How to Plant the Stewart Hardy Variety of Avocado

Overview

The Stewart avocado is a hardy variety of avocado tree that can withstand below-freezing temperatures for short periods of time and tolerates frequent temperatures around 20 to 30 degrees Fahrenheit. The Stewart avocado tree enjoys a soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5 and full sunlight. This avocado tree variety is self-fertile and easy to plant, offering a crop harvest of avocados between September and November.

Step 1

Plant your Stewart avocado tree in a protected spot that is shielded from cold winter winds. Find a non-lawn planting site that receives full sunlight. Plant your Stewart avocado tree anytime from March through June.

Step 2

Dig a planting hole that is the same depth as the length of the root-ball and 3 or 4 inches wider. Place the root-ball gently into the hole and backfill with soil. Be careful not to disturb the root system.

Step 3

Water the ground around the tree, soaking the root system thoroughly. Allow the surface soil to dry out slightly before watering again.

Step 4

Mulch around the tree with redwood bark or another coarse, woody mulch that is about 2 inches in diameter. Keep the mulch 6 to 8 inches away from the trunk, forming a 2 to 3-inch layer of mulch.

Step 5

Feed your young Stewart avocado tree a balanced fertilizer, such as a 10-10-10 formula, that contains zinc. Give your young tree a light dose, limiting the feeding to only 1 or 2 tsp. fertilizer per year.