How to Grow Avocados: A Growing Guide

October 8, 2025 Jamie Ferre

Acclimating your New Tree

When your avocado tree arrives, remove the plastic (for keeping the soil in place for shipping). Do not put your tree into full sun immediately, it has been grown in a greenhouse and must be acclimated slowly to prevent shock.

For about 2 weeks, keep the tree in a location that gets indirect light or an area that gets only about 2 hours of direct sun (morning is best). After the acclimation period is over, plant your avocado in a spot that gets at least 8 hours of direct sun.

Cultural Requirements

For successful fruit production the trees should be grown in the ground with well drained soil, in sunny, wind- free locations. Do not plant a new avocado tree in a space where an old tree died as there may be disease in the soil. If you have heavy clay soil try planting your avocado tree in a 12–18” tall raised bed. Most trees will grow to a full size of 25 feet +, therefore site selection is very important.

Planting & Growing

Avocados have a very sensitive root system and all care should be taken when removing the plant from the pot. The planting hole should be three times the width of the root system and the same depth. If your soil is heavy clay, amend the soil with compost and you can plant in a raised bed at least 12” tall by 6’ wide. Plant no deeper than the soil level in the pot. Do not mound up soil around the trunk of the tree. Cut the pot on opposite sides to peel back the container from the root and soil mass. Do not disturb the roots in any way!

avocados hanging on tree

Water

In containers, avocados need consistent and frequent watering. Avocados in the ground prefer infrequent, deep root watering. Do not overhead water your avocados. It is best to allow trees to dry out somewhat before you apply water again. This can help prevent root rot. A soil moisture meter can be a helpful tool for determining when your tree needs water. To help retain soil moisture and improve soil quality, apply a 3–4” layer of mulch in spring and fall, under the canopy of the tree. Keep mulch at least 6” away from the trunk of the tree.

Cultivars

Cultivars of avocados have two different life cycles of flowers, “Type A flowers” and “Type B flowers.”

“A Type flowers” are receptive to pollen in the morning and shed pollen the following afternoon.

“B Type flowers” are receptive to pollen in the afternoon, and shed pollen the following morning.

Consequently from a technical standpoint, production is best with cross-pollination between two cultivars, one with Type A flowers and one with Type B flowers. However, it is not necessary to have both types to produce fruit.

Fertilize

Avocado trees should be fertilized on a regular basis. For best results, choose high-quality, organic fertilizers specifically formulated for fruit trees to support healthy growth and abundant fruit production. Explore our full selection of Fertilizers & Growing Supplies to find the ideal options for nourishing your avocado trees throughout the season. Fertilize using well balanced citrus or avocado food. You can also use composted manure, blood meal, fish emulsion, alfalfa meal or worm castings. Do not disturb the roots when adding fertilizers. Avocado trees that have been fertilized year-round are more cold tolerant.

Frost Protection

Use frost protection such as Agribon if a freeze is forecast. Christmas lights or landscape lights can be added underneath the blanket for more frost protection. This is more critical for young trees than mature trees. Controlling the size of the tree for the home gardener is important in maintaining a reasonable shape to make frost protection possible.

Summer Heat

Protect trees, especially young ones, from extreme sun and heat during the summer. When temperatures are forecast over 90°F, you should suspend shade cloth (30-45%) above the tree to help cool it and prevent sunburn.

Pruning

Avocados can be maintained to any size with pinching and pruning. Frequent pinching of young trees is a good method to shape the tree, rather than heavy pruning. Prune to shape and control size on larger trees. Avocado trees can be susceptible to sunburn on the trunks of newly pruned trees so you can whitewash with interior white latex paint, diluted 50-50 with water, during periods of high summer heat and intense sunshine.

Connect Crop Care to the Irrigation Plan

Use the crop-specific guidance above to identify the root zone and growth stage, then apply the soil-based watering framework. Use the orchard irrigation design guide to size zones, choose outlets, and expand the wetted area as trees grow; compare hand watering, drip irrigation, and sprinklers when selecting the broader method.

FAQs About Growing Avocados

How should you acclimate a newly purchased avocado tree before planting it outdoors?

Gradually introduce a greenhouse-grown avocado tree to outdoor sunlight to reduce the risk of sunburn and transplant stress. Begin in a sheltered location with indirect light, then increase sun exposure gradually over several days to a couple of weeks, adjusting for local temperatures and the tree's condition. Once established, avocado trees generally need a sunny location, protection from strong winds, and well-drained soil. Newly planted trees may need additional protection from intense sunlight, particularly in hot climates.

What soil conditions are best for growing avocado trees?

Avocado trees thrive in well-drained soil with good aeration because their roots are sensitive to waterlogged conditions. When planting, dig a hole about twice the width of the root ball and approximately the same depth. Position the tree at the same depth as it grew in its nursery container, or slightly higher where recommended for local soil conditions. In heavy clay soil, planting on a raised mound or berm can improve drainage. Avoid piling soil against the trunk, as excessive moisture around the trunk can encourage root and crown diseases.

How often should you water an avocado tree?

Watering frequency depends on the tree's age, soil type, weather, and growing conditions. Newly planted trees need sufficient water to keep the root ball from drying out while their roots establish. Established trees generally benefit from deep watering followed by allowing the soil to dry somewhat before watering again. Avoid overwatering, as persistently wet soil increases the risk of avocado root rot. Check soil moisture near the root zone before irrigating rather than relying on a fixed schedule alone.

Do you need two avocado trees to produce fruit?

No. A single healthy avocado tree can produce fruit, although pollination and fruit set vary with the cultivar and growing conditions. Avocado cultivars are commonly classified as Type A or Type B according to the timing of their female and male flower phases. Planting compatible Type A and Type B cultivars nearby may improve opportunities for cross-pollination, particularly when temperatures allow the flowering phases to overlap. However, having both types does not guarantee a larger harvest.

How can you protect avocado trees from extreme heat, frost, and sunburn?

Protect young avocado trees from temperature extremes because they are especially vulnerable while establishing. During hot weather, provide temporary shade when necessary and maintain appropriate soil moisture without waterlogging the roots. To reduce trunk sunburn, use a suitable tree whitewash or white interior latex paint diluted with water, following university extension guidance. If frost is forecast, cover young trees with suitable frost-protection fabric and secure it appropriately. Cold tolerance varies considerably by cultivar, so protection should reflect the expected temperature and the tree's maturity.

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2 comments

Sheena, avocados have A and B flowers. To get a bigger crop you should plant an A flower and a B flower avocado. You will still get avocados if you only have one plant. Just make sure you have lots of pollinators around to help, I suggest planting flowers near your avocado tree to attract them.

Do avocado trees require a male and female to produce,