Description
Known scientifically as Persea americana ‘Fuerte,’ this tree is cherished by gardeners for its rich history and consistent performance. It combines beauty with bountiful harvests, making it a delightful addition to any outdoor space.
The medium to large fruit, weighing 10-12 ounces, has smooth, green skin that remains green when ripe. Its creamy, buttery flesh has a rich, nutty flavor, ideal for salads, sandwiches, guacamole, and smoothies. Producing abundant crops from November through June, the Fuerte Avocado tree ensures a steady supply of delicious avocados during cooler months, making it a favorite among home gardeners.
As a TYPE B avocado, the Fuerte pairs well with TYPE A varieties like Hass or Carmen Hass, enhancing cross-pollination and fruit yield. It is one of the most cold-tolerant avocados, withstanding temperatures as low as 26°F, suitable for a range of climates, though less productive near the coast.
Reaching 20-30 feet in height and about 15 feet in width, the Fuerte Avocado tree provides ample shade with its large, spreading canopy and glossy, tropical leaves. It thrives in well-drained soil, requires moderate watering, and needs occasional pruning to maintain its shape and encourage healthy growth.
Characteristics
| Bloom Color | Green, Yellow |
| Fruit Color | Green |
| Fruit Size | Medium |
| Hardiness Zone Range | 2 - 11, Outdoor Planting: 9 - 11 |
| Pollination | Pollinator Required |
| Shade/Sun | Full Sun |
| Soil Moisture | Well Drained |
| Soil pH Level | 5.0 - 7.0 |
| Years to Bear | 3 - 4 |
Zone Compatibility
Pollination
This variety requires another one for adequate pollination.
Tools & Supplies
Planting & Care
Learn all about how to grow avocado trees in The Growing Guide. An entire section of our website dedicated to your growing success.
Questions & Answers
Fuerte avocados are ready to harvest when their skin turns a uniform dark green color, Other signs of maturity include:
The fruit loses some of its "bloom", or light dusty covering
Small, rusty brown specks may appear on the skin
The fruit may become duller in appearance
The seed coat turns from ivory to dark brown
Although avocados are mature before picking, they need to soften off the tree, which can take a few days to a week. To determine if an avocado is ripe, you can gently squeeze it. If it gives slightly but doesn't feel mushy or have soft spots, it's probably ready to eat. You can also try removing the stem if it's still intact—if it comes off easily and the underneath is still green, it's ready.
Picking avocados too early can result in fruit that doesn't ripen properly and instead becomes rubbery, discolored, and shriveled. After being picked, Fuerte avocados take 10–12 days to ripen, and for best flavor, you shouldn't harvest them from the tree too early.
These are grafted.
It is not self pollinating as we list this on the product page and included is a list of recommended pollinators such as Catalina, Hass and Fantastic.
Our website has a special feature that will help you find the best plants for you to grow in your area. Simply enter your zip code in our Hardiness Zone Finder and as you browse our page, you’ll see a small check mark next to products that are hardy to your growing zone!
https://www.starkbros.com/zone-finder
Yes, avocado trees can be pruned to maintain a smaller size, making them more suitable for indoor spaces. Pruning encourages a more compact shape and helps manage the tree’s height. Here are some tips for pruning avocado trees for indoor growth:
Timing: The best time to prune is in spring or early summer when the tree is actively growing.
Pinching New Growth: Regularly pinch off new growth at the tips of the branches to encourage lateral growth, which helps the tree stay bushier rather than tall.
Cutting Back Tall Branches: If your tree is getting too tall, you can cut back the tallest branches. This will promote growth lower down on the tree.
Shaping: Trim branches that grow out of the desired shape to keep the tree compact.
Removing Dead or Weak Branches: Get rid of any dead, damaged, or weak branches to keep the tree healthy.
Remember to use clean, sharp tools and avoid cutting too much at once, as that can stress the tree. Keeping the tree in a pot will also naturally limit its growth.
The Carmen Hass Avocado Tree will work for cross pollination.
Customer Reviews
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grows in my zone and is compatible with Holiday good price
To compliment my current Hass variety.
It is the only type B that survives in my climate zone to cross polinate with my type A
Such a good deal, could not pass that deal up.