How to Grow Avocado in New Zealand
Drainage is everything, as avocados rot in heavy wet soil, so plant on a raised mound in spring in a warm sheltered frost-free spot. Pairing a Type A with a Type B improves cropping. Allow 3 to 5 years to first fruit.
When to plant avocado in New Zealand
Timing is everything in New Zealand, where the warm north and the cooler south are weeks apart. Sow or plant in these months for your region:
| Region | When to sow or plant |
|---|---|
| Northland | March, April, September, October, November |
| Auckland | March, April, September, October, November |
| Waikato & BoP | March, April, September, October, November |
| Wellington | March, April, September, October, November |
| Nelson & Marlborough | March, April, September, October, November |
Best avocado varieties for NZ
- Hass (Type A) — The main New Zealand avocado, dark pebbly skin when ripe, crops spring into autumn. (Kings Plant Barn, garden centres)
- Reed (Type A) — Large round green fruit, crops summer into autumn, good flavour. (garden centres)
- Bacon (Type B) — Cold-hardier green-skinned variety, useful pollinator for Hass. (Lynwood, garden centres)
How to grow avocado
- Space plants about 700cm apart.
- Sow seed around 40cm deep.
- Position: full sun.
- Ready to harvest in roughly 1460 days.
- Seeds germinate in about 1 days.
Pests and problems
Watch for: Leafroller, Thrips, Greenhouse thrips. See our NZ pest and disease guide for organic control.
For a calendar tuned to your exact region, see the New Zealand planting guides or the Avocado plant page.
FAQ
When is the best time to plant avocado in New Zealand?
In the warm north (Auckland, Northland) sow in March, April, September, October, November. Cooler regions plant a little later. Check the table above for your region.
Where can I buy avocado seeds or plants in NZ?
Try Kings Plant Barn, garden centres, Lynwood.