How to Grow Avocado

Updated June 2026

A year-round fruit for the home garden across the warmer US.

What it looks like as it grows

Avocado is a rewarding year-round crop for backyard growers.

When to plant

In frost-free regions avocado can be grown almost year-round. Elsewhere, plant in the milder months on either side of summer. See your region on the avocado page for exact timing.

Varieties

Brogdon, Cold-hardier purple-skinned (Florida fruit nurseries)
Choquette, Large, popular South FL variety (Florida fruit nurseries)

How to grow it

Sun & soil: full sun, rich well-drained soil with even moisture.
Spacing: about 23 ft between plants.
Sowing: sow about 16 in deep.
Water: roughly 6.6 gal per plant every 3 days in hot weather.

Pests & problems

Watch for Thrips and Fruit-spotting bug. In humid regions, Phytophthora root rot and Anthracnose can appear, so space for airflow and water at the roots in the morning.

Harvest

Avocado is usually ready to harvest within roughly 49 months once established. Pick regularly to keep plants productive.

When to plant in your region

Pick your region to see exactly when to plant avocado where you garden.

See what to plant this month

Pick your region for a month-by-month calendar tuned to your climate.

Find your region →