Planting information for your Avocado Tree:
Position
Plant your Fuerte avocado tree in a sunny spot sheltered from the wind. Allow about 7.5 to 10 metres between your avocado trees. The tree’s size can be controlled for smaller gardens.
The Fuerte cultivar is a type B avocado, meaning that flowers open first as males, then close and reopen as females. So, plant them about 7.5 to 10 metres from a type A tree, which will have the opposite sex flower simultaneously. This helps bees to cross-pollinate.
Size
Avo trees can reach a height of 12-15 metres, depending on soil conditions, with a canopy spread of up to 10.5 metres. In good conditions, it can grow about a metre a year.
Soil Type
The Fuerte avocado trees need plenty of water, but soggy soil can lead to root rot. So, the soil needs to be sandy or loamy that drains well. Soil with a pH of between 5.0 and 7.0 is best for avos. Plant with at least one bag of acid compost.
Watering
Avocado trees are particularly demanding when it comes to water. They want plenty of it. A mature tree may drink up to 75 litres of water a day. Generally, your tree should be watered two to three times a week unless it has been particularly dry.
Mulching
Apply organic mulch to your avocado tree 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
Apply 1 teaspoon of our slow-release nitrogen-rich berry fertiliser every 4-5 months.
Pruning
Prune your Fuerte avocado tree towards the end of winter/beginning of spring with clean equipment (that hasn’t been used on another diseased tree). Keep the canopy light and airy, and trim off horizontal branches hanging closer to the ground.
Pests and Diseases
Aphids, citrus psylla, red scale, citrus greening. Spraying regularly with Agricultural Neem Oil or Effective Microorganisms (EM Control) will assist in prevention or in after-the-fact control. If you already have aphids or mites, wash the tree with a harsh hosing, and when dry, spray with Neem oil or EM Control.
Practice good garden hygiene (remove fallen fruit and leaves).
Watch for root rot (if overwatered) and fungal infections during wet periods.
Harvesting
Only mature fruits will ripen once plucked, so leave them on the tree for as long as possible. As a general rule, pick the largest fruits first, which will be the most mature.
Pick while green and allow them to ripen indoors. Avocados do not ripen on the tree and will fall off when rotten.
When your Fuerte avo is ready to eat, it will be firm but give under the pressure of your thumb.
