Avocado - Hopkins - summer/autumn ripening

Hopkins is a New Zealand developed variety of avocado, originating in Katikati, Bay of Plenty. It produces large to extra large avocados that are round to oval in shape with a slight neck, which stay green when ripe. It has a medium pale yellow flesh, which is creamy with a well balanced fine flavour. The tree is very productive from a young age, producing masses of avocados each season.

Our trees are grafted and will begin flowering in spring. Hopkins is an A flowering type, and although avocado trees in our climate are self fertile, they do produce more fruit if 2 are planted near each other with opposing flower types. In this case, best planted near a B variety, like Fuerte, Bacon, Hashimoto, Zutano or Ettinger.

Avocado trees are generally easy to care for, but here are a few tips to help ensure your tree thrives:

1. Plant your tree in well-draining soil in a sunny location. Protect from wind and frost when young.

2. Water your tree regularly, but be careful not to over-water. Avocado trees prefer to be kept evenly moist, but not waterlogged. If planting in a clay soil, it is important to either create a mound, or build a raised planter box to plant your tree into. This helps keep the sensitive feeder roots out of the wet zone.

3. Fertilise your tree with a balanced fertiliser twice a year, once in the spring and once in the summer.

4. Prune your tree regularly to remove any dead or damaged branches, and to shape the tree to promote good fruit production.