Position
The Hass avo tree likes plenty of sunshine and rain, and prefers to be sheltered from the wind, as far as possible. When mature, it is large, so allow an area of about 7 metres around each tree. Dig a deep and wide hole for the feeder roots to spread wide. Nourish all of the soil that will be put back into your hole. In terms of fruiting, Hass is a type A avo tree. Type A’s first flower are female, which close and reopen as males.
It is best to plant your Hass avo tree near a Fuerte or Ryan avocado (Type B), so that the bees can fertilise from open male flowers to open female flowers simultaneously. and will asssit in pollinating the Fuerte avo tree.
Size
The Hass avocado tree grows to between 5-6 metres in height with a canopy spread of about 3 to 4.5 metres wide, depending on how it’s pruned and the space available for growth.
Soil Type
Although this avo trees likes to have a lot of water, the soil should drain well. This is to prevent the roots from becoming soggy, which will only cause them to rot and die. Sandy, loamy soil with a pH of between 5.0 and 7.0 is ideal. Plant with at least one bag of acid compost.
Watering
The Hass avocados, like all avo trees, are water-hungry. They need and want lots of water, especially when they’re getting established. In drier conditions, they may even need to be watered more than once a day. Mature fruiting plants can drink up to 75 litres of water a day. In normal conditions, you should be able to water it about 3 times a week.
Mulching
Apply organic mulch to your avocado tree all year round.
Use from 2 to 5 centimetres of pine bark mulch to protect the roots from UV damage and drying out. It retains moisture, and maintains an optimal pH. Do not let the mulch touch the plant stem, as it may cause infection or rot.
Fertilising
Fertilise your avo tree in spring, summer and autumn by sprinkling one tablespoon of nitrogen on the soil under the tree. Then, water it very well so the nitrogen can soak deep into the ground.
Our high nitrogen slow-release All Plant Fertiliser works well with all plants and trees. Apply 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months.
Pruning
Pests and Diseases
Harvesting
Broadly speaking, it’s best to pick the largest fruits first and then allow them to ripen off the tree before they fall to the ground. Still, it is good to leave them on the tree for as long as possible, as immature fruits won’t ripen after they’ve been picked. So, keep an eye on your tree and try to feel the avocados you can reach to check that they are not too soft.
