When to Plant Avocado in Brisbane — Subtropical Guide

Avocado

Photo: Wikimedia Commons

Evergreen subtropical tree that has become Australia's most fashionable fruit. Three races: Mexican (cold-hardy, small fruit), Guatemalan (medium hardiness), and West Indian (tropical only). Most commercial varieties are Guatemalan or Guatemalan-Mexican hybrids. Hass dominates but is not the only option. Trees can become VERY large (15m+) if not managed. Grafted trees fruit in 3-5 years; seedlings are a genetic lottery and take 7-15 years.

How to Grow Avocado in Subtropical Australia

When to Plant

Plant September-November. SEQ is prime avocado country - warm enough for good production, enough winter cool for fruit quality.

Soil
Extremely well-drained, slightly acidite to neutral. Avocados CANNOT tolerate waterlogged roots - Phytophthora root rot is the #1 killer. Sandy loam ideal. Heavy clay is death. If you have clay, build a raised mound 50-60cm high.
pH Range
5.5-6.5
Sunlight
Full sun. Protect young trees from harsh afternoon sun with shade cloth for first 2 years.

Companion plants: Comfrey, Sweet potato ground cover, Nasturtium

Avoid planting near: Anything that needs regular digging around root zone - avocado roots are shallow and easily damaged

Subtropical Growing Tips for Avocado

Recommended Varieties

  • Hass (A-type)
  • Shepard (B-type)
  • Wurtz (A-type, dwarf)
  • Bacon (B-type)
  • Reed (A-type)

Key Challenges

  • Summer storms can cause waterlogging
  • Phytophthora in poorly drained sites
  • Fruit fly

Pro Tips

  • This is ideal avocado country. Plant an A-type and B-type together.
  • Hass and Shepard is the classic combination for cross-pollination.
  • Raise planting mound 50cm above surrounding grade in anything other than perfect sandy loam.

Harvesting Avocado

When ready: Avocados do NOT ripen on the tree. Harvest when fruit reaches full size and skin begins to lose glossy sheen (Hass turns slightly purple-black). Pick one and leave at room temperature - if it ripens evenly in 7-10 days without rubbery texture, the crop is ready.

How to harvest: Cut stem with secateurs leaving 1cm stub. Never pull fruit. Handle gently - bruises show as brown flesh.

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