Shepard Avocado Tree

Shepard Avocado (Persea americana 'Shepard') is the early season avocado for warm climate gardens, ripening its crop from February to April. It grows into an upright tree about 6m tall and 3.5m wide, so it earns its place twice over: a genuine shade canopy above, smooth green skinned fruit below. The flesh has a habit cooks appreciate, staying pale and fresh rather than browning when cut.

Why you'll love it

• Early fruit when it counts. Shepard ripens from February to April, at the start of the avocado season, so the wait between crops feels shorter.
• Fruit that behaves in the kitchen. The green skin stays green when ripe, and the cut flesh resists browning.
• Crops on its own. Shepard is a B type avocado that sets fruit as a single tree, though an A type such as Hass nearby will lift the harvest.
• Shade with a return. Upright to about 6m tall and 3.5m wide, it gives real summer shade for the space of one tree.
• Built for the warm half of the country. At home in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens, and untroubled by heat or humidity.

Where it works best

Feature planting. Give it a sunny, sheltered position with room for a 3.5m spread. The glossy evergreen canopy looks good all year, not just at harvest.

Shade tree. Planted on the western side of a lawn or seating area it throws useful afternoon shade within a few seasons, while the fruit ripens conveniently overhead.

Growing Shepard Avocado in Australia

Position and climate. Full sun and shelter from strong wind. It belongs in tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens. It tolerates light frost only, so plant in spring, avoid frost hollows and cover young trees on cold nights for their first two winters.

Soil. Drainage decides success with avocados: the roots will not tolerate waterlogging, so plant on a mound of compost improved soil, especially over clay. Mulch generously and leave the surface roots undisturbed.

Water and feed. Keep the moisture even through the warm months; deep, regular watering beats frequent splashes. Feed with a fruit tree fertiliser in early spring and mid summer once the tree is established.

Pruning. Very little is needed beyond shaping a young tree. Trim after harvest if you want to hold the canopy at picking height rather than letting it run to its full 6m.

What to expect when it arrives

We sell Shepard Avocado as a grafted 5L tree, young enough to transplant smoothly. A few dropped leaves after transit are normal, not a fault. Grafted trees typically begin cropping within 3 to 5 years.

Plants are delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every tree is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Browse the full fruit tree range
• Planning fruit trees for harvests in every season
• Washington Navel Orange, a winter cropping companion

Common questions

Do I need a second avocado tree?

No, Shepard sets fruit on its own. If you have room, an A type such as Hass nearby will improve the set on both trees.

How do I know when the fruit is ready?

The skin stays green when ripe, so go by size and season rather than colour. From February, pick a full sized fruit and let it soften indoors for several days; when it yields to gentle pressure it is ready.

Is it safe for pets?

No. Avocado leaves, bark, skin and seed are toxic to dogs, cats and most other animals, so this is not the tree for a yard where pets chew plants or scavenge dropped fruit.

Can I keep it smaller than 6m?

Yes. An annual prune after harvest holds it near 4m without costing much fruit, and a smaller canopy is easier to pick and net.

Will it grow in Melbourne or cooler areas?

It tolerates light frost only. In cool temperate districts it needs a sheltered, frost free microclimate, and results are far more reliable from the subtropics north.