
Fuerte Avocado Tree
from $59.00
Climate and Light Requirements
The Fuerte Avocado tree is well-suited to subtropical climates, thriving in coastal and mild summer regions. Its large leaves allow it to collect sunlight even in low-light, partial-sun conditions. In hot climates, protect the tree from intense sunlight and heat by planting it where it will receive morning sun and afternoon shade. In milder climates or coastal areas, the Fuerte avocado can be planted in full sun without issue.
Fruit Characteristics
Skin and Seed: Fuerte Avocados have medium-thin skin and medium-large seeds.
Shape: The fruit is long-shaped, and the tree itself features large leaves.
Type B Avocado: This variety requires a Type A pollinator, such as the Hass avocado, to bear fruit.
Growth and Pollination
Pollination Needs
As a Type B avocado, the Fuerte Avocado tree requires a Type A pollinator for fruit production. Pairing it with a tree like the Hass avocado will ensure successful pollination. Fuerte Avocado trees typically fruit once every other year when they are young.
Protection from Heat and Wind
The Fuerte Avocado tree requires protection from excessive heat and wind. Planting the tree in an area with morning sun and afternoon shade helps protect it from extreme heat. Avoid planting in overly windy areas to ensure healthy growth and fruiting.
Origin and History
The Fuerte Avocado is a Mexican-Guatemalan hybrid that arrived in California from Puebla in the early 1900s. The name "Fuerte" (meaning "strong" in Spanish) was earned after the tree survived a severe frost in California in 1913. This variety is cold-tolerant down to −3 °C (27 °F) and has a long harvesting season, typically from November through March.

Hass Avocado Tree
from $59.00
Hass Avocado Tree
The Hass Avocado Tree is the most commercially popular avocado tree in the world. It was first grown by Southern California horticulturist Rudolph Hass, who named the variety. The fruit is known for its excellent taste, good size, long shelf life, and high yields. In fact, 95% of the California avocado crop comes from the Hass variety.
Fruit Description
Hass Avocados have dark green, bumpy skin that turns a purplish-black color when ripe. They are prized for their:
Taste: Rich and creamy.
Size: Medium to large.
Shelf Life: Excellent, making them ideal for both commercial and home use.
The fruit matures on the tree and ripens after picking.
Climate and Sun Requirements
Heat Sensitivity
In areas like the San Fernando Valley, young Hass avocado tree leaves are susceptible to sun damage in the hot, dry summers. The large surface area of the leaves makes them prone to yellowing and browning. To prevent this, plant the tree where it will receive morning sun and afternoon shade.
Cold Sensitivity
Near freezing temperatures during winter nights can damage the Hass Avocado tree, causing leaves to blacken and dry. The tree performs best in coastal areas like Malibu, Ventura, Santa Barbara, and San Diego, where the ocean regulates temperatures. Protect the tree from cold winds in winter, especially in microclimates found in areas like Glendale, Burbank, Pasadena, and Sherman Oaks.
Botanical Information
The Hass Avocado Tree is a medium to large tropical evergreen with:
Foliage: Large green to dark green leaves.
Flowers: White flowers grouped in inflorescences. The flowers open as both male and female at different times, allowing for self-pollination depending on temperature.
To ensure cross-pollination, many growers plant Type A (Hass) alongside Type B (Fuerte) avocados.
Avocado trees can be alternate bearing, producing a large crop one year and a smaller one the next.
Planting and Watering
Location
Wind Protection: If planting in a windy area, place the tree near a windbreak.
Sun Protection: In hot climates, plant where the tree receives morning sun and afternoon shade to avoid fruit sunburn.
Soil and Watering
Soil: Plant in well-drained soils with moderate temperatures.
Watering: Newly planted trees should be watered twice a week to establish strong roots.
Maintenance and Care
Pruning
Prune the tree in winter to maintain shape and size. Ensure the lower branches (the skirt) do not touch the ground.
Irrigation and Mulching
Keep the soil moist, but ensure the trunk remains dry to prevent rot.
Mulch the root area with natural leaf litter or organic chunky mulch for best results.
Fertilization
Fertilize with nitrogen throughout the year in small doses. Regular fertilization supports healthy growth and fruit production.
History of the Hass Avocado
The Hass Avocado has an interesting history, originating in La Habra Heights, California. In 1926, Rudolph Hass, a postman and amateur horticulturist, purchased a seedling that turned out to be an exceptional variety. Initially, Hass planned to graft Fuerte avocados onto this rootstock, but when the grafts failed, he decided to grow the tree from the seedling. The result was the Hass avocado, which eventually became the dominant variety in the global avocado industry. By the 1970s, Hass avocados made up the majority of avocados sold in the U.S. Today, the Hass avocado is the leading variety grown worldwide, thanks to its excellent flavor, year-round growing season, and hardy nature.

Reed Avocado Tree (Persea americana)
$59.00
The Reed avocado is one of the largest avocado. The round fruit is the size of a softball and it is common for it to weigh a pound. It has thick, green, lightly pebbled skin which is easy to peel and its flesh is a pale golden yellow. It has a large seed and seed cavity but due to its size still carries a good amount of edible flesh. The flesh has a buttery texture with a bold flavor, rich and nutty. The height can be controlled with pruning but they can grow up to be 37 feet tall. The reed is a type A avocado.
Plant Description
Size & Spacing
Planting
Sunlight
Watering
Fertilizing
Pruning
Pests
Avocado trees
Avocado trees are tropical evergreen plants with large leaves. The fruit is creamy and delicious with many health benefits. Avocado trees grow well near the coast. The ocean tends to regulate winter and summer temperatures. This is why commercially in Southern California, trees are grown mostly in cities such as San Diego, Santa Barbara, Malibu, Oxnard, and Ventura. As well as micro-climates such as Temecula. They also grow well in mild climate areas such as Beverly Hills, Malibu, Santa Monica, Venice, and Long Beach. In order to protect trees from sunburn and sun damage in the Summer. Plant trees where they will receive the morning sun and afternoon shade in Los Angeles inland areas of Glendale, Burbank, and the San Fernando Valley. Plant trees behind a windbreak to prevent cold-stress damage in areas with high winds in the Winter. Cold temperatures can be fatal to trees. The most popular Hass Avocado (Type A) tree is technically self-pollinating but is known to produce more fruits if planted near other Avocado trees, even if they are Hass. Fuerte Avocado tree (Type B) used to be the most popular used for guacamole is NOT self-pollinating. Fuerte Avocado trees need a (Type A) to produce fruits. Fuerte Avocados trees are most commonly planted along with Hass for pollination. Use a B cultivar such as Fuerte to pollinate popular A varieties such as Hass. In fact, Hass is the most popular at American grocery stores today. Plant trees in well-drained soils. Keep soil moist but not wet. Do not water too frequently. Irrigate newly planted trees once or twice per week. Fertilize with citrus and avocado food. Prune to maintain size and shape in the winter when it is cooler. PLEASE CONTACT US VIA EMAIL FOR WHOLESALE AND ORDERS OUTSIDE THE U.S.
When planting fruit trees, spacing is crucial for their healthy growth and optimal fruit production. Here's a brief instruction on size and spacing:
Spacing Between Trees:
Spacing Between Trees:
- Standard-sized fruit trees typically require spacing of 20 to 25 feet between each tree.
- Semi-dwarf varieties may need spacing of 15 to 20 feet, while dwarf fruit trees can be spaced closer, around 10 to 15 feet apart.
- If planting multiple rows of fruit trees, maintain spacing between rows to allow for adequate sunlight penetration and airflow.
- Rows should typically be spaced 25 to 30 feet apart for standard-sized trees, and 15 to 20 feet apart for semi-dwarf and dwarf varieties.
- Consider the mature height and spread of the fruit trees when determining spacing.
- Ensure enough space between trees and other structures to accommodate their growth without crowding.
- Plant fruit trees in rows with the north to south orientation to maximize sunlight exposure on both sides of the trees.
- Avoid planting fruit trees too close to buildings, fences, or other structures, as their roots may cause damage over time.
- Prepare the planting area by loosening the soil and incorporating organic matter to improve drainage and fertility.
- Plant fruit trees at the same depth as they were in the nursery container, ensuring that the graft union (if present) is above the soil level.
Step One:
Soil and Planting: Plant in soil that drains well. Dig a hole that is as deep as the tree’s roots and at least twice as wide.
Step Two:
Place the tree in the hole and backfill around the plant’s roots with a mixture of the native soil and high-quality planting mix that has washed sand and organic fertilizer.
Step Three:
Create a basin around the roots drip zone so that water collects. Water deeply until the roots and nearby soil is saturated and reaches field capacity.
Understanding sunlight requirements is crucial for the successful growth and fruit production of fruit trees. Here's a brief instruction on sunlight requirements:
Full Sun Exposure:
Full Sun Exposure:
- Most fruit trees thrive in full sun, which typically means they need at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight each day.
- Choose a planting location that receives ample sunlight throughout the day, preferably in a spot with southern or western exposure.
- Sunlight is essential for photosynthesis, the process by which plants convert sunlight into energy to fuel growth and fruit production.
- Adequate sunlight promotes healthy leaf development, flowering, and fruit ripening in fruit trees.
- Avoid planting fruit trees in areas with excessive shade from buildings, tall trees, or other structures, as this can inhibit growth and reduce fruit production.
- Trees planted in shaded areas may produce fewer fruits, have slower growth rates, and be more susceptible to diseases and pests.
- Ensure that fruit trees are spaced appropriately to allow sunlight to reach all parts of the tree, including the canopy, branches, and fruiting spurs.
- Prune surrounding trees or shrubs that may shade fruit trees and obstruct sunlight.
- Monitor changes in sunlight exposure throughout the year, as seasonal variations in sun angle and tree foliage can affect light availability.
- Adjust planting locations or prune surrounding vegetation as needed to maintain optimal sunlight exposure for fruit trees.
Instructions on watering fruit trees:
Establishment Period:
Establishment Period:
- During the first year after planting, fruit trees require regular watering to establish strong root systems.
- Water newly planted fruit trees deeply and frequently, providing enough moisture to keep the soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.
- In general, fruit trees should be watered deeply once or twice a week, depending on soil type, weather conditions, and tree species.
- Adjust the frequency of watering based on rainfall, temperature, and soil moisture levels to prevent both under-watering and over-watering.
- Water fruit trees deeply to encourage deep root growth and drought tolerance.
- Apply water slowly and evenly to ensure that it penetrates the soil to a depth of at least 12 to 18 inches.
- Use drip irrigation, soaker hoses, or watering bags to deliver water directly to the root zone of fruit trees, minimizing water loss through evaporation and runoff.
- Avoid overhead watering, as it can promote fungal diseases and waste water by spraying foliage instead of reaching the root system.
- Water fruit trees in the early morning or late afternoon to reduce water loss through evaporation and minimize stress on the trees during the hottest part of the day.
- Avoid watering fruit trees during windy or extremely hot conditions, as water may evaporate quickly before it can be absorbed by the roots.
- Monitor soil moisture regularly by checking soil moisture levels with a moisture meter or by conducting a simple soil moisture test using your finger.
- Adjust watering practices based on soil moisture levels and weather conditions to ensure that fruit trees receive adequate moisture throughout the growing season.
- During periods of drought or prolonged dry spells, increase the frequency and duration of watering to prevent drought stress and maintain tree health.
- Consider applying a layer of mulch around the base of fruit trees to conserve soil moisture and reduce water loss through evaporation.
Instructions on fertilizing fruit trees:
Timing of Fertilization:
Timing of Fertilization:
- Fertilize fruit trees in early spring, just before new growth begins, to provide essential nutrients for the upcoming growing season.
- Avoid fertilizing fruit trees late in the growing season, as it may stimulate late-season growth that is susceptible to winter damage.
- Choose a balanced fertilizer specifically formulated for fruit trees, such as a 10-10-10 or 12-12-12 NPK (nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium) fertilizer.
- Consider using organic fertilizers, such as compost, aged manure, or organic fertilizer blends, to promote soil health and reduce the risk of chemical buildup.
- Apply fertilizer evenly around the base of the fruit tree, extending beyond the drip line of the branches.
- Avoid placing fertilizer directly against the trunk of the tree, as it may cause root burn or damage to the tree.
- Follow the recommended application rates provided on the fertilizer label or based on the specific needs of the fruit tree species and soil conditions.
- Use caution not to over-fertilize fruit trees, as excessive nitrogen can lead to excessive vegetative growth at the expense of fruit production.
- Water the fruit tree thoroughly after applying fertilizer to help dissolve and distribute the nutrients into the soil.
- Adequate moisture is essential to ensure that the roots can absorb the nutrients from the fertilizer effectively.
- For established fruit trees, fertilize once a year in early spring, unless soil tests indicate a specific nutrient deficiency that requires additional fertilization.
- Young or newly planted fruit trees may benefit from lighter, more frequent applications of fertilizer during the first few years to support growth and establishment.
- Periodically conduct soil tests to assess nutrient levels and pH balance, as well as to determine the specific fertilizer needs of fruit trees.
- Adjust fertilization practices based on soil test results to ensure that fruit trees receive the appropriate nutrients for optimal growth and fruit production.
Instructions on pruning fruit trees:
Timing of Pruning:
Timing of Pruning:
- Prune fruit trees during the dormant season, typically in late winter to early spring before new growth begins.
- Avoid pruning fruit trees during periods of active growth or in late fall, as it may stimulate new growth that is vulnerable to winter damage.
- Use sharp, clean pruning tools, such as hand pruners, loppers, and pruning saws, to make clean cuts and minimize the risk of disease transmission.
- Disinfect pruning tools between each tree to prevent the spread of pathogens.
- Remove dead, diseased, or damaged branches to improve the overall health and appearance of the fruit tree.
- Thin out crowded or crossing branches to improve air circulation and sunlight penetration within the canopy.
- Shape the tree to promote an open, well-structured canopy that allows for even fruit production and easy harvesting.
- Begin by removing any dead, diseased, or broken branches, making clean cuts just outside the branch collar (the swollen area where the branch meets the trunk).
- Thin out excessive growth by selectively removing crowded or crossing branches to allow for better light and air distribution.
- Use heading cuts to prune back overly vigorous branches to encourage branching and promote fruiting wood formation.
- Consider the fruiting habit of the tree species when pruning, as some fruit trees produce fruit on spurs (short, stubby branches) while others bear fruit on new growth.
- Train young fruit trees by selectively pruning to establish a strong, well-balanced framework of scaffold branches.
- Encourage outward growth by pruning back inward-growing branches and removing competing leaders to maintain a central leader or open-center shape.
- Different fruit tree species may have specific pruning requirements based on their growth habits, fruiting patterns, and desired form.
- Research the specific pruning needs of the fruit tree species you are growing and tailor your pruning practices accordingly.
- Monitor the fruit tree throughout the growing season for any additional pruning needs, such as removing water sprouts or suckers that may develop.
- Regularly inspect the tree for signs of pests, diseases, or other issues that may require pruning intervention.
Instructions on pest management for fruit trees:
- Monitor for Pests:
- Regularly inspect fruit trees for signs of pest infestation, such as chewed leaves, distorted growth, or the presence of insects or larvae.
- Keep an eye out for common fruit tree pests, including aphids, scale insects, mites, caterpillars, and fruit flies.
- Cultural Practices:
- Maintain good cultural practices, such as proper pruning, watering, and fertilizing, to promote healthy, resilient fruit trees that are better able to withstand pest attacks.
- Remove and destroy any fallen fruit, leaves, or other plant debris that may harbor pests or disease pathogens.
- Natural Predators:
- Encourage natural predators of pests, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and predatory wasps, by providing habitat and avoiding the use of broad-spectrum pesticides that may harm beneficial insects.
- Plant flowering plants nearby to attract pollinators and beneficial insects that help control pest populations.
- Physical Barriers:
- Install physical barriers, such as tree wraps or trunk guards, to protect fruit trees from crawling pests like ants and rodents.
- Use floating row covers or netting to exclude flying insects, birds, and other pests from accessing fruit trees.
- Biological Control:
- Consider using biological control methods, such as releasing beneficial nematodes or predatory insects, to target specific pests while minimizing harm to non-target organisms.
- Introduce parasitic wasps, predatory mites, or other natural enemies of pest insects to help control populations without the need for chemical pesticides.
- Integrated Pest Management (IPM):
- Implement an integrated pest management (IPM) approach that combines multiple pest control strategies, including cultural, biological, physical, and chemical methods, to effectively manage pest populations while minimizing environmental impact.
- Monitor pest populations regularly and use thresholds to determine when intervention is necessary, prioritizing the use of non-chemical control methods whenever possible.
- Selective Pesticide Use:
- Use chemical pesticides as a last resort and only when non-chemical methods have proven ineffective or when pest populations exceed acceptable thresholds.
- Selectively choose pesticides that are least harmful to beneficial insects, pollinators, and the environment, and follow label instructions carefully to minimize risks to human health and the ecosystem.