Avocado Hass | Persea americana 'Hass'

Avocado Hass is a popular evergreen fruit tree prized for its rich, creamy fruit and excellent flavour. Its pear-shaped fruit has green skin that darkens to purplish-black as it ripens. In South Africa, Hass is generally harvested from autumn into spring, with timing varying considerably according to growing region and conditions. Hass can produce fruit on its own, but planting a compatible avocado variety nearby can improve pollination and fruit production.

A long-lived and productive choice for home orchards, Hass produces small greenish-yellow flowers in spring, followed by fruit that develops over several months. Plant in full sun, fertile, well-drained soil and a sheltered position, with regular moisture during active growth and fruit development.

Avocado leaves, skin, seeds and other plant parts can be harmful to some animals if eaten.

Why You’ll Love It:

• Produces delicious, creamy Hass avocados with excellent flavour.
• Evergreen foliage provides year-round structure and garden interest.
• A rewarding fruit tree for home gardens and edible landscapes.
• Mature fruit can remain on the tree for an extended period, allowing for a flexible harvest.
• Attractive spring flowers are followed by a generous crop of nutritious fruit.

Plant & Care

Plant in full sun in fertile, well-drained soil, ideally in a sheltered position protected from strong winds. Water regularly while establishing and during periods of active growth, particularly when fruit is developing, but avoid waterlogged soil. Mulch around the root zone to help retain moisture and add compost or well-rotted organic matter when planting. Feed during the growing season with a suitable fruit-tree fertiliser. Prune lightly after harvesting if needed to maintain shape and manage size.

Did You Know?

Hass avocados are unusual because the fruit can remain on the tree for an extended period after reaching maturity. The fruit does not fully soften while attached to the tree, allowing growers to harvest it when convenient and let it ripen after picking.