Description
Avocado is an evergreen tree that thrives in tropical and subtropical climates, exhibiting resistance to cold. But the real question lies in: Is there a cold-hardy Avocado tree?
There is some good news for all the fruit lovers who reside in extreme chilly zones of the world.
Resulting from selective breeding, cold-hardy Avocado trees can withstand temperatures as low as 20°F. It allows cultivation beyond the traditional zones and creates a possibility for many gardeners and regional farmers in cooler climates.
Curious to know more about them? Here’s everything you need to know.
Why are Cold-Tolerant Avocado Trees Desirable?
Scientifically known as Persea americana ‘Cold Hardy’, these belong to the subspecies of the Mexican race and are native to the Northern Mexican highlands.
Cold-hardy Avocado distinguishes itself from the other two subspecies, namely, the West Indies race and the Guatemalan race. While the other two are suitable for warm and tropical climates, this Avocado tree’s growing zone extends way beyond its tropical counterparts.
Here are a few reasons why you should choose cold-hardy varieties.
- Cold-hardy Avocado trees survive temperatures as low as -9°C and maintain an evergreen all-year-round display of interest.
- It produces medium-sized fruits with thin, high oil content, rich, creamy texture, and abundant flavors that are uncommon in other varieties.
- These can be planted directly in the ground as well as in containers, making them suitable for both indoor and outdoor planting.
- Grafted cold-hardy trees can bear fruit as early as 3-4 years after planting in comparison to seed-grown plants, which start bearing after 10 years.
- Cold-hardy Avocado is self-fertile, meaning you need just one tree to harvest fruit.
These nutrient powerhouses are low-demanding and reward you with recurring harvests year after year.
How to Grow and Care for Cold-Hardy Avocado Trees?
From selecting the Avocado hardy zone to providing accurate needs and conditions, here’s how you can ensure the prolonged health of your plant.
| Avocado Hardiness Zone |
|
| Mature Size | 15-20 feet tall and 5-8 feet wide. |
| Growth Rate | Fast-growing |
| Sunlight | Prefers exposure to full sun (6 hours daily) whenever possible, or else it can tolerate shade as well. |
| Watering | Very little watering during the winter and rainy seasons, but be sure to keep them moist during mid-winter dry spells. |
| Soil Type | Well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH value of 6.0-6.5. |
| Temperature | The ideal avocado planting zone lies between 60 and 85°F, but they thrive in extremely cool climates too. |
| Fertilization | Use balanced fertilizers to feed the young plant four times a year and twice a year to mature plants, especially in spring, summer, and fall. |
| Pruning | Occasional pruning of deadheads, branches, and leaves, especially in late winter or early spring, promotes new growth, maintains the shape, and improves the aeration. |
| Pests & Diseases | Problems: Cold-hardy Avocado trees are susceptible to pests, mites, thrips, caterpillars, and root rot.
Fixes: Vigilant watering, organic insecticides, pesticides, and good drainage. |
You can propagate them through grafting and budding to yield the same fruit as the source plant, or buy full-grown Avocado trees for sale in nurseries. Propagating through seed is less reliable and may not produce the same fruit as the mother plant.
Tips for Protecting the Winter Avocado Tree from Frost?
Though the avocado tree’s hardiness zone permits it to survive chilly weather, certain situations like chilly winds and frost can cause harm to it.
You can follow these tips to protect your outdoor plantings from suspected damage.
- Use frost protection cloth and mulch to cover the tree during anticipated frosts.
- Install outdoor heating provisions like lamps to provide additional warmth.
- Create a microclimate by planting nearby rocks and structures to absorb heat throughout the day.
If planted in containers, it is advisable to relocate the pot indoors during such extreme winds and frosts.
Popular Cold Hardy Avocado Varieties for your Garden
Take a look at some cold-tolerating Avocado varieties for your garden.
| Variety | Survivable Temperature Range | Fruit Size (ounces) |
| Del Rio (Pryor) | 15°F. | 3-4 |
| Mexicola Grande | 17-20°F | 6-10 |
| Opal (Lila) | 14-15°F | 7 |
| Wilma (Brazos Belle) | 15°F | 6-8 |
| Bacon | 24-26°F | 6-12 |
| Brogden | 20-25°F | 8-12 |
| Fuerte | 26-18°F | 8-16 |
| May | 15°F | 6-8 |
| Winter Mexican | 22°F | 12-18 |
User Reviews & Ratings
Henry William: I live in a winter region, but I am impressed by the tree’s sturdiness. It survived temperatures below freezing with no damage.
Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Becka Jules: I planted this cold-hardy Avocado tree a few months back. Under proper care, it has grown quickly, and now I can’t wait to see a full-grown Avocado tree in my garden.
Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Camelia Frankfurt: Finding cold-hardy Avocado trees for sale was a game-changer. My winter garden is complete, and I can’t wait to enjoy my homegrown harvest.
Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
Michael Waltz: Knowing the right Avocado tree hardiness zone helped me to pick the right spot. The glossy leaves, year-round beauty, and yummy, nutritious fruits make it even better.
Ratings: ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
What is the most cold-tolerant Avocado tree?
Mexicola Grande, Winter Mexican, Del Rio, and other Mexican hybrids are extremely cold-tolerant varieties.
How fast do cold-hardy Avocados grow?
Given the proper care, conditions, and climate, they can grow up to 1-3 feet per year.
Can I grow these cold-hardy Persea americana varieties indoors?
Yes, you can grow several varieties like Bacon, Brogdon, or Mexicola indoors, but the chance of fruiting is minimized.
Is zone 6 appropriate for growing cold-hardy Avocados?
No, zone 6 experiences temperatures below freezing, which can kill or damage the plant entirely.
