How to Grow an Avocado Oasis: A Comprehensive Guide to Cultivating Your Own Avocado Trees at Home
- Mel Kanaris
- Aug 24, 2023
- 6 min read
Updated: May 13
Avocado trees, with their lush foliage and creamy, nutrient-rich fruit, are a captivating addition to any edible landscape. At GreenDreams FL, we specialize in growing subtropical cultivars that thrive in Florida's unique climate. Whether you're a seasoned gardener or a first-time grower, this comprehensive guide is designed to walk you through the process of choosing, planting, and nurturing your very own avocado tree.
Unlocking the Avocado's Rich History: 5 Fascinating Facts
Ancient Legacy: Avocados were cultivated over 10,000 years ago in Central America and revered by the Aztecs as a symbol of life and fertility.
Culinary Evolution: Once a regional staple, avocados are now a global culinary favorite, featured in everything from smoothies to gourmet dishes.
Colorful Etymology: The term “avocado” comes from the Nahuatl word ahuacatl, humorously referencing the fruit’s shape.
California Gold: The avocado industry flourished in California in the 19th century, turning backyard trees into booming orchards.
Nutritional Superfood: Avocados are rich in heart-healthy fats, fiber, and essential nutrients, earning their title as a modern-day superfood.
Setting the Stage: Ideal Growing Conditions
Climate: Zones 9–11 are ideal; select cold-hardy cultivars for Zone 9a.
Sunlight: Full sun—6 to 8 hours daily.
Soil: Well-draining, sandy loam or amended with compost and biochar. pH between 6.0 and 7.5.
The Perfect Avocado Cultivar: Our Available Varieties (Pickup Only)
At GreenDreams FL, we grow a curated selection of avocado cultivars that suit a range of climates, tastes, and landscape needs. Below are detailed descriptions of the top varieties we offer—available for in-person purchase only at our Spring Hill nursery.
🥑 Avocado Cultivar Comparison Table (GreenDreams FL Availability)
Cultivar | Type | Cold Tolerance | Tree Size | Flavor Profile | Notes |
Bacon | B | 20–26°F | Medium | Nutty, mild | Good for cooler subtropical zones |
Black Maria | B | 25–30°F | Medium | Creamy, dense | Reliable mid-season producer |
Brazos Belle | B | 10–15°F | Medium–Large | Buttery, mild | Extremely cold-hardy, Texas-developed |
Brogdon | B | 20–25°F | Medium | Nutty, rich | Easy to peel, popular in FL & SE U.S. |
Brooks | B | 20°F | Medium | Creamy | Balanced flavor, dependable cropper |
Choquette | A | 25–30°F | Large | Buttery, fiberless | Vigorous grower, large fruit |
Day | A | 20–25°F | Compact | Nutty, creamy | Early fruiting, small space friendly |
Kampong | B | 26°F | Medium | Rich flavor | Well-suited to South FL conditions |
Lula | A | 25°F | Medium | Buttery, rich | Prolific producer, disease resistant |
Marcus Pumpkin | B | Mid–Low 20s°F | Medium | Buttery, creamy | Distinct pumpkin-shaped fruit |
Maria Black | B | Low 30s°F | Compact | Smooth, mild | Ornamental and edible |
Mexicola | A | 20–22°F | Small–Medium | Rich, nutty, edible skin | Top cold-hardy pick |
Monroe | B | 25°F | Medium–Large | Rich, creamy | Long harvest window |
Oro Negro | B | 26°F | Medium | Oily, bold | Late-season favorite |
Super Hass | A | Low 20s°F | Medium | Rich, similar to Hass | Improved cold tolerance vs. Hass |
Talpeno | – | – | Medium | Unique flavor | Rare variety, worth trying |
Thompson Red | B | Moderate | Medium | Smooth, mild | Red-tinted skin, ornamental appeal |
Victoria | A | Above 32°F | Medium | Mild, smooth | Needs protection in frost-prone areas |
Winter Mexican | B | Low 20s°F | Small–Medium | Nutty, rich | Excellent cold tolerance |
Wurtz | A | 25°F | Dwarf | Creamy, smooth | Great for containers and small yards |
Additional Details for Each Cultivar:
1. Bacon (Type B)
Cold Tolerance: 20–26°F
Tree Size: Medium; can reach 20–30 feet
Fruit: Smooth, thin-skinned, dark green fruit with pale yellow flesh and a rich, nutty flavor
Notes: One of the more cold-tolerant options for growers in Zones 9a and 9b
2. Black Maria (Type B)
Cold Tolerance: 25–30°F
Fruit: Smooth-skinned with a creamy, dense texture
Notes: Great choice for growers looking for a reliable producer in cooler subtropical zones
3. Brazos Belle (Type B)
Cold Tolerance: 10–15°F (Excellent cold tolerance)
Fruit: Glossy green skin with mild, buttery flavor
Notes: Developed in Texas for hot, dry climates and cold-hardy regions
4. Brogdon (Type B)
Cold Tolerance: 20–25°F
Fruit: Smooth green skin, nutty flavor, easy to peel
Notes: Performs well in the southeastern U.S. and adapts to a variety of soils
5. Brooks (Type B)
Cold Tolerance: 20°F
Fruit: Medium-sized with creamy texture
Notes: A dependable mid-season producer with balanced flavor
6. Choquette (Type A)
Cold Tolerance: 25–30°F
Fruit: Extra-large with thick skin and fiberless flesh
Notes: Excellent choice for Florida gardeners; vigorous grower
7. Day (Type A)
Cold Tolerance: 20–25°F
Fruit: Thin-skinned, early fruiting, creamy texture
Notes: Compact and productive; ideal for small spaces
8. Kampong (Type B)
Cold Tolerance: 26°F
Fruit: High-quality flavor; Florida-native cultivar
Notes: Performs well in South Florida gardens
9. Lula (Type A)
Cold Tolerance: 25°F
Fruit: Rich, buttery flavor; oval-shaped with glossy skin
Notes: Prolific producer and well-regarded in the southeastern U.S.
10. Marcus Pumpkin (Type B)
Cold Tolerance: Mid–low 20s°F
Fruit: Unique pumpkin shape; creamy texture
Notes: A showstopper in any food forest for its distinct shape and taste
11. Maria Black (Type B)
Cold Tolerance: Low 30s°F
Fruit: Smooth, creamy with mild flavor
Notes: Compact and ornamental; great for small-scale growers
12. Mexicola (Type A)
Cold Tolerance: 20–22°F
Fruit: Small, black-skinned, edible skin; rich flavor
Notes: One of the most cold-hardy; ideal for northernmost avocado zones
13. Monroe (Type B)
Cold Tolerance: 25°F
Fruit: Large, pear-shaped, green skin
Notes: Consistent yields; long harvest season
14. Oro Negro (Type B)
Cold Tolerance: 26°F
Fruit: Large, glossy black skin, oily and rich flavor
Notes: Popular for late-season harvests
15. Super Hass (Type A)
Cold Tolerance: Low 20s°F
Fruit: Similar to Hass with richer taste
Notes: Better cold tolerance than traditional Hass
16. Talpeno
Cold Tolerance: Not yet documented
Fruit: Unique flavor and compact form
Notes: Rare and flavorful with good home garden potential
17. Thompson Red (Type B)
Cold Tolerance: Moderately cold tolerant
Fruit: Reddish tint when ripe; smooth flavor
Notes: Beautiful color and excellent eating quality
18. Victoria (Type A)
Cold Tolerance: Not cold hardy below 32°F
Fruit: Smooth texture, mild flavor
Notes: Best for coastal or protected growers
19. Winter Mexican (Type B)
Cold Tolerance: Low 20s°F
Fruit: Small to medium; pebbled black skin, nutty taste
Notes: One of the best options for colder inland gardens
20. Wurtz (Type A)
Cold Tolerance: 25°F
Fruit: Thin-skinned, creamy texture; compact growth
Notes: Semi-dwarf, container-friendly variety
Planting and Care Instructions
Planting
Dig the hole slightly wider than the container, not deeper than the root ball. To learn more about how to successfully plant your fruit tree, watch our video here.
Ensure good drainage—consider mounding or raising the planting area in low spots.
Amend soil with compost, azomite, and biochar for strong root establishment (top dressing, see video link above for details).
Watering
Deep watering 1–2 times per week depending on weather.
Allow the top inch of soil to dry between watering.
Mulch 2–4 inches around the base but keep clear of the trunk.
Pruning
Light pruning in late winter or early spring.
Focus on airflow, shape, and maintaining manageable height.
FAQ: Avocado Growing in Florida
Q: Do I need more than one avocado tree to get fruit?
A: While many avocado trees are self-fertile, planting both a Type A and a Type B flowering cultivar can improve pollination and increase fruit yields.
Q: When is the best time to plant an avocado tree in Florida?
A: Spring through early fall is ideal, giving the tree time to establish roots before winter. Avoid planting just before or during cold snaps.
Q: What size avocado tree should I start with?
A: We offer grafted avocados in 3, 7, 15, and 30-gallon sizes. Smaller sizes are easier to plant and establish, while larger trees provide faster fruiting.
Q: Can I grow avocados in a pot?
A: Yes! Dwarf or semi-dwarf varieties like Wurtz are great for container growing. Use a large, well-draining pot and rich organic soil.
Q: How long does it take for a grafted avocado tree to bear fruit?
A: Grafted trees can begin fruiting in 2–3 years under good conditions, while seed-grown trees can take 7–10 years or more.
Q: Can I grow avocado trees in North Florida?
A: With the right cultivar and proper protection, cold-hardy types like Mexicola or Winter Mexican can be grown in Zone 9a.
Nurturing Your Avocado Oasis: Overcoming Common Challenges
Cold Sensitivity: Use frost cloth, mulch, and plant near buildings or thermal mass.
Root Rot: Avoid clay soils and overwatering. Good drainage is essential.
Nutrient Deficiencies: Use organic amendments like fish emulsion, seaweed, and compost teas for sustained health.
Explore GreenDreams: Your Avocado Experts in Florida
We proudly offer grafted avocados in 3, 7, 15, and 30-gallon sizes.
Availability may vary, and all sales are in-person only at:
📍 GreenDreams FL Nursery – 18709 US Hwy 41, Spring Hill, FL 34610
🕘 Tuesday–Friday: 9 AM–5 PM | Saturday: 8 AM–3 PM
💳 All sales are final. A 3% fee applies to all credit card purchases.
🚚 Shipping unavailable for avocados at this time. Explore GreenDreams: Your Partner in Avocado Growth
We proudly offer one of Florida’s widest selections of subtropical avocado cultivars for in-person pickup only. All of our avocado trees are grafted, organically grown, and well-suited for home gardeners, food forest projects, and regenerative landscapes.
We stock avocado trees in 3, 7, 15, and 30-gallon sizes depending on availability. Pricing starts at $50 for 3-gallon trees. You can learn more about our nursery & find the latest link to our full current nursery inventory with prices here:
In addition to nursery plant sales, GreenDreams FL offers a full suite of services to help you bring your landscape vision to life:
🌿 Consultations
In-person guidance tailored to your unique property, soil, goals, and climate zone
📐 Edible & Ecological Design Services Full landscape design packages customized for homeowners, homesteaders, and schools
🌱 Installation & Day-Rate Planting Services From full-scale food forests to single-day planting projects—we help you put your plans in the ground
🚚 Material Delivery
Soil blends, mulch, compost, biochar, and more delivered right to your property for DIY or assisted installs
Whether you're just starting your garden or expanding your orchard, we’re here to help you grow smarter, naturally.
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