“Not sure how well this is going to do — doesn't get enough sun. Still being trialed.”
Background
A pure Mexican-race selection, a larger-fruited form of the Mexicola avocado. Mexican-race avocados are the most cold-hardy of the three avocado races, and Mexicola Grande preserves that hardiness while producing fruit closer to Hass size. The UA arboretum notes avocado has been a dietary staple for over 9,000 years, cultivated since around 8000 BCE, with its name from the Nahuatl 'ahuacatl.'
Distinguishing traits
Thin, glossy black skin that is edible (very thin, handle gently); creamy, rich, nutty flesh with high oil content. Type A flowers (self-fertile, but yields better near a Type B such as Zutano or Fuerte). Leaves have a pleasant anise scent when crushed. Vigorous upright-spreading tree to 25-30 ft. Late summer to fall harvest (August-October). The UA arboretum describes avocado as a low-branching evergreen tree with leathery, anise-scented leaves and large clusters of greenish-yellow winter flowers.
Desert care — zone 9b
- Chill hours
- Low requirement; not limiting in the desert.
- Cold hardiness
- Among the most cold-tolerant avocados: mature trees reported hardy to about 17-20°F; young trees still need protection. USDA zones 8b-11. The UA arboretum gives USDA zones 9a-10b (20-35°F), noting frost tolerance varies by race: Mexican types to 20°F, Guatemalan to 28°F, West Indian to 32°F.
- Heat tolerance
- Good heat tolerance for an avocado, but needs its full sun hours to produce; shade reduces vigor and fruiting (relevant to Matt's low-sun trial).
- Water
- Regular watering in well-draining, moist soil, especially during the growing season; salt-sensitive, flush periodically. The UA arboretum rates water use as moderate and recommends well-draining, aerated, high-organic soil around pH 5-5.8.
- Soil
- Well-draining soil, pH 5-7; avoid heavy clay that retains moisture.
- Sun exposure
- Needs full sun, 6-8+ hours daily, for optimal growth and fruit production; Matt's note about insufficient sun matches this requirement.
Where to buy
- Jolly Green Nursery
- Everglades Farm