Avocado tree
Persea americana
Botanical family: Lauraceae
Persea americana, a Lauraceae of Mesoamerican origin (the same family as bay laurel). Sensitive to frost, its young shoots suffering from -1 °C, it demands warmth and perfect drainage. Sources: Plants For A Future, “Persea americana”; California Avocado Commission, “Effects of Freezes on Avocado Trees”.
Full sun, very warm and sheltered
Rich, deep, very well-drained; absolutely dislikes root asphyxiation
Regular without excess, standing water is fatal to it
Frost-tender: most varieties tolerate 0 to -2 °C, the hardiest (Mexican race) down to ~-6 °C, veranda/greenhouse in France, or a very sheltered South of France
Frost-tender in your zone
Flowers with a special behaviour (types A and B): pairing two complementary varieties markedly improves fruit set
Better crops with several plants or two varieties
Role in permaculture
A large subtropical evergreen tree, grown for its fruit rich in good fats. In France, it remains an exceptional crop (veranda, greenhouse, coastal microclimate); its stone germinates easily, which makes it an educational houseplant. A fruit curiosity for mild climates and winter gardens.
Companions
No companion planting is documented for this plant: no recommended neighbour, no neighbour to avoid.
Seasons & availability
In our climates it is grown in a pot for its looks: indoors it does not normally set fruit. In Corsica, where a few orchards on the eastern plain do crop, mostly the Hass variety, avocados are picked in January and February, sometimes into late spring.
Available: January, February.
Guidance for the oceanic / temperate climate; it may vary with your region, altitude, exposure and growing method.
Sources
- Missouri Botanical Garden, « Persea americana » (plantfinder.mobot.org/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=281661)
- Réussir, « “L'avocat corse répond à toutes les attentes des consommateurs” pour Les Domaines de la Taste » (reussir.fr/fruits-legumes/l-avocat-corse-repond-a-toutes-les-attentes-des-consommateurs-pour-les-domaines-de-la-taste)
- France 2, « Agriculture : l'avocat, le nouveau fruit corse » (franceinfo.fr/economie/emploi/metiers/agriculture/agriculture-l-avocat-le-nouveau-fruit-corse_6386272.html)
Nutritional & medicinal properties
For educational purposes. Not a substitute for medical advice. Effects depend on the form, the dose and personal context.
Precautions & contraindications
The leaves, bark, stone and skin contain persin, toxic to many animals (birds especially, but also dogs, cats, rabbits and horses): do not give it to them. The large stone poses a choking hazard for young children.
Species & varieties
The best-known species and varieties in France.
Common varieties
Key takeaways
- • Prefers full sun, very warm and sheltered exposure.
- • Ideal soil: rich, deep, very well-drained; absolutely dislikes root asphyxiation.