Light. Plant in full sun, 23–30 ft from buildings, power lines and trees; shade cuts fruiting.
Water. Water every other day the first week, then once or twice a week for two months. Water young trees twice a week in dry spells. Timed lawn sprinklers cause root rot.
Soil and feeding. It grows in sandy and limestone soils but not where water stands; plant on a mound in low spots. Feed every 1–2 months the first year, then 3–4 times a year, with Citrus and Fruit Tree Fertilizer.
Size. Grows to about 30 ft; unpruned Florida avocados can reach 30–65 ft. A few cuts each year keep it under 15 ft.
Pruning. Prune soon after harvest. Remove a few upper limbs yearly; keep the lower branches.
Problems to watch. Laurel wilt, spread by ambrosia beetles, kills avocados. Report wilting, browning leaves or sawdust tubes on the trunk to your county Extension office.
Good to know. A West Indian type with low cold tolerance; fruit weighs 16–34 oz and resists scab.
Sources: UF/IFAS EDIS MG213: Avocado Growing in the Florida Home Landscape · UF/IFAS Gardening Solutions: Avocado · UF/IFAS EDIS HS1358: Detection and Mitigation of Laurel Wilt Disease in Avocado in the Home Landscape
