How to Grow Avocados in Australia

Avocado in the Home Garden

Avocados are among the most rewarding fruit trees for Australian gardens in suitable climates. A mature tree can produce hundreds of fruit per year and, once established, requires relatively little care beyond watering and occasional feeding.

Climate Requirements

Avocados grow best in frost-free, subtropical to warm temperate conditions. They thrive in coastal Queensland, northern NSW, coastal WA, and sheltered positions in Sydney and Perth. They are not suited to Melbourne, Tasmania, or Adelaide without greenhouse protection.

Variety Selection

Hass is the commercial standard — oval, rough-skinned, and exceptional flavour. Sharwil produces large, smooth-skinned fruit. Reed is a round variety that holds well on the tree. For cross-pollination and better fruit set, plant both a Type A (Hass, Reed) and Type B (Fuerte, Zutano) variety.

Site and Soil

Avocados demand excellent drainage above all else — they are extraordinarily sensitive to root rot (Phytophthora cinnamomi) in waterlogged conditions. Plant on raised mounds in heavy soils. They prefer a slightly acid to neutral pH (6.0–7.0) and full sun.