How to plant an avocado in the ground and succeed in growing it in the garden?

Can you really grow an avocado tree in the ground in France?

Originating from Mexico and Central America, the avocado tree is a subtropical plant that is sensitive to frost. Some varieties, such as Persea americana ‘Bacon’, tolerate only light frosts, down to -3 to -5 °C. Before you start, you should carefully assess your local climate conditions, but as you will have gathered: outdoor cultivation in the ground is limited to regions with mild winters. Elsewhere, cultivation will be in pots.

Did you know?: young trees grown from avocado stones are even more vulnerable to winter cold.

Where does avocado grow in open ground in France?

To stand a chance of growing an avocado tree in the garden, you need a mild, sheltered climate, with no hard winter frosts.

On the Mediterranean coast

The south of France, notably the departments of Var, Alpes-Maritimes or Hérault, offers favourable conditions for growing an avocado tree in the ground. In these areas, the mild climate and proximity to the sea limit winter temperature drops.

For successful cultivation, plant the avocado tree away from winds, in a sunny aspect, in fertile, light, and well-drained soil. Soil that is too compact or calcareous hampers the development of the avocado tree’s roots, essential to its growth.

In Corsica

The Isle of Beauty is also a region where it is possible to grow an avocado tree, especially along the coast (less so at higher elevations). In these conditions, with good sunshine and well-drained soil, an avocado tree planted in the ground can develop and, with a little patience, produce avocados. Prefer planting in full sun, sheltered from strong winds. A variety such as Persea americana ‘Hass’ is noteworthy for its compact height at maturity.

In the south-west, along the coast

The Basque coast and certain stretches of the Pyrenees-Atlantiques’ coastline enjoy a temperate oceanic climate. A few enthusiasts manage to grow an avocado tree there, by placing it away from winds and choosing varieties suited to the conditions, particularly those more resistant to cold, such as the avocado tree ‘Bacon’.

Can you grow an avocado tree elsewhere in France?

In most other regions of France, particularly the north, the centre, the east or mountainous areas, it is very risky and we would strongly advise against attempting to plant an avocado stone in the ground. Frosts, moisture and lack of warmth damage the leaves and roots of the avocado tree, compromising its survival.

In these regions, the only solution is to grow an avocado stone in a pot. The avocado tree can thus be brought indoors or under cover from autumn, which reduces the risks associated with cold. You can thus enjoy this avocado plant as an ornamental tree, even though fruit production remains exceptionally rare.

On the left, a young avocado tree in the ground and on the right, a potted avocado tree

How do you plant an avocado tree in the ground?

When to plant an avocado in the ground?

The right time to plant an avocado in the ground, whether it is a young plant or an established avocado tree, is in spring, after the last frosts. This period allows the tree to establish its roots properly before the next winter.

How to plant an avocado tree in the ground?

1. Choose a hardy variety (such as Persea americana ‘Bacon’) if you live in a region with a mild climate, such as the south of France or the Basque coast.
   →Find all our avocado varieties
2. Find a well-exposed position, full sun, sheltered from cold winds, against a wall or in a sheltered corner of the garden.
3. Dig a wide, deep hole. The soil should be light, fertile and especially well-drained. Add compost and sand if needed, and avoid clay soils or soils that are too wet.
4. Place the root ball of your avocado tree at the bottom of the hole, without burying the collar (base of the trunk), fill with soil and gently compact.
5. Spread a layer of organic mulch (chips, bark, mulch, etc.) to keep the soil cool and limit temperature fluctuations.
6. Water thoroughly to remove air pockets. Thereafter, water regularly, but not to excess: too much moisture damages the avocado tree’s roots. Let the surface soil dry out between waterings.
7. During the first winters, cover the young tree with a winter fleece as soon as nights become chilly.

Is planting an avocado stone in the ground possible?

First germinate your stone indoors, in water or in a pot with potting compost. When the plant reaches 30 to 50 cm tall and the roots are well formed, you can plant it in the ground if the climate is mild enough. Note, however, that trees grown from stones are generally more frost-prone. Growing in a pot is preferable.

Avocado tree: how long does it take to bear fruit?

It should be noted that growing an avocado tree in the ground does not guarantee a quick harvest (or even a harvest at all). Avocado production often occurs after 7 to 10 years of cultivation, sometimes longer. In addition, pollination may require the presence of a second avocado tree if the variety is not self-fertile, which can complicate fruiting.

In Mediterranean or sheltered coastal regions, with patience and suitable care, it is possible to hope for a few fruits. However, outside of these areas, the avocado tree should mainly be regarded as a decorative plant, adding an exotic touch to the garden.

The Persea americana ‘Hass’ and its avocados