Avocado

Persea americana

An evergreen tree native to Mesoamerica, now one of Kenya's top horticultural export crops. Produces a nutrient- and oil-rich fruit, most notably the Hass variety.

Family: Lauraceae
Tree type: fruit
Mature height (m): 10-20
Growth rate: medium
Lifespan (years): 40-60
Native region: Mesoamerica (Mexico/Central America)

Environment

Growing Conditions

Climate requirements: Subtropical highland climate, 15-28C, 1000-1600mm well-distributed rainfall, altitude roughly 1000-2000m in Kenya; frost- and waterlogging-sensitive.
Soil types: Deep, well-drained loamy soils, pH 6-6.5; highly susceptible to root rot in poorly drained ground.
Water requirements: Moderate to high with consistent moisture, but cannot tolerate waterlogged roots.

Cultivation

Planting & Care

Planting guide: Space 7-9m apart; propagate by grafting onto seedling rootstock; plant at the start of rains.
Care guide: Light pruning for shape and light penetration; balanced fertilization including zinc and boron; watch for Phytophthora root rot, thrips, and fruit flies.

Phenology

Flowering & Fruiting

Flowering season: Biannual, roughly Aug-Oct and Jan-Mar
Fruiting season: Main crop Mar-Sep depending on variety/region

Value

Uses & Economic Importance

Uses: Fresh consumption, oil extraction, guacamole/processed products, export (mainly Hass).
Economic importance: Kenya is Africa's leading avocado exporter (largely Hass to the EU), a major forex earner and fast-growing smallholder cash crop, especially in Murang'a, Kiambu, and Nakuru.

Trade

Marketplace

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