Light. Plant in full sun for best growth and fruit. Keep it 23–30 ft from buildings and other trees so it is not shaded.
Water. Water every other day for the first week, then once or twice a week for a couple of months. Young trees need water twice a week in dry spells of 5 days or more.
Soil and feeding. Avocados grow well in sandy and limestone soils but do not tolerate flooding or poor drainage. Feed young trees every 1–2 months the first year, then 3–4 times a year. Use a fruit tree fertilizer such as Citrus and Fruit Tree Fertilizer.
Size. Grows to about 30 ft. Unpruned Florida avocados can reach 30–65 ft, so a few cuts each year keep it under 15 ft.
Pruning. Shape it in the first 2 years to encourage side branches. Do not remove the lower branches.
Problems to watch. Wet soil leads to Phytophthora root rot. Laurel wilt, a fungus spread by tiny beetles, kills avocado trees.
Sources: UF/IFAS EDIS CIR1034/MG213: Avocado Growing in the Florida Home Landscape · UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Avocado
