How Much Cold Can an Avocado Take?
- There are three "races" or species of avocado, the Guatemalan (Persea nubigena var. guatamalensis L. Wms.), Mexican (P. Americana var. drymifolia Blake) and West Indian (P. Americana Mill. var. Americana). In addition, there are hybrid avocado trees from those species. Avocados grow commercially in the United States in Hawaii, California, Texas, Florida and Puerto Rico. Avocado trees will grow in basically any type of well-drained soil. Pick a sunny spot at least 25 to 30 feet away from buildings or other trees to avoid shading the avocados.
- The three basic types of avocado trees have a slightly different requirement, which makes them more suitable for certain areas of the U.S. The least cold-tolerant is the West Indian type, which requires a tropical or near tropical climate with high atmospheric humidity. It grows particularly well in southern Florida in Collier and Miami-Dade counties, as well as elsewhere in Florida. The slightly hardier Guatemalan type, which originated in the subtropical highland regions of South America, has a medium cold tolerance and is well suited for the environment of coastal California. However, even the most cold-tolerant variety, the Mexican type, can only tolerate temperatures as low as the 20s. Most avocados grown in California are Mexican avocados.
- True Mexican avocado types can tolerate temperatures as low as 25 degrees F without much damage. However, some hybrid Mexican types can tolerate colder temperatures, with young trees able to tolerate temperatures of 24 to 26 degrees F and mature trees able to tolerate 18 to 26 degrees F, depending on variety. In general, the less hardy Guatemalan type can handle temperatures of 26 to 28 degrees F when young and 24 28 degrees F when mature. The least hardy West Indian type can only handle 28 to 30 degrees F when young and 25 to 30 degrees F when mature.
- Avocado trees are classified as an evergreen, although they often briefly shed their leaves around the time they flower before growing new leaves. The trees range in height from 30 to 65 feet, depending on variety. The West Indian produces avocados that weigh about 1 to 5 lbs. with a smooth leathery skin. The fruit of the Guatemalan avocado, with its rough woody skin, weighs 0.5 to 5 lbs. However, the Mexican avocado is much smaller, not over 1 lb., with a smooth, papery skin. The fruit does not ripen on the tree, so you do not have to pick it all at once. A mature avocado finishes ripening three to eight days after you pick it.
