B Type flower pattern. Although thought of as a tropical, subtropical tree, the Avocado will fruit in cooler southern states provided they are given adequate drainage and protection from extremes of heat, wind and frost, especially when young. Position trees with protection from hot afternoon sun and cover over night if frost is forecast while the tree is young. Pots can simply be moved into a more sheltered position. Soil should be rich in organic matter and drain freely. Their preferred pH range is neutral to slightly acidic so a pH between 5.5-7 should be fine. The largest of the Avocados can grow to nearly 10 meters if left unpruned however all varieties can be kept at a more manageable 3mwhich makes netting and harvesting much easier. Fertilise avocados 2 or 3 times from November to March using a balanced pelletised complete fertiliser and water in well. Mulch the root zone over the warmer months as avocados have a shallow fibrous root system, and avoid cultivating within the drip line of the canopy. Potted avocados should be potted on gradually each season as the tree grows using a premium mix and liquid fertilising during the warmer months. Avocados are thirsty plants and will require supplementary watering during warmer weather and regularly when in pots. Grafted on to Reed root stock, trees should fruit after 4 years in good conditions with an increase in harvest as the tree matures. A type Avocados are partially self fertile in southern areas but will benefit from a B type if you have the space. You need both an A and B type if daytime temperatures remain above 20 degrees C and night time temperatures remain above 10 degrees C while the tree is flowering.