Planting your own breakfast sounds quite incredible, doesn’t it?
More and more people are thinking about growing avocados in their backyards – after all, it is one of the trendiest, tastiest green fruits in the world.
However, not all regions are suitable for avocado cultivation. This leads to a question I frequently receive: Is growing avocado in Texas possible?
If you’re a Texan with a green thumb and a love for this fruit, read on to know if you can bring it to your garden!
Growing Avocado In Texas: Is It Possible?
Yes, you can grow avocados in Texas. However, for them to thrive and produce as many fruits as they do in other areas, special care is required.
You need to water your avocado trees regularly in the summer and protect them from the winter’s cold winds.
Growing avocados in Texas is more challenging for two reasons:
- Avocado prefers well-draining soil. In Texas, the weather is too hot in the summer, and the soil may not have enough moisture to promote the tree’s growth.
- Avocado is a tropical tree native to warmer areas, such as Central America, South America, and Mexico. It needs plenty of heat and sunlight to produce fruits.
Texas, on the other hand, has one of the coldest winters in the United States. The long and harsh winter months are not ideal for avocado cultivation.
Despite the challenges, these evergreen trees are still doing well in the Rio Grande Valley, Gulf Coast, Panhandle, and other regions of the Lone Star State.
A Step-By-Step Guide To Plant Avocado In Texas
Can you grow avocados in Texas? As you can see, Texas might not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of avocados.
But with extra effort and proper strategy, you, too, can plant your own avocado trees and enjoy fresh fruit right in your backyard.
Just follow my step-by-step guide:
Step 1: Choose A Site
The site you choose can determine the success of your avocado crop. Consider three key factors: Soil level, drainage, and exposure to sunlight.
According to experts, avocados like rich, well-draining soil. An ideal location should be rich in organic matter, with a pH between 6 and 7.5.
Good drainage will prevent root rot, so don’t plant your trees in sites that are susceptible to flooding or have compacted soil.
As mentioned, avocado trees require a lot of sun exposure. Select a sunny location that has at least six hours of exposure a day.
For Texas avocados, wind protection is an extra factor to keep in mind. I would recommend planting the trees on the south or southeast side of the house.
This location will keep your plants away from winter blasts.
Step 2: Plant The Avocado Tree
Dig a hole twice as wide as the tree’s root ball at the chosen site. Remove any rocks from the hole.
Next, take the avocado tree out of its container and loosen any tangled roots before placing it in the hole.
If you plant your tree with a tangled root, you may risk choking it. Add some soil and settle it by watering thoroughly.
Finally, apply a layer of coconut mulch around the tree’s base to help retain moisture.
Step 3: Water The Newly Planted Tree
Give your avocado tree Texas a good soaking immediately after planting to help settle the soil. Remember not to overwater since it can lead to root rot.
Check the level of soil moisture frequently and adjust the amount of water as needed.
Step 4: The Aftercare
Now you’ve got yourself an avocado tree, but the job is not done yet! Avocados in Texas require extra care, especially in the summer and winter.
Due to the hot climate in June, July, and August, you should pay close attention to the soil drainage in the summer. Deeply water the tree every 7-10 days.
Fertilization is also a vital aspect of avocado tree care. Use a balanced, organic fertilizer in the early spring and again in midsummer. Prune the tree annually to promote new growth and prevent disease.
Protect the tree from winds or extreme temperatures by covering it with a blanket or tarp during frost or heatwaves.
Finally, watch for signs of pests and diseases, such as leaves turning yellow or brown, and take action immediately if detected.
The Best Time To Grow Avocado Trees In Texas
The best time to grow an avocado tree in Texas is early to mid-spring. During this period, the temperatures are warming up and the threat of frost has passed.
The mild temperature allows your tree to establish its roots before the hot summer months.
You can also plant avocado trees in the late summer and fall, but you will need to protect them from early frosts and prepare them for the winter months to ensure their survival.
8 Best Avocado Varieties To Grow In Texas
Picking a good time is not enough – you also need to choose a variety of avocados suitable for the climate. Only the hardy types, such as bacon or hass avocado, can survive the state’s extreme weather.
By selecting the right variety, you increase the chances of your plant’s success, ensuring it will thrive and produce fruit.
In case you don’t know what the best avocado tree to grow in Texas is, refer to the list below:
Bacon Avocado
If you want to plant an avocado tree in the autumn, bacon avocado is your top choice. Due to its cold-hardy nature, this variety can withstand even the coldest months and grow to 15-20 ft tall.
It is also the first type of avocado to arrive in the season when other varieties go dormant for the year.
Bacon avocado is known for its spreading growth habit and verdant leaves, which make it a lovely addition to your lawn. Plant this tree in your backyard, and soon, it will turn into a tropical garden.
Among all the varieties, bacon avocado’s fruit has a light, nutty, and fruity taste.
Choquette Avocado
Choquette avocado is resistant to disease. Thus, this variety is popular for gardeners with plenty of fruit and vegetable trees that can spread disease among themselves.
As they grow, these trees can reach 15-20 ft tall. They produce large fruits, approximately two pounds when ripe.
Aside from the size, you may recognize a Choquette avocado from its shiny, almost oily skin. The skin can be peeled off easily.
This is one of the juiciest avocado varieties, as the flesh contains more water than others.
Cold-Hardy Avocado
Can avocado trees grow in Texas? With this cold-hardy variety, they sure can!
As the name states, cold-hardy avocados can withstand temperatures as low as 20 degrees Fahrenheit, making it an ideal choice for areas with harsh winters.
This beautiful tree is relatively easy to care for and can be grown in containers or on the ground.
The tree is small to medium-sized. It can grow up to 30 feet tall, and the fruit it produces is similar in size to the Hass variety.
This healthy fruit has smooth, green skin that is easy to peel, while the flesh is creamy and rich in flavor.
Condo Avocado
So you only have limited space yet still want to grow your own avocado tree? Go for the condo avocado variety!
A condo avocado tree is small enough to be grown in containers (only 3 ft in height). Due to its high yield and delicious flavor, this is a common choice among avocado enthusiasts.
While it is not as cold-hardy as other types, condo avocados can still endure temperatures as low as 28 degrees Fahrenheit.
You need to pay extra attention if you want to grow this variety in Texas, but the fruit’s rich, buttery texture makes your effort worthwhile.
Hass Avocado
Perhaps you have heard of this variety before: It is widely grown and consumed around the world, with countries like Mexico and Chile being major producers.
And guess what? Its fruits taste much better right off the tree!
This is the ideal choice for you if you live in south Texas. If you are from northern or central Texas, you will need to shield your avocado tree from the winter blasts.
Fortunately, Hass avocado can thrive even in containers, so you can conveniently take it inside when the weather is cold.
However, the fruit will be smaller if you plant your tree in a pot (about 7 ft tall instead of 20-30 ft tall).
These Mexican avocados have a rich, creamy flavor with a slightly nutty taste. They are often described as having a buttery texture and that shines in various dishes.
Whether you’re making guacamole or adding slices to a sandwich, your homegrown avocado can elevate any dish.
Lula Avocado
To grow avocados in Texas, another choice you have is Lula avocado.
Commonly grown in Florida and San Antonio, this variety has an outstanding ability to thrive in humid environments. Lula is also cold-hardy so that it can survive the cold temperatures in northern Texas.
With proper care, these trees will develop to 20-25 ft and produce fruit all year long. The fruit is oval-shaped with smooth, green skin and high oil content.
Maluma Avocado
Maluma avocado is relatively new. Originating in Colombia, it is now being grown in various regions of the world.
The variety gets more and more popular thanks to its compact size. Maluma trees grow slowly, but it produces plenty of fruits.
These avocados have a distinctive pear shape with dark, bumpy skin and a small seed. They boast a buttery texture and a rich, nutty flavor that is slightly sweeter than other types.
Sharwil Avocado
Last but not least, I have tried to seeded some of the Sharwil Avocado – a fantastic variety that’s easy to plant and care for – in my garden, and it worked.
The Sharwil avocado thrives in warm, humid climates, with temperatures around 60-85°F, reaching about 10 to 12 ft in height.
Thus, it is perfect for spring – summer in Texas. The tree can grow up to 30 feet tall, but regular pruning will help maintain a manageable size.
As for the taste, the Sharwil avocado has a rich flavor and a creamy texture perfect for various dishes.
Its high oil content adds an excellent flavor and a satisfying mouthfeel, making it a favorite amongst avocado enthusiasts.
FAQs
How Can I Store Avocado In Texas?
If your avocado fruits are ripe, you can keep them whole in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
In case it is unripe, leave it on the counter and wait for it to ripen. Don’t store unripe avocados in the fridge, as the cold will prevent them from ripening.
Which States Is Best For Growing Avocado Trees?
The best states for growing avocado trees are among the warmest states in America, such as Florida, California, Alabama, and Hawaii.
How To Care For Avocado Trees In Cold Climate?
To take care of an avocado tree in the winter, it is important to protect it from frost. Cover the tree with a blanket or tarp at night when temperatures drop.
Water the tree sparingly during the winter, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings. Avoid pruning during this time.
Wrapping Up
Now you have the knowledge and skills required to plant avocado trees in the Lone Star State!
With the right site, right time, and right variety, your trees will flourish and provide you with a bountiful harvest of creamy fruit.
Growing avocado in Texas is not just a hobby, it’s a labor of love and a delicious adventure. Roll up your sleeves, dig into the soil, and let the sun and rain work their magic!
