Carmen-Hass Avocado Trees are a delightful variety for avocado enthusiasts, offering excellent flavor and two distinct crops per year. These trees produce smaller fruit compared to the traditional Hass variety, making them unique and highly desirable. This guide provides detailed information on how to grow and care for Carmen-Hass Avocado Trees to ensure you enjoy a successful harvest.

Characteristics of Carmen-Hass Avocado Trees:

• Fruit Characteristics: Carmen-Hass Avocados are smaller, weighing between 6-14 oz. They have an oval shape and black, medium-thick skin, similar to Hass avocados.

• Flavor: The fruit of Carmen-Hass Avocado Trees boasts excellent flavor, making them perfect for a variety of culinary uses.

• Ripening Period: Carmen-Hass Avocado Trees have two distinct crops a year, providing a continuous supply of avocados. The main harvest time is during the winter.

• Frost Sensitivity: These trees are sensitive to frost, with temperatures below 32 ºF posing a risk to their health. Proper protection is essential in regions prone to frost.

• Size and Growth Habits: At maturity, Carmen-Hass Avocado Trees typically reach heights of 25-30 feet and spread approximately 15 feet wide. They have a medium spreading canopy, making them suitable for long-term growth in the ground.

• Rootstock: Grafted onto Mexican Seedling rootstock, Carmen-Hass Avocado Trees exhibit improved vigor, disease resistance, and adaptability to various soil conditions.

• Pollination: Carmen-Hass Avocado Trees are Type A avocados, which require a Type B avocado tree nearby for optimal pollination and fruit set in most climates. Suitable Type B varieties include Bacon, Fuerte, and Zutano.

• USDA Zones: These trees thrive in USDA Zones 9-10, where the climate is suitable for their growth and fruit production.

• Cold Protection: Protect Carmen-Hass Avocado Trees when temperatures drop below 30°F to prevent frost damage.

Growing Carmen-Hass Avocado Trees:

• Location: Choose a sunny, well-drained location for planting your Carmen-Hass Avocado Tree. Ensure adequate spacing to accommodate its mature size and provide protection from frost-prone areas.

• Soil Preparation: Prepare the soil by incorporating organic matter, such as compost, to improve drainage and fertility. Avocado trees prefer slightly acidic to neutral soil pH levels ranging from 6.0 to 7.0.

• Planting: Dig a hole slightly larger than the root ball of the tree and place it at the same depth as it was in the nursery container. Backfill the hole with soil, gently firming it around the roots, and water thoroughly to eliminate air pockets.

• Watering: Maintain consistent soil moisture, especially during the tree's establishment phase. While Avocado Trees are drought-tolerant once established, regular watering is essential for optimal growth and fruit production.

• Fertilization: Apply a balanced fertilizer formulated for avocado trees according to the manufacturer's instructions. Supplemental micronutrients, particularly zinc and iron, may be beneficial in areas with deficient soils.

• Pruning: Prune Carmen-Hass Avocado Trees to maintain a manageable size, promote airflow, and remove dead or diseased branches. Regular pruning is especially important to control the tree's height and ensure it remains accessible for harvesting.

• Pollination: Plant a Type B avocado tree nearby to facilitate cross-pollination and increase fruit yield. Type B avocado varieties include Bacon, Fuerte, and Zutano.

• Pest and Disease Management: Monitor the tree regularly for signs of pests, such as avocado lace bugs, thrips, and persea mites, and diseases like root rot and anthracnose. Implement cultural practices, such as proper sanitation and irrigation management, to minimize pest and disease pressure.

• Cold Protection: In regions susceptible to occasional frost, provide protection for Carmen-Hass Avocado Trees during cold spells. Covering the tree with frost cloth or using frost-protection sprays can help safeguard against damage and ensure continued growth and fruit production.

Tips for Successful Growing:

• Mulching: Apply a layer of organic mulch around the base of the tree to conserve soil moisture, regulate soil temperature, and suppress weeds. Keep the mulch a few inches away from the trunk to prevent rot.

• Monitoring Soil Moisture: Use a soil moisture meter to monitor the soil's moisture level. Avocado trees do not like waterlogged soil, so ensure the soil is well-drained and avoid overwatering.

• Wind Protection: Provide wind protection for young trees, as strong winds can damage the tree and affect its growth. Planting windbreaks or using tree shelters can help shield the tree from harsh winds.

• Supporting Branches: As the tree grows and begins to bear fruit, some branches may become heavy and require support. Use stakes or props to support heavily laden branches and prevent them from breaking.

• Harvesting: Harvest Carmen-Hass Avocados when they reach mature size and firmness during the ripening periods. Allow the fruit to ripen indoors at room temperature. Test ripeness by gently pressing the fruit – it should yield slightly under pressure when ready to eat.

• Container Growing: Although Carmen-Hass Avocado Trees grow best long-term in the ground, they can also be grown in containers. This is ideal for gardeners with limited space or those in colder climates who need to move the tree indoors during winter. Use a large container with good drainage and fill it with a high-quality potting mix suitable for citrus or avocado trees. Ensure the tree receives plenty of sunlight and follow the same care guidelines as in-ground trees.

General Care Tips:

• Irrigation: Avocado trees have shallow root systems that are prone to drying out. Water deeply and regularly, especially during dry periods. Mulching can help retain soil moisture and reduce the frequency of watering.

• Fertilization Schedule: Young avocado trees benefit from frequent, light applications of fertilizer. As the tree matures, you can reduce the frequency but increase the amount of fertilizer. Monitor the tree's growth and health to adjust fertilization accordingly.

• Pest Control: Natural predators can help manage pest populations. Encourage beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and predatory mites, by maintaining a healthy garden ecosystem. If necessary, use organic or chemical treatments as a last resort, following the product instructions carefully.

• Disease Prevention: Good cultural practices, such as proper spacing, pruning, and sanitation, are essential for preventing diseases. Ensure good air circulation around the tree and avoid overhead watering to reduce the risk of fungal infections.

• Seasonal Care: Adjust care practices according to the season. During the growing season, focus on watering, fertilization, and pest management. In winter, protect the tree from frost and minimize watering to prevent root rot.

By following these guidelines for growing and caring for Carmen-Hass Avocado Trees, you can enjoy a bountiful harvest of delicious avocados. With proper attention to their needs, these trees will reward you with years of culinary delight and ornamental beauty. Happy gardening!

These trees, measured from the top of the root ball, are 18-36” tall, with a trunk diameter between 1/4-1/2 inch. The trees are 12-18 months old and should start bearing fruit in their 5th year. They are planted in a 5x12" growers pot. Within a month of delivery we suggest repotting into a larger (10"-12" diameter) container or planting directly in the ground.

For more information, please enjoy our Resource Guide for planting and growing avocado trees.

Visit our Fruit Tree Central for a listing of all our fruit tree videos and articles.

Visit Tree Characteristics for a listing of all our fruit & nut tree growing characteristics.

Orders are sent to the grower as soon as the purchase is made. All sales are final.

NOTE: Order by Thursday to ship the following Wednesday*. Avocados cannot ship with other potted trees. *Avocados cannot ship during periods of very cold or very hot temperatures, therefore shipment of your trees will depend on the weather in your area. Avocado trees cannot be delayed to ship.

These are evergreen trees and thus the dormant bare root guarantee does not apply.Your trees will arrive in good, viable condition. Contact us immediately if they do not.