Family Lauraceae.
Originating from Central America (Mexican-Guatemalan hybrid).
- Large, handsome evergreen leaves with a tropical appearance.
- Pear-shaped green-skinned fruits with a nutty, rich flavour when ripe.
- Vigorous grower, best suited to large pots or sheltered spots in the mildest UK locations.
The Fuerte Avocado in Your Garden
Handsome glossy evergreen leaves are borne densely, instantly evoking subtropical abundance. Its lush, heavy-looking crown, with striking red new growth, seems to promise a bountiful, luxuriant crop. Our Fuerte plants are one of the hardiest varieties, making the dream of growing your own avocado tree a possibility.
Relatively vigorous, ‘Fuerte’ can reach 3–6m or more in 10 – 20 years, re-potted regularly, more planted if in the ground. A mouthwatering and worthwhile challenge for adventurous southern and coastal UK gardeners. The ‘heat island’ city microclimates of inner-city Norwich, sheltered north Norfolk, or Suffolk coastal gardens are perfect. Mature outdoor avocado trees in London show what is possible.
The large, leathery leaves are deep green and feature distinctive veining, giving the tree a refined, highly ornamental presence. Creamy-white flowers appear in spring, followed later by pear-shaped fruit with smooth green skin. The pale, buttery flesh has an excellent flavour, as residents near the London trees reported after trying fallen fruit.
How to Grow Your Own Avocado, Persea americana ‘Fuerte’
- Soil and sun: Well-drained, fertile compost in a large pot. Full sun in summer is essential for strong growth and potential fruiting.
- Planting: Pot at any time of year, plant in the ground in spring. Never plant a dry plant! Soak the root ball thoroughly before planting.
- Watering and care: In pots, keep evenly moist during the growing season and feed bi-weekly with citrus fertiliser. Reduce watering in winter, but never allow the compost to dry out completely. In the ground, water during its first and second seasons while establishing, and thereafter, only during prolonged dry spells.
- Overwintering: Grow in bright garden rooms year-round or place on a patio for summer. Return to a frost-free, bright environment before the first frosts. Protect young plants carefully with fleece; older plants are hardier.
- Pruning: Light pruning in spring can maintain shape and size in containers. Remove any dead or crossing branches as needed.
Planting Ideas for growing the Mexican ‘Fuerte’ Avocado in the UK
Plant a lush, productive paradise, scented, abundant, and healthful, therapeutic and tasty. Our lesser-known fruiting plants have aesthetic and culinary qualities, making it easy to create your own edible jungle. The evergreen crowns of Arbutus unedo, Laurus nobilis, Myrtus communis, and Eriobotrya japonica create a microclimate for your young avocado. Their fruits and foliage provide a harvest as the ‘Fuerte’ matures.
Trellises and arches are a great way to grow your own produce vertically, saving space and providing additional protection. Harvest the grapes of Vitis ‘Crimson Seedless’, the pods of the chocolate vine Akebia quinata. Pick passion fruits from Passiflora ‘Snow Queen’ and Kiwis from Actinidia ‘Issai’ while their stems and foliage shelter your avocado.
