Some people say I’m crazy…
But those people must not understand the depth of my love for avocados. I mean, not only are there some amazing health benefits from eating avocados, the more avocados I can get in mah belly, the better. So, like any farmer chick, I researched how to grow an avocado tree.
Because, guac!
So, this girl decided to grow an avocado tree…right here in the desert.
Do avocados grow in the desert?
I get this question each time a new friend visits my house. The answer is YES, avocados can be grown in the desert. There are just a few things you need to do first in order to make sure it survives.
Just because a tree isn’t indigenous to your area doesn’t mean you can’t grow it. It’s possible, with some extra care.
How to grow an avocado tree in the desert
If you live in California, Nevada, Texas, New Mexico, or Arizona, this is for you! Also, Australian friends might want to try this method, too!
The right variety for an avocado tree in the desert:
For our first avocado tree here on the farm, we chose an Aravaipa Avocado purchased from Shamus O’Leary’s Tropical Trees right here in Glendale, Arizona. You can grow an avocado from an avocado seed, just know it may not produce avocados and may just be a pretty tree with pretty foliage.
The Aravaipa avocado is called the unicorn of the desert. It is from the Aravaipa canyon in Arizona. The backstory is that the mother tree is over 150 years old and stands 50 ft. tall by 50 ft. wide. The funny thing about this tree is that nobody knows who planted it or why it exists in the middle of the desert. There’s some speculation that a cowboy traveling from Mexico dropped an avocado seed and the seed somehow survived all on its own!
The aravaipa avocado can withstand temps as high as 120 degrees and as low as 14 degrees Fahrenheit. The avocado fruit tastes like a Hass avocado.
The Aravaipa avocado is a A type avocado. It can self-pollinate, but it’s recommended to plant a B type for better production. (We’ll be planting a Winter Mexican or some other B type avocado tree this year)
The right location for an avocado tree in the desert:
I can’t say this enough, if you want to know how to grow an avocado tree, you MUST have morning sun and afternoon shade to survive. The quickest way to let your tree die is to plant it in full sun here in the desert. This means you’ll need to plant your avocado tree on the east side of your property, preferably under a larger tree.
We planted ours on the east side under a large Chinese elm tree. This way, our avocado tree soaks up the morning sun and then gets afternoon shade/diffused light from the larger tree. It’s been working out BEAUTIFULLY.
What about shade cloth? If this is your only option, it’s possible, but by all means, shoot for a location on your property that already provides that morning sun, afternoon shade!
The right soil mix for an avocado tree in the desert:
We live in Zone 9, so we have a very clay-like soil. It holds moisture well, but it also locks up nutrients for plants that prefer a loamy situation.
So, when we planted our avocado, we made sure to add a few things to the hole to give it plenty of support. Check out my post here on how to plant tropical trees in the desert. We did these exact same things for our avocado!
How to maintain and care for an avocado tree in the desert
Now that you know how to grow an avocado tree, let’s dive into the maintenance. Just know that if you did the right variety, right location, and right soil, you’ve just made your life LOADS easier.
There are a few things that we add to our gardening calendar for our avocado tree.
- Water 1x week, very low & slow, almost like a drip with a calcium filter (where to buy)
- Water 2x month with a diluted fish emulsion (where to buy) mixture (2 gallons water to 1/2 c. fish emulsion)
- 1x month add an 8-3-9 in Ground Plant Food. (where to buy)
- 1x month we Foliar Feed (where to buy)
- 2x year add an 18-6-8 Timed Release Food. (where to buy)
- 4x year we also add some composted manure from our goats:)
As our avocado tree grows, I’ll be posting updates! Here’s the first!
UPDATE #1
Hey guys, just wondering how your Aravaipa Avocado Tree is doing ?? When did you first plant it, and Is it still growing. Has it produced any fruit yet ?
Hi Aaron-
Yes the tree is still growing but has not produced fruit.
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
How’s your avocado tree burn any fruit or is this your first year? I don’t see a link to purchase your specific kind of avocado tree. We’d like to start out with a variety that does well in arid desert. We are in southern Utah, just over the Nevada border. Thx!
Hello-
DaNelle’s tree is still growing, but has not produced fruit yet.
Look up Shamus O’Leary’s site and you find some good advice there: https://www.greenlifebyshamusoleary.com/
Best of luck with your tree!
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
I have looked on a few sites about growing Avocados and it said if the trees are from grafted stock it could take 3-4 years to begin fruiting. I was hoping they would just pop out as soon as I planted it 😉 but apparently I need to be patient. They should put that info right on the tag for folks.
I have a large mesquite tree that would provide excellent protection from the western sun, but it is bare in the winter as it drops its leaves. Would the avocado be ok in the winter without that protection? I am in Tucson AZ.
Hi Craig-
Yes, that should be ok.
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Danelle – a friend pointed me to this post. I saw one of the posts requesting an update on the avo tree. Where are you in the process for the tree you planted?
Also have you seen any producing Avo’s here in the Phoenix metro area? And I am not just talking about one or two fruit. Have you seen any trees that produce reliably every year with a nice crop? I keep looking and people say on FB oh yeah they are everywhere and when I push them for a tour of a producing avo the conversation disappears. Please answer my questions – I would appreciate it. I would just like to see a regularly producing avo – and oh for that matter a mango as well!
Greg
Hi Greg-
DaNelle’s tree is still growing but not producing fruit yet. If you want to know more about this go to Shamus O’Leary’s site and he can direct you on this.
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Hi I’m in st george utah where we get cooler winters. I want to grow an avocado tree but told it won’t survive here. We get up into the 110s in the summer and as low as 0 in winter but typically in the low 30s. Would it be advisable to plant one of the Arizona ones on east side under my tree then wrap to protect in winter to keep warm?
Hi Brenda-
You could definitely try to plant it and it may grow well, it just may have difficulty producing fruit. For more information be sure to check out Shamus O’Leary’s Tropical Fruit Trees on Facebook. He can answer a lot of your questions about the avocado tree.
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
An avocado that would possibly work well for you is the Joey variety. It’s a Mexican variety which do well in desert climates. It will also handle cold down to 19 degrees once mature. All small avocadoes will want some help under 35 degrees as their thin trunk will freeze through very quickly. Idk anywhere in Utah that sells avocados, let alone the Joey variety, but keep a look out online. Someone might offer shipping to your area.
It’s been 3 years…I don’t see any updates. Did the tree die? Has it produced fruit? I know tons of people that have avocados here in Phoenix. They either die as ours did (and we did everything we were told to) or they never produce fruit.
Hi Catherine-
The tree is still alive, but it hasn’t produced fruit yet.
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
I am in New Mexico and want to grow a couple Avocado trees. I contacted the place you got yours and he doesn’t ship and your about 300 miles one way. Do you know anybody that would ship the avocado trees you are growing ? There are a couple places that will ship but they are not the avocados you have. I am in Truth Or Consequences and it never gets as hot as your area gets. It does get into the teens sometimes in winter, but not often. Any suggestions would be great.
Thanks,
Alan Dye
Hi Alan-
You could try connecting with a local gardening FB group for your area and see if they might know of someone that grows, sells, or ships the Aravaipa/Arizona avocado trees.
You can try this link from Amazon. I can’t say anything about the quality of services or products from them, but it might be an option.
https://www.amazon.com/Arizona-Avocado-Tree-Year-Old/dp/B07RDLZYQW/ref=mp_s_a_1_4?keywords=aravaipa+avocado+tree&qid=1558801735&s=gateway&sprefix=Aravaipa+Avocado&sr=8-4
Good luck with finding your trees.
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
I am a SoCal girl and really love avocado. My fathers tree is almost 50 years old. Where I’m living is slightly cooler than Phoenix proper, and I’ve got flood irrigation. Can I still grow avocados? My pecan trees are going to shade the apples so I don’t think there’s room there but I have a 60-year-old grapefruit tree very well established and there is room to put an avocado near it so that it is shaded. Also the back of my property is east the front is west and the tree would be shaded by the house. My ground is very well updated as this used to be a citrus Grove. Do I still have a chance for avocado?
Hi Lisa-
It’s sounds like you have a beautiful piece of land. And yes, an avocado tree should be able to grow there. For more tips click on the link for Shamus O’Leary’s FB page in the article. He’s the real guru and you can find all kinds of information from his page.
Best of luck with your tree!
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Lisa:
I live in the Arcadia area of Phoenix. I didn’t know a thing about growing avocados in Phoenix. Used to live in Alta Loma, California. It was hot and dry area in the foothills of the San Bernadino Mountains. Had a neighbor who had an avocado tree. Saw lots of Avocado farms down south of there in Chino off State Route 55, so I thought I’d give avocados a try here in Phoenix. I planted avocado seeds that I got from supermarket fruit. All the seeds were Haas variety from Mexico. Over the past eight years, I sprouted about a dozen plants. I’ve experimented and learned a lot and am learning more every year. Just having fun. The first thing I learned is planting seeds is a hit or miss proposition (some sprout and some don’t). Next thing I learned was something I read that says seed trees may take from 10-15 years to produce fruit. Would have still experimented with seeds, but wouldn’t have gotten my hopes up if I had known it took so long. I have three mature trees that are between 5-8 years old. My five year old tree has flowered three years in a row. The two older trees have not flowered at all. This past February I had my best flowering season. Had 2 dozen little avocados.survive until May/June. Something ate them. I think it was birds. Proves you can grow avocado in Phoenix, but mine was fun and luck. I will try grafting next spring, but this fall I am buying an Arizona Aravaipa.
I am moving to Florence and am bringing my starter trees. I have several planted from pits of avocados from the grocery store and all have produced delicious avocados! I was told by our landscaper that avocado trees will not grow here…I hope to prove him wrong. My trees were free and if they do not survive, no loss…but I will be buying the type you suggest and following your directions.
Thanks!
Hi M-
Good luck with your avocado trees! Let us know how they turn out!
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Love this post! I am moving to Texas and want to have a garden. Now I am inspired!
I live in Palm Springs CA and have now planted Hass avocado trees (Feb 2018) in my yard with morning sun, and between a orange tree, avocado tree, fig tree, avocado tree, grapefruit tree. And during the summer I use shade cloth to filter the sun which is high in the sky from the Southside.
Last summer in the desert here was intense and they made it. Now that I know something about the sex life of the avocado I will plant a Fuerte (B) avocado between the two Hass (A).
If my Hass fail, I will replant with the type you recommend. Thanks for taking it seriously – because I do!
Larry
Hi Larry-
It sounds like you are becoming quite the avocado grower! I hope your trees do well!
Thank you for reading and posting. -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
I live in Palm Springs Ca should I try planting in a container pot first so I can move it around seasonally ?
Thank you
Debra
Hi Debra-
Yes, you can plant it in a container and move it around. While in the container it can limit the growth, but it will give it a good start. I hope that helps.
Thank you -Bobbi ((DaNelle’s Assistant)
we live in the high desert above Palm Springs, is there a dwarf avocado tree we can grow in Yucca Valley, Ca. 92284
Little Cado “Wurtz” is the only truly dwarf variety of Avocado tree. Not an easy one to find, but perfect for containers so that you can grow Avocado virtually anywhere.
In the desert climate, what time of year do you suggest to plant?
Hi D-
DaNelle planted hers in September. If you want more info on planting tropicals in the desert check out this article with links to guru Shamus O’Leary:
https://www.weedemandreap.com/planting-tropical-trees-desert/
Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Is it possible to plant in a planter so that we can move it around depending on the season? We live in a house where the front gets no sun in the winter and full sun in the summer so it is hard to plant in one part of the yard.
Hi Eileen-
I’m not sure how well the tree will do a planter. I would suggest contact Shamus O’Leary (he’s the guru). Here’s his FB page: https://www.facebook.com/Shamus-OLearys-Tropical-Fruit-Trees-469661096392272/
Also here is an FB Page link to the Arizona Gardening Resource that may help: https://www.facebook.com/groups/PhoenixBackyardGardening/
Best of luck! Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Eileen. Wurtz “Little Cado” is the only truly dwarf avocado that would do well container grown. You can grow most avocados in a container for most their life, but will want 40gallon container or larger.
I live in Las Vegas and would like to plant an avocado tree. I’ve heard the hype about the Aravaipa avocado, but has anyone actually eaten one? I’ve never seen a picture of the fruit or heard anyone say they’ve actually eaten one. I don’t want to go through all of the trouble necessary for this tree only to produce an avocado I can’t actually eat.
Thanks!
Hi Carwin-
I would suggest contacting Shamus O’Leary. He’s the avocado guru and could answer the questions you have. Here’s his FB link: https://m.facebook.com/Shamus-OLearys-Tropical-Fruit-Trees-469661096392272/
Thanks -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
I live in Las Vegas Nv and would like to have an avocado tree and bear fruit any help welcomed it would be on west side of house I have apricot and peach would I need 2 avocado trees? Thankyou Mara
Hi Mara-
If you plant you tree on the west side of your home it may not get enough morning sun and may not grow well. Plus in the heat of the afternoon you must make sure it has shade or it will get burned and damaged. To ensure your trees bear fruit you will need 2 trees, with the best results coming from having a Type A and a Type B tree for pollination. I hope that helps! Thank you -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Hi there,
I purchased the same variety from Shamus this past October. We took proper care to amend the soil prior to planting, but I fear that the original location was not ideal. We thought that planting next to a block wall would provide adequate afternoon shade. Huge mistake. Within 2 weeks, the tree shed all of its leaves and the bark began to turn black. We have since relocated the tree under a rather large mesquite, hoping to nurse it back. We didn’t filter the water and it was irrigated on the same once/day schedule as all of the other trees (tropicals), purchased at the same time. Mango, passion fruit, guava, mulberry and banana trees are all thriving. Everything but the poor avocado. Any advice?
Hi KC-
Your poor little tree definitely got sunburned and most likely went into shock when you transplanted it. It’s really good you moved it into the shade, that’s a great first step!
Some other things you can try are to make sure it receives the right amount of water, which can be tricky in this case. You want to make sure you water it to where the soil is moist, with the soil draining sufficiently (do not let it stand in water). However, if your tree has lost its leaves, do not irrigate until the soil in the root zone approaches dryness. No leaves reduce the amount of water the tree uses, so soil will remain wet longer than with your other trees. Keep checking your soil around your avocado tree and modify the irrigation schedule to prevent excess moisture in the root zone.
You can trim your tree back a bit if it does have leaves or some scraggly branches so it will focus on growing its root system. Also scale back on any fertilizer you are giving the tree so the roots do not just produce top growth, but grow deep and strong. To give your tree a boost you can give it some sugar water. To do this, mix 2 cups of hot (or boiling) water with 3 tablespoons of sugar and let it dissolve. After allowing it to cool, give this to your tree. Doing this once a week or every other week should be sufficient.
Hopefully your tree will come back soon. Best of luck! Let us know how it’s going. Thank you –Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
I live in a very new development and just finished our backyard. I’d like to plant a few of these back there, but I don’t have any larger trees to provide the difused sunlight or full shade. What I do have is a home that faces north/south, so the east side of my home in the backyard practically gets full shade by midday. That, however, would only provide shade for so long and if my tree grows taller than the house, I’m not sure if it’ll survive. Frankly, I guess by time the tree is taller than my home, it should be well situated in the soil (ha).
Any suggestions?
Hi Shaka-
Having your house shade the young tree can definitely work. You can also plant a native tree prior (to give it a head start) to planting your avocado to grow tall and shade your avocado. Or if you plant at the same time you could pick a fast growing variety that is native and does extremely well in your area.
I hope this helps. Best of luck and Happy Growing! Thanks -Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
How Are your avocados doing now?
Hi Amy-
DaNelle said they are doing great! Twice the size now! Thanks for asking!
-Bobbi (DaNelle’s Assistant)
Yes it’s time for a video update
Lisa
Hi Lisa-
Yep, definitely time for an update. Hopefully that can be done this year if time allows. Thanks for watching, reading, and posting! -Bobbi
There are several avocado varieties suitable for desert climates. I have a 1-gal Aravaipa that in spring 2017 will be planted in the ground in Tucson; ditto for a 3-gal Mexicola Grande. My Wilma Avocado, purchased 2012 as a 1-gal at Devine Avocados in Devine, TX (they don’t ship out of state), went into the ground the following spring, hit 8′ its first season, bore 14 fruit in 2015, and this year (at over 16 feet high) has abundant fruit that are now maturing. The grower claims it’s hardy to 16 degrees. I can’t personally verify this, but it was largely unfazed by our winter frosts, with blackening of only the newest, tender foliage, and loss of some blossoms. However, it bloomed over a long enough period that there were enough unfrozen flowers to set plenty of fruit. My in-ground Opal Avocado, purchased at the same nursery and planted at the same time, is purportedly hardy to 14 degrees, but is a very slow grower. It’s only about 3 feet high and bore it’s first (solitary) fruit this year. A neighbor has had good luck for many years with a couple of Zutano trees.
I decided to try the Mexicola Grande after hearing about an established, bearing tree about five miles from my home. The owner let me take cuttings, which I grafted onto Lula seedlings. The owner’s wife says the avocados their tree produces are “the best she’s ever tasted.” I’m hoping it, and the Aravaipa, will perform as well for me as they have for other people.
Despite the cold tolerance of these varieties, however, it is a good idea to provide frost protection for the first few years, as young trees are much more vulnerable to damage than mature trees. On cold nights, a bed sheet draped over the tree with an extension cord and 100 watt light bulb underneath will help it survive the early years.
Hi Ken
Thanks for the info. Really helpful
Question 1
Where did you purchase the Aravaipa avocado Tree?
Question 2
If I had to go with the following variety (Hass, Bacon, Mexicana or Mexicola)?
Brian – Tucson
Ken, always appreciate your input. We need to get one of the tropical fruit nurseries to work on getting those Wilmas here. I have 3 in-ground for 2+ years (Brogdon, Chocquette & Aravaipa). All are heavily mulched, summer-shaded (and under a tree-canopy) and get fed regularly, and all are doing well, but are slow growers. I am planning on adding another Type-B this fall (going back and forth between Winter Mexican & Fuerte) but feel like fruit-production is still at least a couple of years away on my current trees.
I’m curious about how it will handle a frost.