Hass Avocado Growing Temperatures

Description

• Hass avocados account for more than 80 percent of the California market and is edging out other cultivars in Texas and Florida. It is a medium-sized fruit with dark purple-to-black, heavily textured skin when ripe. The creamy flesh is rich with a small seed. Hass avocados are hardy down to 26 degrees. Avocados are unusual in that they do not ripen until harvested, and they may be stored on the tree for quite some time.

History

• The Hass avocado was developed by a mail carrier in 1926. He was not satisfied with his hybrid, but his family intervened and the tree was allowed to mature. The result was a frost-tolerant, delicious and high-producing variety.

Growing Conditions.

• Avocados grow in Florida, California and Hawaii where extended freezes are rare. Hass grow indoors for a while, but as the plant exceed 50 feet when mature, it must be transplanted outdoors. Avocados require well-drained soil in full sun to partial shade. They need a moderate pH and a location sheltered from harsh winds. Young Hass avocados need at least an inch of supplemental water until established. The summer soil should be moist to a depth of no more than 9 inches. Wintering trees do not need irrigation. Heat more than 90 degrees affects flower formation if humidity levels cannot be kept high.

Winter Protection for Hass Avocados

• Protect the tree to prevent winterkill of foliage and terminal branches when short periods of freezing temperatures occur. When the trees are young, drape them with frost fabric or make a frame to drape a blanket over the entire tree. Mulch around the tree to a depth of 3 inches protects the surface roots. The two hardiest species are Mexican and Guatemalan, which are the parents of the Hass avocado. Shielded and protected trees may survive temperatures down to 25 degrees.