Avocado - McEldowney

McEldowney is a New Zealand developed variety that produces superb quality fruit in Autumn. The fruit 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 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.

5. Avocado trees love mulch! Mulching around your tree helps regulate moisture, keep weeds away, breaks down into food for the tree, and creates a very healthy balance of good bacteria and fungi, closer to their natural habitat.