Light. Plant in full sun, at least 23–30 ft from buildings, power lines and other trees.
Water. Water every other day for a week after planting, then once or twice weekly. For three years, water twice weekly in dry spells.
Soil and feeding. It cannot take flooding or soggy soil; on wet sites plant on a mound 2–4 ft high. Feed from March through September with a fertilizer such as Citrus and Avocado Fertilizer. In alkaline soil, chelated iron drenches prevent yellow leaves.
Size. Grows to about 30 ft. Cutting back the top keeps it 10–15 ft.
Pruning. Prune Monroe in March or April, after freeze danger. Each year remove a few upper limbs back to their crotches, and keep the lower branches.
Problems to watch. Laurel wilt, spread by beetles, kills avocados. Wet soil invites root rot, and Monroe is moderately susceptible to scab.
Good to know. Monroe is a Type B hybrid with 24–40 oz fruit. Mature trees take about 25–30°F.
Sources: UF/IFAS EDIS MG213: Avocado Growing in the Florida Home Landscape · UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Avocado
