Hubby and I stopped in at Lowe's yesterday and was perusing the garden center while we had a few moments to kill before an appt. Saw that they had Haas Avocado trees. Will they grow/produce fruit in east texas? I know that you can't depend on what is in the big box stores performing in one's zone/part of the country. We are trying some new things(new to us) this year...blackberries...fruit trees....and just wondered if this would be a waste of money. I like to use my garden $$$$ wisely and not waste any,lol. Thanks for any info.
Avocado trees in East Texas?
I think they would have to be grown in a greenhouse, even in the deep east. My grand father grew commercial citrus in the most southern tip of Texas (maybe zone 11). I remember a few avocado trees, the entire family was recruited to drag out smudge pots at the slightest hint of frost. filthy work.
I'm always amazed at Dg members that really push plants into production outside their limits...but my guess is that Lowe's is selling them as a tropical houseplant. Or, that to be grown (and produce) is going to require a lot of TLC.
Have you been to Bob Wells Nursery? They have a wonderful selection of fruit, nuts, and berries suited for east Texas.
That is why I asked. Have never seen any around here that I knew of and I like to spend my $$$$ wisely. I learned a long time ago that just because itvwas sold in the stores didn't mean that it was meant for here. No...have never been there...is that the one in lindale
Here are the Avocados that you can grow in deep zone 8b-9a.
Brazos Belle/Wilma 16F
Lila/Opal 15F
Fantastic/Pryor 14F
These were released by Bill at Devine Avocados in Devine, Texas. You will sometimes see Opal/Lila at Home Depot but these are all easily available in the Houston area. The Great Outdoors in Austin was carrying them too last year.
thank you!!!!
The rootstock they are grafted on will not be as cold hardy so make sure that the graft point is planted close to the ground so you can mulch around it when it gets cold in the winter. In addition, Avocados hate clay soil and water logging so make sure they are planted in a very well drained soil or in a raised bed if you have clay.
thank you. no...where I live it is pure sugar sand
Lizzie, yes, Bob Wells is off of 69, just follow the signs. If they're closed, call the number on the door and they'll meet you there. Really nice folks! The carry a lot of A&M recommended cultivars. They have a green house with citrus and such, but I didn't wander in there too much.
Be sure and tell them about your soil conditions. I have more loam, with some pockets of sugar. Unlike Juju and my grand father, I have zero tree nurturing genes. Still, I can grow figs, persimmons, pears, black berries with little effort. I killed a peach, pecan and a plum last year, so that's really saying something ;0)
Here are the citrus that should be grown in central Texas 8b to 9a south Texas. If you have sandy soil, you can grow them on Sour Orange rootstock but if you have clay soil, you need to be sure you get Poncirus trifoliata rootstock. If you have rocky soil, I will recommend Volkamer Lemon rootstock but be sure to protect it as it is only cold hardy to 20+ degrees. You will see Volkamer on Brazos Nursery Kumquats and possibly other citrus.
Good luck folks.
Miho Satsuma: 14F
Seto Satsuma: 14F
Bloomsweet Grapefruit: 15F
Ujukishu Lemon "sweet lemon": 15F
Meiwa Kumquat: 14F
Nagami Kumquat: 16F
Everyone killed something last year so dont be so hard on yourself.
thank you cocoa....I have managed to kill quite a few things over the years,lol.
juju...thank you...the knowledge and willingness to share on this board is amazing.
If a gardener doesn't admit to killing something, they are lying. Lol
bwahahahahahaha. yep.
Well?
yep. have killed more than my share of things.
well, yea....goes without saying,lol