Avocado - McEldowney - Autumn ripening
- Regular price
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$120.00 - Regular price
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- Sale price
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$120.00
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McEldowney is a New Zealand developed variety that produces superb quality fruit in Autumn. The fruit is best described as a cross between a Reed and Hass, taking on a shape which is similar to a round Reed, and an autumn set Carmen Hass (oval-round shape). The skin changes from green to black when ripe. The flesh is of an exceptional quality when the fruit is let to ripen fully, with a creamy buttery texture. The tree is a very heavy producer, and tends to fruit annually even without fruit thinning. This is definitely one of the better varieties we have to offer, and is an absolute must have for the keen avocado enthusiast.
Our trees are grafted and will begin flowering in spring. McEldowney 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.
Please note - When purchasing the McEldowney variety from us, you are agreeing to a non propagation agreement. Please see the full agreement under the "our policies" section at the bottom of this page.
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.
