Can you grow avocados in the Sacramento area? Maybe. Probably not. It depends. Good luck.
People loooovvvve avocados. And that love overrides the commons sense of intrepid area gardeners. Admit it: you've enjoyed that Hass avocado from the grocery store; saved the pit; suspended it on toothpicks over a glass of water; then, planted it outside when that pit sprouted roots.
How'd that work out for you?
The deck is stacked against growing fruit-bearing avocado trees here:
• Choosing the wrong variety. The Hass avocado tree, for example, becomes avo-mush after a season of our typically freezing December-January mornings.
• Wrong location. Avocado trees need nearby reflective heat surfaces for best survivability: south or west facing walls, nearby concrete or brick patios, shelter from our hot, dry winds. Although they will grow in the shade, they need full sun to fruit.
• Wrong soil...aka, heavy, wet, clay soil.
Yet, despite these natural hurdles, the most asked question in the last two years has been: "Can I grow avocados here?"
I've stopped saying, "just go to the grocery store", after seeing pictures of producing avocado trees in Sacramento. Still, they are the exception (quick: how many avocado trees are in your neighborhood? Zero? Listen to your brain.)
But for those still attempting this Sisyphusian task, I offer some guidance.
For example:
From the garden email bag, Nelson wants to know:
"Hi Fred, I had a chance to hear your show for the first time on Sunday while driving. I had no idea that a show like this was going on in Sacramento. I wanted to ask you a question because none of my friends seem to know. I live in Elk Grove and have an avocado tree that I planted early this spring. Its grown about a good 8-12 inches in the past few months and has been doing well. In October, I started noticing the leaves begin to brown. The tree sees about 4 hours of sunlight a day due to the location of the tree and surrounding shade trees and home. Any suggestions on what this browning and how to take care of it would be great!"
Watering may be the culprit. Avocados need moisture, but they need excellent drainage. If the soil is too moist for too long, that can cause leaf drop due to any number of soil borne diseases such as verticillium wilt or root rot (phytophthora). Check the moisture level around the root zone at the outer edges of the tree, about 10 inches down, before you water. A moisture meter can aid you in this. Planting on mounds can alleviate the problem of poor drainage, as well.
Good water management is essential to reduce the threat of rot. It prolongs the life of diseased trees and can prevent spread to other trees. Moreover, the only way to know how much water is correct for your soil is using that moisture meter or digging down to the root zone and grabbing a handful of the soil. If that handful is muddy, don’t add more water yet. If that soil is bone dry, then definitely increase your watering frequency. The ideal moisture level for that handful of soil: you should be able to form a clod easily with your hand, yet break it apart easily. There should not be water running down your arm.
For those interested in trying to grow avocados here, choose varieties that have a chance to survive our cold winters.
Among the avocado varieties that may succeed here are the Bacon, Zutano, Mexicola, Fuerte, Pinkerton, Jim, Sir Prize and Stewart. These have better cold tolerance; however, success here with avocados is iffy. Placing the tree where it can get reflected heat in the winter from a south-facing wall may help.
What about the Hass Avocado?
That tasty grocery store staple prefers to grow in the most mild areas of California, where frosts are very rare: San Diego and Ventura counties are prime Hass avocado growing regions. Try to grow a Hass here, and it will probably die. Probably. I used to never say "probably". Then, this past summer, listener Gayle of Dixon (west of Davis) sent in this:
Yep, a Hass avocado tree, albeit a small one.
ALL GARDENING IS LOCAL (Farmer Fred Rule #1). Get back to me, Gayle, when that tree gets bigger than the house. Kids, please don't try this at home.
More Advice for the Brave Sacramento Gardener
Another tip to get avocados to bear fruit: plant two different varieties. Avocado pollination is increased when you have two types of avocado trees, one with an "A" flower and one with a "B" flower. These flower types open at different times of the day. According to the California Rare Fruit Growers Association, avocado flowers are either receptive to pollen in the morning and shed pollen the following afternoon (Type A), or are receptive to pollen in the afternoon, and shed pollen the following morning (Type B). The latest edition of the Sunset Western Garden Book lists the “Type A” flower varieties to include the Mexicola and Pinkerton. The Bacon, Jim, Zutano, Fuerte, SirPrize, and Stewart are Type B flowers. Stewart, actually, may be both Type A and B, depending on where it is grown. These Mexican avocados mature 6-8 months after flowering.
The California Rare Fruit Growers advise avocado tree owners to use a balanced fertilizer, four times yearly. Older trees benefit from feeding with a nitrogen fertilizer, applied in late winter and early summer. Yellowed leaves (chlorosis) may indicate iron deficiency. A chelated foliar spray of trace elements containing iron can usually correct this. Mature trees often also show a zinc deficiency.
More about the flowers of avocados, from the
Avocado Information website of the University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources:
The avocado flower has both functional male and female organs. The male floral organ, which produces pollen, is comprised of the anthers and stamens. The female floral organ is comprised of the stigma (which receives the pollen), style and the ovary. The avocado exhibits a type of flowering behavior known as "synchronous dichogamy". An individual flower will be open for 2 days, however the timing of the male and female phases are distinct. When the flower first opens it is in the female phase and the stigma is receptive to pollen. At the end of the female phase, which lasts 2 to 4 hours, the flower will close. On the second day the same flower re-opens in the male phase and sheds its pollen.
"A" Avocado Flower Varieties
Mexicola
Mexican varieties have an anise or fennel-like smell to the leaves.
This is a very typical Mexican variety. Originated about 1910 as a seedling at Coolidge Rare Plant Gardens, Pasadena, CA, Fruit season, Aug.-Oct.; color, black; weight, 3-5 ozs.; shape, spherical to pyriform; skin, thin, smooth; flavor, excellent. One of the first varieties to be commercial, planted by Mr. Henry Huntington around 1915-17. It has an anise flavor & is quite good tasting. Bears early & regularly; very heat & cold resistant (down to 20 degrees...maybe).
Pinkerton
Commercial variety. Harvest begins in January in some commercial areas.
High oil content. Medium slightly spreading tree. Hardy to 30 degrees.
"B" Avocado Flower Varieties
Bacon
Originated in Buena Park, California, by James Bacon. Introduced in 1951.
Flesh has an unusually pale yellow/green color. Oil content high. Matures Nov. to Jan. in Orange County and Dec. to Mar. in Ventura County, Ca. Consistant,heavy producer; frost tolerance excellent. Bacon has a commercial background. Large trees.
Jim
Was commercial at one time.
Color when immature is a very light avocado green. Some fruit has a rosy blush that does not appear to be caused by thrips.
Zutano
Originated in Fallbrook, California, by W.L. Ruitt. Introduced in 1941 from a selection made in 1926.
Ripens in Oct. to Dec. in San Gabriel Valley, Ca.; and Jan. to Feb. in Ventura County, Ca. Tree; consistent producer; hardy to 24 degrees; more hardy than Fuerte. Commercial variety. Fruit are oval/pear in shape with waxy bumps on the skin.
Fuerte
Introduced as budwood in 1911 from Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico. A hybrid Mexican variety that is ready to pick in November and is good through March.
Hangs on the tree well. A long time California commercial variety valued for its winter season and its B blossom type. Skin thickness is medium thin. Seed size is medium large.
SirPrize
Season of maturity averages 6-8 weeks earlier than Hass. Mexican-race type avocados are typically more cold resistant than 'Hass' so this tree is being tried in inland valleys and other regions unsuitable for Hass. Early results do not indicate it is any more cold tolerant than Hass.
Fruit shape is pear with distinctive ridge along one side. Skin texture is not truly pebbled like 'Hass' but does have tiny islands of varying yellowish shades giving the illusion of 'Hass'-like pebbles. 'Sir Prize' is upright in tree form. Peak bloom period is earlier than 'Hass' by several weeks.
Stewart (A or B flower)
Originated in Mentone, San Bernardino County, Ca, on the Stewart Ranch.
Introduced in 1956. Flesh clear, bright, light yellow shading to green toward skin, firm, but melting, excellent quality; ripens from early Oct. to mid-Dec. Tree: spreading, strong, vigorous; bears good crops. Although listed as an "A" type flower, it typically shows "B" flowering characteristics at South Coast Field Station in Irvine, Ca.
Bottom Line
If you want to experiment, are willing to be patient, and have a wind-sheltered area with many surfaces of reflective heat, try the Mexicola and the Zutano varieties of avocado trees here in the Central Valley. And good luck.
Pictures courtesy of the Avocado Information website of the University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources...
except for the pictures of Nelson's suffering avocado tree in Elk Grove and Gayle's magic Hass avocado tree in Dixon.
People loooovvvve avocados. And that love overrides the commons sense of intrepid area gardeners. Admit it: you've enjoyed that Hass avocado from the grocery store; saved the pit; suspended it on toothpicks over a glass of water; then, planted it outside when that pit sprouted roots.
How'd that work out for you?
The deck is stacked against growing fruit-bearing avocado trees here:
• Choosing the wrong variety. The Hass avocado tree, for example, becomes avo-mush after a season of our typically freezing December-January mornings.
• Wrong location. Avocado trees need nearby reflective heat surfaces for best survivability: south or west facing walls, nearby concrete or brick patios, shelter from our hot, dry winds. Although they will grow in the shade, they need full sun to fruit.
• Wrong soil...aka, heavy, wet, clay soil.
Yet, despite these natural hurdles, the most asked question in the last two years has been: "Can I grow avocados here?"
I've stopped saying, "just go to the grocery store", after seeing pictures of producing avocado trees in Sacramento. Still, they are the exception (quick: how many avocado trees are in your neighborhood? Zero? Listen to your brain.)
But for those still attempting this Sisyphusian task, I offer some guidance.
For example:
From the garden email bag, Nelson wants to know:
"Hi Fred, I had a chance to hear your show for the first time on Sunday while driving. I had no idea that a show like this was going on in Sacramento. I wanted to ask you a question because none of my friends seem to know. I live in Elk Grove and have an avocado tree that I planted early this spring. Its grown about a good 8-12 inches in the past few months and has been doing well. In October, I started noticing the leaves begin to brown. The tree sees about 4 hours of sunlight a day due to the location of the tree and surrounding shade trees and home. Any suggestions on what this browning and how to take care of it would be great!"Watering may be the culprit. Avocados need moisture, but they need excellent drainage. If the soil is too moist for too long, that can cause leaf drop due to any number of soil borne diseases such as verticillium wilt or root rot (phytophthora). Check the moisture level around the root zone at the outer edges of the tree, about 10 inches down, before you water. A moisture meter can aid you in this. Planting on mounds can alleviate the problem of poor drainage, as well.
Good water management is essential to reduce the threat of rot. It prolongs the life of diseased trees and can prevent spread to other trees. Moreover, the only way to know how much water is correct for your soil is using that moisture meter or digging down to the root zone and grabbing a handful of the soil. If that handful is muddy, don’t add more water yet. If that soil is bone dry, then definitely increase your watering frequency. The ideal moisture level for that handful of soil: you should be able to form a clod easily with your hand, yet break it apart easily. There should not be water running down your arm.
For those interested in trying to grow avocados here, choose varieties that have a chance to survive our cold winters.
Among the avocado varieties that may succeed here are the Bacon, Zutano, Mexicola, Fuerte, Pinkerton, Jim, Sir Prize and Stewart. These have better cold tolerance; however, success here with avocados is iffy. Placing the tree where it can get reflected heat in the winter from a south-facing wall may help.
What about the Hass Avocado?
That tasty grocery store staple prefers to grow in the most mild areas of California, where frosts are very rare: San Diego and Ventura counties are prime Hass avocado growing regions. Try to grow a Hass here, and it will probably die. Probably. I used to never say "probably". Then, this past summer, listener Gayle of Dixon (west of Davis) sent in this:
Yep, a Hass avocado tree, albeit a small one.
ALL GARDENING IS LOCAL (Farmer Fred Rule #1). Get back to me, Gayle, when that tree gets bigger than the house. Kids, please don't try this at home.
More Advice for the Brave Sacramento Gardener
Another tip to get avocados to bear fruit: plant two different varieties. Avocado pollination is increased when you have two types of avocado trees, one with an "A" flower and one with a "B" flower. These flower types open at different times of the day. According to the California Rare Fruit Growers Association, avocado flowers are either receptive to pollen in the morning and shed pollen the following afternoon (Type A), or are receptive to pollen in the afternoon, and shed pollen the following morning (Type B). The latest edition of the Sunset Western Garden Book lists the “Type A” flower varieties to include the Mexicola and Pinkerton. The Bacon, Jim, Zutano, Fuerte, SirPrize, and Stewart are Type B flowers. Stewart, actually, may be both Type A and B, depending on where it is grown. These Mexican avocados mature 6-8 months after flowering.
The California Rare Fruit Growers advise avocado tree owners to use a balanced fertilizer, four times yearly. Older trees benefit from feeding with a nitrogen fertilizer, applied in late winter and early summer. Yellowed leaves (chlorosis) may indicate iron deficiency. A chelated foliar spray of trace elements containing iron can usually correct this. Mature trees often also show a zinc deficiency.
More about the flowers of avocados, from the
Avocado Information website of the University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources:
The avocado flower has both functional male and female organs. The male floral organ, which produces pollen, is comprised of the anthers and stamens. The female floral organ is comprised of the stigma (which receives the pollen), style and the ovary. The avocado exhibits a type of flowering behavior known as "synchronous dichogamy". An individual flower will be open for 2 days, however the timing of the male and female phases are distinct. When the flower first opens it is in the female phase and the stigma is receptive to pollen. At the end of the female phase, which lasts 2 to 4 hours, the flower will close. On the second day the same flower re-opens in the male phase and sheds its pollen. "A" Avocado Flower Varieties
Mexicola
Mexican varieties have an anise or fennel-like smell to the leaves.
This is a very typical Mexican variety. Originated about 1910 as a seedling at Coolidge Rare Plant Gardens, Pasadena, CA, Fruit season, Aug.-Oct.; color, black; weight, 3-5 ozs.; shape, spherical to pyriform; skin, thin, smooth; flavor, excellent. One of the first varieties to be commercial, planted by Mr. Henry Huntington around 1915-17. It has an anise flavor & is quite good tasting. Bears early & regularly; very heat & cold resistant (down to 20 degrees...maybe). Pinkerton
Commercial variety. Harvest begins in January in some commercial areas.
High oil content. Medium slightly spreading tree. Hardy to 30 degrees."B" Avocado Flower Varieties
Bacon
Originated in Buena Park, California, by James Bacon. Introduced in 1951.
Flesh has an unusually pale yellow/green color. Oil content high. Matures Nov. to Jan. in Orange County and Dec. to Mar. in Ventura County, Ca. Consistant,heavy producer; frost tolerance excellent. Bacon has a commercial background. Large trees.Jim
Was commercial at one time.
Color when immature is a very light avocado green. Some fruit has a rosy blush that does not appear to be caused by thrips.Zutano
Originated in Fallbrook, California, by W.L. Ruitt. Introduced in 1941 from a selection made in 1926.
Ripens in Oct. to Dec. in San Gabriel Valley, Ca.; and Jan. to Feb. in Ventura County, Ca. Tree; consistent producer; hardy to 24 degrees; more hardy than Fuerte. Commercial variety. Fruit are oval/pear in shape with waxy bumps on the skin.Fuerte
Introduced as budwood in 1911 from Atlixco, Puebla, Mexico. A hybrid Mexican variety that is ready to pick in November and is good through March.
Hangs on the tree well. A long time California commercial variety valued for its winter season and its B blossom type. Skin thickness is medium thin. Seed size is medium large.SirPrize
Season of maturity averages 6-8 weeks earlier than Hass. Mexican-race type avocados are typically more cold resistant than 'Hass' so this tree is being tried in inland valleys and other regions unsuitable for Hass. Early results do not indicate it is any more cold tolerant than Hass.
Fruit shape is pear with distinctive ridge along one side. Skin texture is not truly pebbled like 'Hass' but does have tiny islands of varying yellowish shades giving the illusion of 'Hass'-like pebbles. 'Sir Prize' is upright in tree form. Peak bloom period is earlier than 'Hass' by several weeks.Stewart (A or B flower)
Originated in Mentone, San Bernardino County, Ca, on the Stewart Ranch.
Introduced in 1956. Flesh clear, bright, light yellow shading to green toward skin, firm, but melting, excellent quality; ripens from early Oct. to mid-Dec. Tree: spreading, strong, vigorous; bears good crops. Although listed as an "A" type flower, it typically shows "B" flowering characteristics at South Coast Field Station in Irvine, Ca.Bottom Line
If you want to experiment, are willing to be patient, and have a wind-sheltered area with many surfaces of reflective heat, try the Mexicola and the Zutano varieties of avocado trees here in the Central Valley. And good luck.
Pictures courtesy of the Avocado Information website of the University of California Agricultural and Natural Resources...
except for the pictures of Nelson's suffering avocado tree in Elk Grove and Gayle's magic Hass avocado tree in Dixon.
I'm surprised you didn't mention the Duke, but then again, finding one of those trees is a Herculean effort since you are literally forced to make your own. But I will never forget the sight of healthy Duke grafts -- not a scratch on them Fred -- protruding from half dead, sickly looking root stock that nearly perished from the cold last winter. I have my Duke tree planted on the southwest side of the house -- not far from the house either -- where it will be protected from the cold, northerly winds. It's also in a raised bed with no other plant -- no competition. Will it work? This winter will truly tell. As you know, I am an expert at killing these things...
ReplyDeleteDid it survive the winter? Where did you get a Duke graft?? Please share! Thanks
DeleteHow is your Duke avocado doing? Do you have an update? Hoping for success in Folsom. And, yes, there a huge, fruiting tree a couple of block away so there's hope.
DeleteUh, I see I'm a bit late on these responses. Sorry about that. Yes, the Duke survived the winter. It thrived in freezing conditions. I also gave it a lot of help during the early years. Unfortunately, my marriage ended some years ago and the house where the Duke tree was planted was sold. I have no idea if it's still alive or not. Joining the CRFG will give you access to people who grow the Duke variety and they might be able to help with a graft.
DeleteOh, by the way, that blueberry that I planted in that half wine barrel with the correct soil? It died too...I think that's four blueberry plants that I've knocked off...
ReplyDeleteFred, there is a large Mexican Avacado in Curtis Park that bears every year, tree must be 30 years old or more. Last winter caused some yellowing but it is still bearing fruit. Because of the thin skin can be eaten skin and all. The Benefit Plant Sales will have some seedling available in the Spring.
ReplyDeleteThere are several mature Zutano, Mexicoli Grande and Bacon Avocado trees from Yuba city up to Gridley in the Northern Sacramento Valley.Some are 30' to 40' high. Seem to be producing very well.
DeleteApproximately 20 years ago, I planted a pit that is now a full-grown avocado tree that produces tasty avocados every year. I don't know what kind it is though. I live in South Land Park within walking distance to the river. When the tree was 10 years old, a severe frost "pruned" the top third of the tree. Then the following year, the tree started producing avocados.
ReplyDeleteMy avocados are about 70 years old and huge. The tops of the trees appear to be dying. We are in a severe drought here in So. Cal. I have been leaving water on at low speed for 24 hours. Too much, not enough? Any ideas?
ReplyDeleteI have a friend who has 3 or 4 HUGE avocado trees that produce massive amount of avocados. She lives in Newcastle. They don't know what variety it is. All they know is that it is an Israeli variety. Long shape, really thin skin, green when ripe. The fruit is ready in January. Also, I just had a pit sprout out of my compost pile!. Just wanted to share.
ReplyDeleteI have about 15-16 fruits on a Zutano I planted in early 2014. The tree is about 10' tall and 8' diameter. Fruits look great. I'll let you know the quality when I pick them later this year.
ReplyDeleteWe live in Tracy and have 2 avocado trees, a Mexicali grande (about 15 years old) and a Stewart. The grande has produced fruit for the last 10 years, beautiful smooth skin and taste like butter. We will probably have over 200 to harvest this fall. The Stewart is only 4 years old and just producing for the first time this year. Our big problem is birds (we think). They peck at the top of the avocados (where they attach to the tree) to check for ripeness then the entire fruit is ruined. We are quite sure it isn't rats (numerous traps with peanut butter with NO takers).
ReplyDeleteCould the culprits be squirrels? My dad has a Zutano avocado tree in Pomona (SoCal). Squirrels have become a numerous pest over the last few years and they chew the very top of the avocado, ruining the fruit. He made a light fabric sling filled with squirrel repellant and wraps the tree trunk. This works pretty well but has to be replaced periodically.
DeleteHello, I live in Livermore, CA and would like to acquire a pit from your beloved Mexicali grande and perhaps the Stewart? I could drive your way...
DeleteNo avocado trees in my yard, sorry. No luck here.
DeleteWe have a 9 year old Bacon tree that produced around 250 avos this year. We live in Vintage Park. Calvine and Elk Grove - Florin Rd area.
ReplyDeleteI live near you. Any tips on successfully growing the Bacon?
DeleteIs tou tree across the street from beitzel elementary? I see a nice tree their every time i pass
DeleteMy Bacon tree is now over 14 years old. I was stoked the year we got 250 fruit, but it has since produced 400+ avos in a season. 4 years ago we planted a Stewart and it has its first fruit on it this year We will have really poor yield as the Spring breezes blew almost all the flowers of both trees.
DeleteUnknown: did you plant an avo tree! I haven't been on here for a few years. Sorry.
mexicola in folsom planted 6 years ago. (2010). doing great! i love the fruit.
ReplyDeletetips
1. raised bed
2. xmas lights when temps below 32
3. needs a lot of water in the summer
4. paint trunks white
I live in the Foothills, specifically, Grass Valley. Historically, not a place you could grow avocado trees. But, everyone I talk to agrees that the weather has changed. We haven't had snow that actually sticks for 4 years. Temps that went below 32 degrees in the past year, maybe twice. I have two dwarf avo trees that have stayed alive for the past 3 years. Their growth has been very slow, but, then, again, I've been out of town a lot so they didn't get a lot of attention. Now that I don't have to go out of town for long periods of time, I'm going to plant a fuerte and coddle it!
DeleteI live in Brentwood in East Contra Costa County near the Delta and I am growing Fuerte, Mexicola, Bacon, Reed, Pinkerton, and Lamb Haas. I have done years of research and have visited trees from Napa to Oakland to Lodi to Santa Cruz. From what I hear Sir Prize and Stuart are not heavy producers in Nor Cal although they will survive but not thrive so I hear from people who have them. For good odds Mexicola, Zutano, Bacon and Fuerte; of these Fuerte and Mexicola are the most flavorful but Bacon and Zutano's buttery is excellent for those who want variety of these Bacon is slightly tastier and often the favorite for a lot of people (both are excellent sandwich avos).
ReplyDeleteI'm in Brentwood, too. I had a Bacon that died off at the end of this summer (possibly drought stress) and it was only 4 years old. I'm looking to put in a Stuart and then graft on some Bacon scions when the tree puts out some branches in a few years time. How much do you water your trees, and do you ever have any winter die-back?
DeleteThanks.
Hello neighbor, I haven't had a problem with frost here only the harsh summer heat. In the summer when it gets above 90 I water everyday. I have lost a few young trees to the summer heat and had to learn the hard way. I also have them in places where they get partial shade. My Guatamalan varieties are between houses to protect them in the winter and the extreme summers. I planted 6 trees but may probably remove half of them and keep only the ones that thrive. For Brentwood I believe watering daily on days before and after it hits 100 is the key. Obviously after a decade it is probably less of an issue. -Greg
DeleteAs far as Haas unless you live in Santa Cruz or by the beach they usually don't come out right and you may as well just but them from the store. I am growing three Guatemalan varieties of they turn out well I will post my results here. In general they are growing well need protection from the extremes which is why I put them between houses.
ReplyDeleteAppreciate hearing your experience of Hass. I have had Hass from Concord and Brentwood and both were lacking in flavor. I wonder if Carmen tastes better. Anyone grow Carmen here? My Pinkerton tastes wonderful and very similar to Hass. Supposedly Gem does well in central valley which means it should do well here as well. For me Pinkerton, Reed and Lamb have done well. I also have Gem, Jim Bacon and Lamorinda which is a local Hass/Fuerte cross. You can see my trees on YouTube under Bay Area Avocados where I share and compare my notes with others in California.
DeleteAs far as Haas unless you live in Santa Cruz or by the beach they usually don't come out right and you may as well just but them from the store. I am growing three Guatemalan varieties of they turn out well I will post my results here. In general they are growing well need protection from the extremes which is why I put them between houses.
ReplyDeleteZutano's buttery "flavor" (that is).
ReplyDeleteI planted an avocado from seed about 7 years ago and this year it is full of blooms. What's the chance of avocados this year?
ReplyDeleteWell, happy to hear all the success stories. I know of two trees near Winters that are producing, but I forget the varieties. Two years ago I planted a seedling that had survived five winters in a pot, but died in a frost last winter, unprotected. A Zutano planted near it at the same time showed some damage, but survived and is growing well on a raised mound.
ReplyDeleteI am going to also plant a Mexicola, and maybe a Bacon and Fuerte just for fun.
Grew up in Long Beach with avocado trees all around the neighborhood, such a treat. I hope I don't have to wait too long for my first taste of my own.
Hi there, what flower type is Duke and Gwenn avocados?
ReplyDeleteI grew a Duke avocado from seed. It's almost a foot tall now. I now have a Gwenn avocado seed to plant.
I live in Sacramento, I have 2 Hass, 15-18 feet tall, both currently have 100+ Avo's on them, starting to eat them now, been eating Avo's from these trees for 4-5 years now, my problem is my soil is not strong enough and the trees are falling over. The question I have is can you cut the main trunk off in the top 1/3 or 1/2 of the tree without killing the tree?
ReplyDeleteI have a Fuerte and a Sir Prize too, these are even taller but, holding up well. The Fuerte tastes good and the Sir Prize is Ok but, not great. Does Sir Prize taste better as the tree gets older?
Wow! Hass in Sacramento! That is impressive! Also a Sir Prize is a surprise because they don't usually produce in the bay area. Fuerte seems to be winner all around.
DeleteI have heavily pruned avocado trees and they do bounce back. I would probably only do something as drastic as cutting half the tree down in the winter. Otherwise perhaps a limb at a time? Year by year? Hass does get huge but I would be careful not to mess up a good thing. -Greg
Live in Folsom, have a Mexicola that is 20 feet tall, has been growing for 7+ years and producing well for 3 years. No other avocado tree near me as far as i can tell.
ReplyDeleteI started an avocado (Haas) from the seed. it is about 1 foot tall now, but the leaves are browning. I recently transplanted it (as it had outgrown the tiny pot I had initially planted it in. HELP!! why are the leaves browning???? it gets water, is not in full sun (but outside).
ReplyDeleteWith all due respect to your knowledge, this information you've provided about growing avocados in Sacramento is rubbish. I've seen many mature avocado trees here that are 30+ years old loaded with fruit from top to bottom. I've picked avocados from these trees, some were seedling trees some were hass Bacon mexicola etc I've even seen a Reed avocado tree with full sized fruit here and the Reed is said to be less cold tolerant than the hass. I will say that these trees are a bit fussy in the beginning so you will have to baby them for the first 3-4 years but after that they're like any other tree here so do your research on them before planting and before you know it you'll have your own avocados right here in Sacramento.
ReplyDeleteExactly I have a mature tree with about 500 avocados on it. It's getting tall I just trying to figure out when I should top it or trim it. I actually have no idea what to do with it but it is getting way to tall
DeleteFred. I'm going to write a story someday about the Mexicola a tree I grew from a purloined seed, place shall remain nameless. It's now 17 years old. It has never borne a single avocado. Last year I bought another Mexicola so they could have sex. Nothing. It is enormous, not very attractive in my front yard. I wanted to cut it down but my husband says that would be bad karma. It faces east and south (I live on a sunny part of a north-south street in Curtis Park. I have no other virtuous things to say about my treatment of this recalcitrant tree other than occasionally fertilizing it and pretty good watering. It blooms every year, then in an instant -- like overnight -- the flowers are gone, leaving behind thin stem stubs. It's as if a thousand flowers were eaten alive. Obviously it has never been pollinated. The tag on its recent sex partner says the Mexicola needs no pollinator. Elaine Corn
ReplyDeleteFrom what I've read, you were right to try getting a second tree, since even the 'self pollinating' varieties pollinate better with a complementary tree, but instead of getting the same variety, you want to get the opposite 'Type'. Avocado trees are Type A or Type B. Ideally, you want at least one of each Type that flower during the same time.
DeleteAvocados are tasty and delicious vegetables however they can fastly go bad if they are not kept in the right way.
ReplyDeleteI live in Sacramento.I have thrown Avocado seeds into my garden for 3yrs now. So far 3 have survived. I now have 3 6ft tall healthy tree's. I just planted 2 in my front yard facing to the South. They seem to be very happy. All green and burgundy leaves with healthy new frowth. Also no tooth picks for me. Just tossed the seeds in the garden. So yes, you can grow healthy avocados in Sacramento. I am
ReplyDeleteI bought a Hass as a Zutano, then went to You Tube to see how to keep them alive. As it turns out the mix that comes with the trees from the big box store, will kill them! It has wood chips that will rot the roots! I transplanted them in a sandy loam mixture , without any wood chips in the mix. I kept them in their pots to recover and getting the permanent spot with a raised bed ready. I bought the special white paint that has a oil mixed into it that protects against rodents and bugs. It helps to protect from too much sun or frost. I painted the trunks and leaves to help the get started. They look happy. It is hot in Antioch where I live, so I water every day and because they are in 5 gal black pots I water twice a day when its over 90 degrees. I give them super thrive and also a weekly nix of one tablespoon each of molasses, fish emulsion , sea kelp to one gal of water. hen in bloom I spray the flowers with honey water to bring the bees to them.
ReplyDeleteIf you buy your avocado trees from the big box stores, you will need to remove the potting mix asap! The wood chips in those pots will cause root rot! I bought a Hass and Zutano two months ago, both had flowers. I replanted them very carefully back into their pots with a sandy loam mix for better drainage. Gave them supper thrive every other watering and once a week I give them one tablespoon each of molasses,fish fertilizer, sea kelp, to one gal of water. They love it! My fingers are crossed, watch what Gary on you tube has to say about growing avocado's.
ReplyDeleteAttempting to grow Zutano, pinkerton, mexicola, fantastic, Lila and Wurtz avacados. All In half barrel sized pots now, planted in early June 2020. My goal is to keep In pots for a couple years and plant In the ground once large enough to stand condition with less protection. In Vacaville California zone 9b. For now all are on my huge wind sheltered redwood deck with a pergola above which is covered in 70% shade cloth up against an easy facing stuco wall that retains heat. Any one near my area had luck with these types?
ReplyDeleteI just acquired a Li'l Cado and a Holiday both in "5 gallon" pots. The Li'l Cado is about 1 3/4 feet and the Holiday is about 3 1/2 feet. Bought Li'l Cado from Green Acres and the Holiday from a nursery in South Sacramento with what appears to be wintered yellowish stemmed leaves with a combination of being tied TOO tightly to the stake while it grew. Will see how things grow after some TLC.
ReplyDeleteI just acquired a Li'l Cado and a Holiday both in "5 gallon" pots. The Li'l Cado is about 1 3/4 feet and the Holiday is about 3 1/2 feet. Bought Li'l Cado from Green Acres and the Holiday from a nursery in South Sacramento with what appears to be wintered yellowish stemmed leaves with a combination of being tied TOO tightly to the stake while it grew. Will see how things grow after some TLC. Elk Grove, CA
ReplyDeleteAvocados in Sac! Thank you all for sharing I have a zutano Mexicoli grand and hass will be planting soon and hoping for fruit soon!
ReplyDeleteI’m growing a Mexicoli grande zutano hass and a Carmen hass. Carmen Hass is what all the growers are planting as it has two distinct fruiting seasons per year at least in Southern California shall see how it does in Sacramento.
ReplyDeleteI instinctively placed my young 3ft avocado tree in a container in front of a sunny south-facing wall outside all winter and it survived.
ReplyDeleteI have some videos of my trees here in East Contra Costa County. Hopefully these are helpful.
ReplyDeletehttps://youtu.be/ErM8dE6ZbPU
I have bacon, gem, and wurtz (little cado) doing really well in Livingston where we have fast draining sandy soil. We got up to 118 summer and 25 winter,( I live in rural area so our highs and lows are a few degrees different since we don’t get heat from living next to city houses and roads/buildings.)These 3 varieties showed very little cold damage and no sunburn I gave them no extra protection. All of my avocado are planted behind a west facing fence so it gets full shade after 2-3 pm. When I planted them in 2021 they were in five gallon pot and I pruned them down hard to 2 feet after planting to encourage lower branching and to keep them compact. They all responded vigorously and now is slightly taller than my six foot fence. I am cheap and lazy so I hardly fertilize except for throwing my chicken coop manure on there which i know is supposed to burn the roots but nothing happened yet. My Zutano, furte, and lamb hass looks good but they always get cold and heat damage and needed protection during summer and winter but they bounce back to original point but no strong progress. Surprisingly my Mexicola is doing bad, (maybe the store mis labeled it, it’s acting like a hass) I might replace it and try a Reed or Nabal. Hass is the worst I have no luck there I wonder why Home Depot keeps selling them.
ReplyDeleteHi, Thanks for the feedback. I like comparing notes for what does well in Northern California and the Bay. From what I have seen coastal varieties like Hass don't do well in inland Northern California. (Also it seems pointless to grow Hass when they are so many other excellent varieties whose fruit which you can't find for sale in stores.) Seems to be the same for Stewart and Holiday. Like Hass they will grow but the productivity isn't likely to be great at least from what I have seen. Bacon is solid here and better tasting than Zutano to me. (I have a Jim Bacon and it is happy.) My Gem is an absolute Gem and probably the most impressive tree I have ever seen here. I also recommend Reed and Pinkerton for its regular productivity.
DeleteBy the way, I am same person who shared the video link above. I like sharing what works for me and learning from others.
Gregory
Great article and thank you. I live in Ripon, CA, which Is almost identical weather as Sacramento and have a Hass and bacon doing good. Bacon is about 7 years old and Hass is 6. Bacon has only given me about a dozen avocados over the last couple years but I had about 60 on my Hass this year. Still have about 25 left on the tree. The Hass gets about 10 hours of direct sunlight a day. Bacon about 6 hours direct. Over the summer I water my Hass 30 minutes almost everyday. The summer is brutal
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