The very best avocado tree to plant depends on personal preference and climate. Consumers typically prefer the “Hass,” that a cultivar of the Guatemalan avocado (Persea nubigena var. Guatamalensis), although there are other Guatemalan cultivars that have similar qualities. Cultivars of the Mexican avocado (P. americana var. Drymifolia) are ideal for colder climates. Varieties of the West Indian avocado (P. americana var. Americana) are ideal for hot, humid climates. Various species of avocados might be increased in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11.
Complete Best Avocado
Judging from its popularity, the very finest overall avocado is the “Hass” avocado. The “Hass” dates into a Guatemalan seedling planted by a postman, Rudolf Hass, in the 1920s. At that time, the Mexican avocado “Fuerte” was the normal cultivar in California. “Hass” descendants now yield 95 percent of avocados grown commercially in California, and it’s the avocado that’s quite available in supermarkets. It grows avocados up to 12 ounces that have pebbled, coppery-purple skin along with a fantastic flesh.
Finest for Colder Growing Areas
Mexican avocado cultivars are native to dry, subtropical plateaus and can survive temperatures of 19 to 24 degrees Fahrenheit; they develop well in a Mediterranean climate. Mexican avocados weigh 6 to 10 ounces and also have thin skins that turn black or glossy green as they ripen. Their tough flesh is deep green close to the skin and yellowish close to the pore, softening as it ripens. One of other cultivars, the California Rare Fruit Growers Association (CRFG) recommends the “Mexicola Grande” that yields round, 5-ounce avocados with high-quality flesh and higher oil content. “Mexicola Grande” will survive temperatures to 18 degrees F. The oldest avocado cultivar in California, the tall, spreading “Gantor,” yields an 8-ounce avocado. “Fuerte” grows 16-ounce avocados with dark green skin. It bears in different years and isn’t productive along coastal or northern areas.
Greatest Avocados Like Hass
If you live in a cooler place and you want to have an avocado with qualities very similar to “Hass,” you might consider a different Guatemalan cultivar. Guatemalan avocado trees are native to cool, high-altitude tropical climates of Central America and will survive 26- to 30-degree F temperatures. Their oval or pear-shaped avocados have pebbled green skin that turns blackish-green as they ripen. The tender “Anaheim,” appropriate for coastal regions, grows abundant, glossy green avocados that weigh up to 24 ounces. “Nabal” yields avocados up to 17 ounces with exceptionally high-quality flesh. “Queen” yields avocados that have excellent flesh and weigh up to 24 ounces. “Gwen,” a dwarf seedling of “Hass” that rises up to 14 feet high, creates 8-ounce avocados; CRFG recommends it as the ideal dwarf avocado tree for outdoor planting.
Finest for Hot, Humid Climates
West Indian avocado trees, native to the Caribbean, lift smooth, round, glossy avocados that are reduced in oil and weigh up to two pounds. “Lula,” a dense, wide cultivar grown in hot, humid regions of Florida, is the only West Indian cultivar the CRFG recommends for California. It’s a prolific bearer of glossy, green, round avocados that chew up to 20 ounces. Originating in the Florida keys, “Russell” is a heavy bearer of avocados up to 13 inches long and is recommended for home gardens. “Ruchle” is a heavy bearer of 10- to 20-ounce avocados.