreenDreams, we do more than grow plants — we design, build, and restore ecosystems across Florida.
- 🌳 Onsite consultations & edible landscape design
- 🏗️ Installation & project management
- 🚚 Bulk delivery of compost, mulch, biochar, and soil materials
- 🌾 Wholesale & large-scale regenerative solutions
Let our team help you create your own thriving edible paradise — starting with ‘Brogdon’ Avocado! 🌿
🥑 GreenDreams Avocado Cultivar Comparison Guide
🌿 Choose the Right Avocado for Your Climate, Taste & Space
From the cold-hardy ‘Brogdon’ to the tropical giants like ‘Monroe’ and ‘Choquette’, GreenDreams offers cultivars for every grower.
Use the chart below to find your perfect match — based on cold tolerance, flavor, harvest season, and growth habit.
| 🌳 Cultivar | 🔤 Type | ❄️ Cold Tolerance | 🍽️ Flavor / Texture | 🗓️ Harvest Window (FL) | 📏 Growth Habit | 🌟 Highlights |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 🟣 Brogdon | Type B | 🧊 22°F | 🥑 Nutty, creamy | Jul–Sep | 🌳 20–25 ft | Purple skin, cold-hardy Florida heirloom |
| 🌿 Day | Type A | ❄️ 24°F | 🧈 Mild, buttery | Jul–Aug | 🌿 12–18 ft | Compact, early harvest, great for containers |
| ⚫ Mexicola | Type A | 🧊 18°F | 🌰 High-oil, edible skin | Aug–Sep | 🌳 10–15 ft | Most cold-hardy; edible black skin |
| 🟢 Lula | Type A | ❄️ 26°F | 🧈 Buttery, high-oil | Nov–Jan | 🌳 25–30 ft | Late-season, great pollinator |
| 💚 Monroe | Type B | ❄️ 26°F | 🥑 Creamy, mild | Nov–Feb | 🌲 30+ ft | Vigorous, late harvest, heavy yield |
| 💧 Choquette | Type A | ❄️ 28°F | 🥗 Mild, smooth | Oct–Dec | 🌲 30+ ft | Huge fruit, great for slicing & salads |
| 🖤 Florida Hass | Type A | ❄️ 25°F | 🥑 Classic Hass flavor | Sep–Nov | 🌳 Medium | “Hass look,” adapted for Florida |
| 🌱 Wurtz (Little Cado) | Type A | ❄️ 26°F | 🧈 Creamy, mild | May–Sep | 🌿 8–10 ft | Dwarf size, perfect for pots |
| 🟤 Joey | Type B | 🧊 15–18°F | 🌰 Rich, nutty | Aug–Oct | 🌳 Compact | Ultra-cold-hardy Texas selection |
| 🟡 Fantastic | Type A | 🧊 15°F | 🧈 Smooth, buttery | Jul–Aug | 🌿 Small | Coldest-hardy variety, reliable producer |
| 🟢 Brazos Belle | Type B | ❄️ 20°F | 🥑 Rich, nutty | Aug–Oct | 🌳 Medium | Cold-hardy Texas selection |
| 🌴 Kampong | Type A | ❄️ 28°F | 🍐 Mild, low-oil | Oct–Dec | 🌲 Vigorous | Rare tropical collector’s tree |
| 🌞 Catalina | Type A | ❄️ 26°F | 🧈 Buttery, light | Jul–Aug | 🌳 Medium | Early-season Cuban classic |
| 🌿 Donnie | Type A | ❄️ 28°F | 🥗 Mild, light | May–Jun | 🌲 Large | Very early fruiter, light flavor |
| 🟤 Bacon | Type B | ❄️ 24°F | 🥑 Mild, pleasant | Nov–Jan | 🌳 Medium | Excellent pollinator, winter fruit |
| 🎃 Marcus Pumpkin | Type B | ❄️ 24°F | 🧈 Creamy, mild | Nov–Feb | 🌳 Medium | Unique round fruit; showy shape |
| ⚫ Maria Black | Type A | ❄️ 25°F | 🥑 Creamy, rich | Aug–Oct | 🌳 Medium | Dark skin, balanced flavor |
| 🌿 Talpeno | Type B | 🧊 23°F | 🧈 Buttery, high-oil | Aug–Sep | 🌳 Medium | Cold-hardy hybrid, reliable yields |
| ❤️ Thompson Red | Type A | ❄️ 26°F | 🌰 Nutty, smooth | Sep–Nov | 🌳 Medium | Red blush skin, ornamental appeal |
| 💚 Victoria | Type A | ❄️ 24°F | 🧈 Smooth, buttery | Jul–Sep | 🌳 Medium | Heat-tolerant, compact, productive |
🌎 Regional Recommendations
🧊 Best for Cold Climates (Zones 8b–9a):
‘Brogdon’ • ‘Mexicola’ • ‘Day’ • ‘Fantastic’ • ‘Joey’ • ‘Brazos Belle’
🌞 Best for Warm & Tropical Zones (9b–11):
‘Lula’ • ‘Monroe’ • ‘Choquette’ • ‘Marcus Pumpkin’ • ‘Florida Hass’ • ‘Kampong’
🪴 Best for Containers & Small Spaces:
‘Wurtz (Little Cado)’ • ‘Day’ • ‘Mexicola’
🥑 Harvest Calendar by Season (Florida)
| 🗓️ Season | 🌾 Early | 🌿 Mid | 🍂 Late |
|---|---|---|---|
| Spring (May–Jun) | Donnie | – | – |
| Summer (Jul–Sep) | Day • Brogdon • Mexicola • Talpeno • Victoria | Florida Hass | – |
| Fall (Oct–Nov) | Maria Black • Choquette | Monroe | Thompson Red |
| Winter (Dec–Feb) | Lula • Marcus Pumpkin • Bacon | – | – |
🌱 Pollination Pairing Guide
| 🅰️ Type A Varieties | 🅱️ Type B Varieties | 🌼 Suggested Pairs |
|---|---|---|
| Day, Lula, Choquette, Florida Hass, Wurtz, Mexicola, Victoria, Florida Hass | Brogdon, Monroe, Bacon, Talpeno, Marcus Pumpkin, Joey, Brazos Belle | Brogdon × Day / Monroe × Lula / Talpeno × Florida Hass |
✅ Tip: Plant one Type A and one Type B avocado within 20–30 feet to boost pollination and overall fruit yield.
💚 Pro Tip from GreenDreams
Want fresh avocados year-round?
Plant a trio for staggered harvests:
🌱 Early: ‘Day’ or ‘Donnie’
🥑 Mid: ‘Brogdon’ or ‘Florida Hass’
🍂 Late: ‘Monroe’ or ‘Lula’
With smart selection, your backyard can supply creamy, Florida-grown avocados for 8+ months every year! 🌿
IMPORTANT INFORMATION BEFORE PURCHASING LIVE PLANTS:
*Please be advised that our online store selections are NOT available for pickup at our retail location in Spring Hill, Florida.
Inventory for our online store is located at a separate facility and are priced and handled exclusively for packaging & shipping.
Click here to learn more about our Spring Hill, FL retail nursery location, including countless more nursery selections ready for pickup - larger sizes and wider variety of plants not suitable for nationwide delivery.
1. Shipping Stress: Transportation can be stressful for plants, particularly when they spend several days in a confined, dark environment. It’s common for plants to experience leaf drop during this period. Rest assured, most plants typically recover quickly and thrive with minimal aftercare. However, some may need extra attention, love, and care, requiring appropriate watering and exposure to gentle light post-unboxing.
2. Potential Physical Damage: Despite our dedicated efforts to ensure that your plants are securely packaged, they may incur damage during shipping and handling by UPS. Rest assured, our shipping team is committed to packing your selections with utmost care and precision to minimize any potential harm.
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For significant box damage, please reach out to UPS within 30 days to initiate a claim.
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For minor damages, such as a broken branch or stem, we advise allowing the plant time to recover and regenerate with proper care and attention.
3. Long-Distance Shipping Considerations: Orders shipped over long distances, particularly to the western US, may take 3 - 5 business days to arrive due to various factors, including agricultural inspections in Arizona, California, and Texas. Such extended transit times can be particularly challenging for tender, young plants, affecting their quality due to prolonged confinement.
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We take additional measures during packaging to facilitate a swift recovery of the plants upon unboxing.
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Initial extra care and attention might be required over the first few weeks post-transport.
For further guidance, kindly review our detailed policies on returns and refunds, as well as our comprehensive plant care guide. We appreciate your understanding and patience in nurturing your new plants.
🌿 Important Shipping Information
Please take a moment to review our shipping protocols designed to ensure your plants arrive in optimal condition.
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Countdown Clock: At the top of our online store, you'll notice a countdown clock. This tool helps communicate our weekly shipping schedule, providing clarity on when you can expect your orders to be dispatched.
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Shipping Schedule: Our nursery, located in the heart of Central Florida, ships orders once weekly, every Monday. This is a strategic decision to prevent packages from being stationary over the weekends, ensuring that our plants travel as swiftly as possible across the country, even reaching as far as California.
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Shipping Method: At present, we offer ground shipping rates to meet various needs while maintaining the well-being of our plants during transit.
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Our Dedicated Team: We are a boutique nursery with a passionate team. Our members wear many hats, contributing to shipping, nursery operations, and engaging in valuable local projects. As we blossom and expand, rest assured that enhancing and streamlining our processes remains a priority to serve you better
Terms and Conditions for Purchasing Live Plants
1. Understanding of Shipping Stress
By purchasing live plants from our store, the customer acknowledges that transportation can be stressful for plants. It is common for plants to undergo leaf drop or experience other temporary issues during shipping. However, it is understood that most plants recover quickly with adequate care and attention post-shipping.
2. Awareness of Potential Physical Damage
Customers acknowledge that despite our best efforts in packaging, there may be occurrences of damage during shipping and handling. For substantial damages to the package, customers agree to contact UPS within 30 days to initiate a claim.
3. Acknowledgement of Long-Distance Shipping Considerations
Customers recognize that shipments, especially those directed to the western US, may be subjected to longer shipping durations of 3-5 business days. Customers agree to provide necessary care to the plants, recognizing that the quality of the plants may be affected due to prolonged shipping times.
4. Agreement with Shipping Information and Schedule
Customers, by making a purchase, have reviewed and agreed upon our shipping protocols and schedules. They acknowledge the presence of a countdown clock on the website and our once-weekly shipping policy every Monday, recognizing the rationale behind avoiding weekend layovers for the plants.
5.Extreme Weather Conditions
Customers acknowledge that our store is not responsible for damage or loss of live plants due to extreme weather conditions during transit and delivery. This includes exposure to cold or freezing temperatures during the winter months and extreme heat during the summer. We provide tracking information when orders are processed every Monday to ensure customers are aware of the delivery schedule. It is the customer's responsibility to prevent packages from being left outside in conditions that may cause damage. Our store does not accept responsibility for any adverse effects caused by weather conditions beyond our control.
6. No Refund Policy
Customers agree that refunds are only processed under exceptional circumstances. Our store will not be held responsible for poor plant choices relative to location suitability, extreme conditions during and/or post-shipment, and improper post-purchase plant care.
7. Responsibility of Care
Upon purchase, customers agree to assume full responsibility for the ongoing care of the plants. This includes, but is not limited to, appropriate watering, exposure to suitable light, and adherence to specific care instructions pertinent to each plant type.
8. Consent
By proceeding with this purchase, customers consent to all the terms and conditions stated above, confirming understanding and agreement to all stipulations mentioned.
These terms and conditions aim to ensure clarity, mutual understanding, and agreement between the seller and the customer to facilitate a smooth transaction and foster a positive customer experience.
