Cold-Hardy Avocados: A Guide for Growing Avocados in Cooler Climates
Avocados are delicious and nutritious fruits that are native to tropical climates. But what if you don’t live in a tropical climate? Can you still grow avocados?
The answer is yes! There are several varieties of avocado trees that are cold-hardy and can tolerate cooler temperatures. In this article, we’ll discuss the different types of cold-hardy avocado trees, how to plant and care for them, and how to protect them from the cold.
What is Avocado Cold Tolerance?
The cold tolerance of an avocado tree depends on the variety of tree. Some varieties can tolerate temperatures as low as 19 degrees Fahrenheit, while others can only tolerate temperatures down to 28 degrees Fahrenheit.
- West Indian varieties: Grow best in temperatures from 60 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. They can survive short-term dips in temperature, but young trees must be protected from frost.
- Guatemalan varieties: Can tolerate cooler temperatures, down to 26 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. They are native to high altitudes, so they are adapted to cooler regions of the tropics.
- Mexican varieties: Have the highest cold tolerance, and can withstand temperatures as low as 19 degrees Fahrenheit. They are native to the dry subtropical highlands.
Types of Cold-Hardy Avocado Trees
There are several varieties of cold-hardy avocado trees that are suitable for growing in cooler climates.
- Slightly cold-tolerant varieties: These varieties can tolerate temperatures down to 24 to 28 degrees Fahrenheit. They include ‘Tonnage’, ‘Tayor’, ‘Lula’, ‘Kampong’, ‘Meya’, and ‘Brookslate’.
- Moderately cold-tolerant varieties: These varieties can tolerate temperatures down to 25 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. They include ‘Beta’, ‘Choquette’, ‘Loretta’, ‘Booth 8’, ‘Gainesville’, ‘Hall’, ‘Monroe’, and ‘Reed’.
- Highly cold-tolerant varieties: These varieties can tolerate temperatures down to the low 20s Fahrenheit. They include Mexican and Mexican hybrid varieties such as ‘Brogdon’, ‘Ettinger’, ‘Gainesville’, ‘Mexicola’, and ‘Winter Mexican’.
How to Plant and Care for Cold-Hardy Avocado Trees
Cold-hardy avocado trees should be planted in well-drained soil in a location that receives full sun to partial shade. They should be spaced 25 to 30 feet apart.
Avocado trees need regular watering, especially during the hot summer months. They should also be fertilized regularly with a balanced citrus/avocado fertilizer.
How to Protect Cold-Hardy Avocado Trees from the Cold
Cold-hardy avocado trees can tolerate some cold temperatures, but they can be damaged by frost. To protect your trees from the cold, you can:
- Wrap the trees in burlap or garden fabric: This will help to insulate the trees and protect them from wind and cold air.
- Mulch around the trees: Mulch will help to keep the soil warm and protect the roots from the cold.
- Use a greenhouse: If you live in a very cold climate, you may need to grow your avocado trees in a greenhouse.
Conclusion
With a little care and attention, you can successfully grow cold-hardy avocado trees in cooler climates. By choosing the right variety of tree and taking steps to protect your trees from the cold, you can enjoy fresh, delicious avocados year-round.
