Grafting avocado in Melbourne

[rogerleejt]

Does anyone know when is the best time to graft avocado in Melbourne? Thanks 

[Jason]

Hi @rogerleejt,

Welcome to Workshop. We're pleased to have you join the community and trust you'll get loads of helpful information, advice and inspiration for all your projects around the house and garden from our amazing members.

Let me tag the wonderful @Noelle to see if she might kick off the discussion for you.

There's also a good previous discussion about avocado growing in Melbourne that you might be interested in reading here - https://www.workshop.com.au/t5/Garden/Avocados-in-Melbourne/m-p/1049

All the best,

Jason

[Noelle · Accepted solution]

Hi @rogerleejt 

Avocados are best grafted in spring to early summer when the sap is flowing well, the scion wood is flexible and the graft or bud will 'take' fairly quickly. Don't graft or bud in autumn or winter when rootstock and scion are both more mature wood. AT colder times of the year, a graft will sit there and could, in fact, rot before it has a chance to take.

[Jason]

Thanks for the fantastic advice @Noelle. Do you have any avos in your garden? Do you recommend a variety for @rogerleejt and other Melbourne-based members to plant?

Jason

[Noelle]

Hi Jason and @rogerleejt 

Melbourne's not the best climate for avocados. Originating in Mexico and Central America, they prefer warmer conditions than normally experienced in southern Victoria over winter. Trees may grow reasonably well if you can provide good protection from cold winds and frosts in early years. There are some quite large trees in inner urban gardens, mostly grown from seed. Although they may not crop all that well, they are great shade trees and they don't have invasive roots!

There are some varieties that are suggested for cool climates, the best of which seems to be "Bacon" which is available from some specialist nurseries in Melbourne - try Bullen Art & Garden. The more common "Haas" and "Shepherd" varieties are better for tropical to warm temperate areas.

[rogerleejt]

Thanks.  Very helpful.

[Jason]

Feel free to post anytime you need a hand @rogerleejt. As you can see, we have an amazing community of helpful members.

Jason