Avocado - Zutano - Cold hardy - Winter/spring ripening

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Zutano produces large to extra large fruit in the late winter and early spring season. The fruit is thin skinned and shiny. Zutano are often used as pollinator trees in commercial orchards, as they serve a dual purpose. Zutano will pollinate A varieties (common commercial varieties), as well as the seeds of Zutano fruit being used by nurseries as a rootstock for grafting. Domestically available avocado trees are grafted onto this rootstock, as it has proven the best direct seed grown rootstock for its vigorous growth and phytophthora resistance.

Zutano is a B flowering type. Our trees are grafted and will begin flowering in spring. Avocado trees in our climate are self fertile, but produce more fruit if 2 are planted near each other with opposing flower types. In this case, best planted with a Reed, Hass, Esther, Pinkerton, Mexicola or Mexicola Grande.

Avocado care guide

Just arrived? Keep your tree in a sheltered, semi-shaded spot for 2–4 weeks before planting. See our acclimation guide.

1. Drainage is everything

More avocados die from wet roots (Phytophthora root rot) than anything else. Plant on a mound 40–60 cm high (go higher on heavy clay) using a free-draining mix. Never dig a hole into clay; it fills with water like a bucket. Keep the graft union above the soil.

2. Water the root ball, not the calendar

For the first year, the root ball dries out faster than the soil around it. Check 5 cm down and water deeply only when it's dry. In summer that's usually once or twice a week, more often on sandy soil or in a heatwave. In winter, you'll barely need to water.

3. Mulch thick, but keep it off the trunk

Put 10–15 cm of coarse wood chip or bark out to the drip line, with a 10 cm gap around the trunk. Avocado feeder roots are shallow, so don't dig or plant anything around the base, and keep lawn well away.

4. Feed little and often

Give small feeds of a balanced fertiliser (one with zinc and boron) in spring, summer and early autumn. Don't feed in winter. Spread it at the drip line, keep it 40 cm from the trunk, and water it in.

5. Shelter young trees for 2–3 years

Use windbreak cloth in exposed spots and frost cloth when frost is forecast (young trees are damaged around -1 to -2°C). Paint exposed trunks with white water-based paint diluted 50:50 to prevent sunburn.

6. Let the tree grow before it fruits

Pick off any fruit in the first 1–2 years so the tree puts its energy into branches and roots. Only prune to remove dead wood or keep the tree in shape.

What's normal (don't panic)

Old leaves dropping in spring: normal. Avocados shed old leaves as they flower and push new growth.
Brown, crispy leaf tips: usually salt or fertiliser burn, or dry roots. Flush with a deep watering and ease off on feeding.
Most flowers and tiny fruit dropping: normal. Avocados produce thousands of flowers and set only a few.
Yellowing leaves and wilting in wet soil: a root rot warning sign. Stop watering and check drainage.

Want more detail? Read our full Avocado Tree Care Guide or planting in clay soil.