Position
The Hass avocado tree likes plenty of sunshine and rain and prefers to be sheltered from the wind as much as possible. When mature, it is large, so allow about 7 metres of clearance around each tree. Dig a deep, wide hole for the feeder roots to spread. Nourish all of the soil that will be put back into your hole. In terms of fruiting, Hass is a type A avocado tree. Type A’s first flower is female, which closes and reopens as male.
It is best to plant your Hass avocado tree near a Fuerte avocado tree of Type B, which is opposite, so that the bees can fertilise from open male flowers to open female flowers simultaneously. and will assist in pollinating the Fuerte avocado tree.
Size
The Hass avocado tree grows to between 5 and 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 avocado trees like 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.
Superfrass (R25 per bag) is a natural, high-quality organic growth enhancer and pesticide that you can add when planting.
Watering
The Hass avocados, like all avocado 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 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 avocado tree in spring, summer, and autumn by sprinkling one tablespoon of nitrogen on the soil under the tree. Then water it thoroughly so the nitrogen can soak deep into the ground.
Our high-nitrogen, slow-release berry fertiliser works well with all plants and trees. 1 teaspoon every 4-5 months.
Pollination
Honeybees are the primary vectors for avocado pollination.
Plant Type B pollinators, such as Fuerte, within 50-80 meters of Hass rows to maximize cross-pollination, ensuring overlapping bloom times for optimal results. Self-pollination occurs in Hass, but cross-pollination with Fuerte significantly improves fruit quality, quantity, and set retention.
Pruning
Prune your tree with clean equipment and don’t prune a healthy tree with the same tools that you used for a sick tree. Generally, remove horizontal branches near the ground and dead or diseased limbs. Keep the canopy fairly open to allow light to enter and to make it easier to access. A light pruning can be done at any time of year. A heavier pruning should be done late in winter or early in spring.
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
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 avos you can reach to check that they are not too soft.
