48 
Citrus and Tropical Fruit Culture 
CLIMATE AND SOIL 
It is safe to say that Avocados of the Guatemalan 
type will do well wherever lemons are successfully 
grown, while those of the Mexican type will with- 
stand any temperature that does not damage oranges. 
This of course applies to bearing trees. Young trees 
just out of the nursery will not stand as low a tem- 
perature as those that have reached maturity, and 
therefore need some protection for the first two or 
three winters, especially if planted where the tem- 
perature is apt to go below 32 degrees F. 
Mexican seedling avocado trees in nursery rows 
Another climatic condition that must be taken into 
consideration in the successful growing of Avocados 
is humidity. The Avocado being a native of the 
tropics naturally prefers a humid atmosphere and 
therefore is at its best when grown within a reason- 
able distance from the coast. Trees planted in the 
hot interior valleys do not do as well as thpse enjoy- 
ing coastal conditions, due to the dryness of the at- 
mosphere rather than to the heat; it has been ob- 
served that trees planted in such localities shed their 
leaves in the heat of summer, no matter how moist 
the soil is kept. It will therefore be seen that the 
best locations for Avocado culture, from a climatic 
standpoint, are to be found in the warmer sections 
between the coast and the first mountain range. 
Another climatic condition to be taken into con- 
sideration is the danger from heavy winds 
In regard to soil the Avocado does not seem to be 
over particular, hence they will grow on almost any 
kind of soil, provided it is of sufficient depth and 
the drainage good. Trees do best, however, when 
planted in a deep loamy soil. They should not be 
planted where the water level is within three feet of 
the surface. As we depend entirely on irrigation dur- 
ing the summer months it is not essential that the 
water level be at any set distance, just so it does not 
come to within three feet of the surface. 
PLANTING SEASON 
The best time to plant Avocados is from March 1 
to April 30, but they may be planted at any time 
during the summer provided proper care is exercised. 
It is not advisable to plant during the winter months 
on account of the danger of frosts. It is best to 
plant as early after March 1 as possible, as the trees 
then become established while the weather is mod- 
erate and they are in better condition to stand the 
summer heat. They will also have the advantage of 
a longer growing season, and thus be in a hardier 
condition for their first winter in the orchard. 
DISTANCE TO PLANT 
The slower growing varieties, and also those that 
make more of an upright growth, may be planted 
from 20 to 25 feet each way, but the more thrifty 
trees and those of a spreading habit should be planted 
not closer than 30 feet apart. This also depends 
somewhat on the nature of the soil, as trees planted 
in a heavy rich soil make a more vigorous growth 
than on the lighter soils. If uncertain as to the 
proper distance to plant, give the trees the benefit of 
the doubt by planting them a little further apart. It 
is better to give them too much room rather than 
have them crowded when they come into full bearing. 
Standard sizes of balled avocado trees 
2 to 3 feet, 3 to 4, 4 to 5, and 5 to 8. 
PLANTING 
Planting is much the same as with citrus trees. 
On heavy soils, where the drainage is not apt to be 
good, it is best to blast the holes before planting, but 
the trees must not be planted until the earth has 
been thoroughly settled again with water. Set the 
trees as near as possible the same depth as they grew 
in the nursery, and never more than one or two 
inches above the top of the ball. Fill the holes with 
surface soil and water immediately. Do not mix fer- 
