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Cold hardy avocado varieties

The following is information on some cold hardy varieties of avocado trees.

Cold hardy avocados are of Mexican origin. They are self fertile. They have thin, tender skin that clings to the flesh. The flesh has a high oil content, up to 30%. Some varieties have leaves with pronounced anise-like scent. These avocados are known to be grown around San-Antonio, Texas (Zone 8b). Avocados planted there were damaged, but not killed at 10F. As a general rule, these varieties can tolerate temperatures down to 15F for a short period of time without significant damages.

Important things to consider:

1. Small plants are very tender and susceptible to cold weather. When a freeze is expected, mound mulch around the trunk for additional protection. Cover the tree with a blanket. During severe freezes, add a string of lights or a small heater under the covers. Mature trees are more cold resistant and do not need this extra protection.

2. Cold tolerance depends on many factors. Plant location and wind protection are very important. Plant a tree, so it will be protected from cold wind, which is much more dangerous than cold itself. Plant avocados in the warmest location in the residential landscape, usually the south or southeast side of the house.

3. Healthy, well taken care of plants are more cold tolerant.

4. Very important: air humidity plays an important role. In general, plants grown in areas with dry, low humidity winters are more cold tolerant than plants grown in areas with wet winters. For example, a plant can withstand 10-15F in the dry Texas climate, but may tolerate only 15-20F in the wet East Coast climate. Avocados need very little water during cold. It's very sensitive to over-watering. There is no faster way to kill the plant than too much water during a cold spell. Good drainage is the most important factor to consider when planting an avocado tree. In areas with poor drainage, create a mound of soil and plant the tree on the mound.

The most cold hardy varieties:

Brazos Belle: Produces medium-large, purple-black long fruit. Season: October-November. Fantastic: Produces green, paper thin skin, supposedly the most cold hardy of all. The fruit has a creamy texture. Joey: Selected by Joey Ricers in Uvalde, Texas (just outside of San-Antonio). Produces medium size, egg shaped purple-black fruit. It has excellent flavor. Heavy bearer. Season: September-October. Lila: Produces medium size, green fruit. Season: September-October. Don't confuse this variety with Lula, which is a popular Florida variety and commonly used for rootstock. (Lula is cold hardy to 25F) Poncho: Produces medium to large green fruit. Cold hardy to 15F

For more information on cold hardy Avocado trees, see TopTropicals.com