Avocados are adapted to a wide range of soils and should grow well where there is fairly good drainage. There should be no hardpan or rock layers within 3 feet of the soil surface. Lime deposits in the soil can cause poor growth and should be avoided. Soils that are poorly drained or where water remains standing for any length of time are also unsuitable and may lead to root rots.
Most avocados are adapted to warmer, tropical or subtropical climates. Depending upon the variety, avocado trees are generally damaged at low temperatures. The Guatemalan races of avocados are injured between 27° and 30° F, and the Mexican varieties can be injured between 24° and 26° F. Cold temperature sensitivity depends on many factors such as how long it stays cold, the weather prior to the cold, the position or exposure of your tree, and fruit maturity as well as variety.
