Looking to plant the common Hass variety of avocado in your yard? Looking for the less common Reed? Searching for where to buy a rarely grown avocado variety like Nabal, GEM, or Jan Boyce?
Let me try to connect you with the grower or seller of the avocado variety of your choice.
Most retail nurseries throughout California don’t grow the avocado trees that they sell. Rather, they get their avocado trees from wholesale growers, especially Everde (formerly La Verne) Nursery and Durling Nursery. Between these two, about a dozen avocado varieties are made available to hundreds of retail outlets: Bacon, Fuerte, Hass, Holiday, Jim Bacon, Lamb Hass, Mexicola, Mexicola Grande, Pinkerton, Reed, Stewart (also sometimes spelled Stuart), Wurtz (also sometimes called Wertz, Little Cado, and Hybrid Dwarf), and Zutano.
(Click on any of the blue names to see my profile of that variety, which might help you decide if it’s the right variety for your yard. Or see my page of all avocado variety profiles here.) Tag for Wurtz avocado tree grown by La Verne Nursery.
(Everde/La Verne has recently started growing Sharwil, GEM, and Jan Boyce avocado trees also, but they show up in retail nurseries inconsistently.)
So if you want to buy one of these varieties you have many choices in retail outlets. Here a few of the larger outlets that sell Durling or Everde/La Verne avocado trees and have multiple locations. Maybe you already know one of these near you. (Click on the name to find the nearest store.)
If your local nursery doesn’t have one of the above avocado varieties in stock at any one time, they can almost certainly request it from the wholesale grower and get it for you within a couple months — sometimes longer. Just ask.
Over the years, I have bought avocado trees from all of the outlets mentioned above, and I can vouch for their quality generally. This Hass avocado tree was grown by La Verne Nursery and bought at Walter Andersen Nursery in Poway in 2013.
Maddock Nursery in Fallbrook is one final place that I’ll mention where you can find the most common varieties. The distinction of Maddock is that they grow their own trees. They have been doing so forever, they do it very well, and their prices are very reasonable. Also, just recently, Maddock has started offering trees of the GEM variety.
Subtropica Nurseries is in Fallbrook, San Diego County. This is an operation that supplies farmers with orders of thousands of trees but also sells to home gardeners, and here you can buy avocado varieties that aren’t widely available, such as GEM, Gwen, Pinkerton, Sir-Prize, Sharwil, Edranol, Ettinger, Hellen, Queen, Puebla, Julia, Mayo / Covocado, and Carmen, in addition to Hass, Lamb, Reed, and Fuerte. The huge fruit of the Queen avocado variety.
From Subtropica, you can also buy avocado trees on clonal rootstocks. These are specially propagated rootstocks that have demonstrated tolerance to problems that commonly affect avocados, such as salinity and root rot.
Conveniently, Subtropica carries avocado trees in small 3.5-gallon plastic sleeves, which are very easy to plant, and they also carry some larger trees in 15-gallon containers. Beautiful roots on this Carmen that I bought from Subtropica Nurseries (3.5-gallon plastic sleeve size).
If you’d like to buy a tree from Subtropica, the trees are sold across the street from the nursery at Eli’s Farmstand. If you don’t see the variety that you’re looking for in the racks, just ask if there are more over at the nursery. And while you’re waiting, you can buy some of the excellent vegetables and fruits that Eli and his family grow. Sometimes they offer rare avocado fruit for sale at the stand too.
If you are in the Inland Empire, Louie’s Nursery in Riverside might have the variety you want. In the past, they’ve had some uncommon varieties such as Gwen and Jan Boyce.
If you are in L.A. or Orange County, consider visiting the yearly sale of the members of the California Rare Fruit Growers Orange County chapter. This used to happen at the Green Scene at the Fullerton Arboretum, but the last few years it has happened elsewhere. Check their website for announcements. CRFG booth at Green Scene, 2018.
There you might be able to talk to the very person who grew the tree you want to buy. Kahalu’u and Jan Boyce avocado trees grown by Julie Frink and bought at Green Scene.
Varieties I’ve seen available at Green Scene and almost nowhere else include: Herd, Koala, Magoon, Daily 11, Kahalu’u, Choquette, Jan Boyce, Esther, Linda, and Shindler.
If you live outside of Southern California or don’t have a good retail nursery nearby, consider buying an avocado tree online to be shipped to your front door. The only such vendor that I have bought trees from and that I can recommend is Four Winds Growers.
Four Winds is located in Watsonville, California, and they offer more than a dozen, excellent avocado varieties for sale through their website (linked above). They even carry some hard-to-find varieties such as Carmen, Sharwil, Sir-Prize, and Gwen.
Do not buy an avocado tree on Etsy. The sellers that I’ve seen on Etsy are fraudulent or deceptive at best. The trees that I’ve seen purchased on Etsy are not of the claimed varieties or are poor quality.
I hope this connects you to someone who has grown the avocado tree that you want to plant in your yard. Once you have your tree, have a look at my posts about planting and watering new avocado trees.
(Unsure of which avocado variety is best for you? See my post, “What’s the best kind of avocado to grow?”)
Avocado plants have become an increasingly popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardening lately. Whether you want to enjoy fresh, home-grown avocados or simply want to add some greenery to your living space finding the best source to purchase an avocado plant is essential. In this article we will discuss where to buy avocado plants and provide tips on finding the optimal source.
Local Nurseries and Garden Centers
One of the most common places to buy plants is at local nurseries and garden centers. These stores often carry a variety of plants, including avocado plants. The knowledgeable staff at these stores can also provide guidance on how to care for your plant and answer any questions you may have.
When visiting a local nursery or garden center, it’s important to thoroughly check the quality of the plants. Carefully examine the leaves and stems, and avoid plants with any signs of disease or pests. It’s also a wise idea to ask about the age of the plant, as younger plants may take longer to produce fruit.
Online Retailers
Another convenient option for purchasing an avocado plant is through online retailers. Websites like Amazon, Etsy, and eBay offer a wide selection of avocado plants that can be shipped directly to your home. This option is very convenient for those who do not have access to a local nursery or garden center.
When purchasing from an online retailer, it’s crucial to read reviews from previous customers. Look for comments on the quality of the plant and packaging, as well as any issues with shipping or customer service. It’s also a good idea to thoroughly research the seller’s return policy in case the plant arrives damaged.
Specialty Plant Stores
Specialty plant stores are another great option for finding avocado plants. These stores typically focus on specific types of plants and may have a wider selection than local nurseries or garden centers. They may also offer more specialized knowledge on how to properly care for your avocado plant.
When visiting a specialty plant store, it’s important to ask lots of questions about the plant’s specific needs. Avocado plants require specific growing conditions, such as well-draining soil and regular pruning. Make sure you fully understand these requirements before making a purchase.
Farmer’s Markets
Farmer’s markets are another great place to find avocado plants. Local farmers may sell plants along with their fresh produce. This is a great opportunity to support small businesses while also purchasing a healthy avocado plant.
When purchasing from a farmer’s market, it’s important to ask about the condition of the plant and its age. You may also want to inquire about the farmer’s growing practices to ensure that your plant was grown sustainably.
Tips for Choosing the Best Source
When choosing where to buy an avocado plant, there are several key factors to consider carefully:
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Quality: Closely inspect plants for signs of health. Avoid any plants with disease, pests, or other issues.
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Age: Consider the age of the plant and how long it may take to start producing fruit.
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Knowledge: Opt for a seller who can provide excellent guidance on proper avocado plant care.
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Convenience: Decide what type of shopping experience is most convenient for you, whether it’s online or in-person.
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Price: Compare prices between different sellers to find the best deal.
By thoughtfully considering all of these factors, you can find the absolute best source for purchasing a healthy, robust avocado plant that fits your specific needs and budget. Don’t be afraid to ask lots of questions to nursery workers, farmers, and sellers to ensure you find the perfect plant.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best time of year to buy an avocado plant?
Avocado plants are typically available year-round at nurseries and garden centers. However, if you’re looking for the largest selection, spring and summer are often the best times to buy as this is when many nurseries receive their new shipments.
How long does it take for an avocado plant to produce fruit?
Avocado plants can take anywhere from three to five years or even longer before they start producing fruit. The age of the tree at purchase will be the main factor that determines how long it will take until you can expect your first harvest.
Can I grow an avocado plant indoors?
Yes! Avocado plants can be grown indoors as long as they receive adequate sunlight and are planted in well-draining soil. However, keep in mind that indoor-grown avocado trees may not produce fruit due to lack of pollinators unless you hand-pollinate the flowers.
Are there any special care requirements for avocado plants?
Yes! Avocado plants require regular pruning and planting in well-draining soil. They also need plenty of sunlight and water but don’t like being over-watered. Use a balanced fertilizer to feed indoor and outdoor avocado plants regularly during their active growing season in spring and summer. Proper care is key!
What are signs that an avocado plant is unhealthy?
Here are some signs that an avocado plant may be unhealthy:
- Yellow or brown leaves
- Drooping or wilting leaves
- Spots or lesions on leaves
- Smaller than expected leaves
- Lack of new growth
- Bark damage or cracks
- Root rot
- Pest infestations like mites
Carefully inspect any plants before purchase and avoid buying ones with these issues present. An unhealthy plant will struggle to thrive.
What are the best online stores for buying an avocado plant?
Some of the best online stores for purchasing healthy avocado plants include:
- Fast Growing Trees
- Hirt’s Gardens
- Brighter Blooms
- Amazon
- Etsy
- eBay
- Etsy
Be sure to thoroughly read reviews and shop seller policies before purchasing. This helps avoid getting stuck with a sick plant.
Should I buy a grafted or seed-grown avocado plant?
Grafted avocado plants are typically recommended over seed-grown ones. Grafting joins the roots of hardy avocado rootstock to a cutting from a mature fruit-producing avocado tree. This results in a more robust avocado plant that produces fruit much quicker than seed-grown ones. Grafted trees fruit in just 1-3 years versus 5-13 for seedlings.
What types of avocado plants can I buy?
Some popular avocado varieties you may find for sale include:
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Hass – The most common commercial variety. Produces bumpy, thick-skinned fruit with creamy flesh.
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Fuerte – Smooth, thin skin. Pear-shaped fruit with creamy, nutty flesh.
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Bacon – Medium-large fruit with smooth, thin green skin that ripens to purplish-black.
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Zutano – Round, yellow-green fruit with creamy flesh and a bold, nutty flavor.
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Reed – Round, smooth green fruit with high oil content. Hardy variety good for colder climates.
Research which varieties match your climate and tastes before deciding what to purchase.
Final Tips
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Inspect plants closely before buying.
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Ask sellers lots of questions.
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Research proper care for avocado plants.
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Consider convenience of shopping options.
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Compare seller prices and policies.
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Opt for grafted vs. seed grown.
By keeping all of these tips in mind, you can find the perfect healthy avocado plant for your unique needs from the optimal source. Do your research and get ready to enjoy fresh avocados. Happy planting!
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Welcome . . .
Im Greg. My goal is to help you grow food at home, with a focus on vegetables and fruits — especially avocados — in Southern California. I write a new “Yard Post” every Friday.
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