Wurtz avocado trees, commonly known as ‘Little Cado,’ have become a favored selection for home gardeners. Their compact size makes them well-suited for smaller outdoor spaces or cultivation within containers. This distinctive dwarf variety typically matures to a height between 8 and 12 feet, offering a manageable option for those seeking to grow their own avocados.
Unique Characteristics of Wurtz Avocado Trees
The Wurtz avocado tree stands out due to its dwarf stature, generally reaching 8 to 12 feet at maturity. This size makes it an excellent choice for compact gardens, urban settings, or large containers. While it can exhibit a slightly weeping appearance, its growth habit is generally more upright compared to other avocado varieties.
The fruit produced by a Wurtz avocado tree is typically small to medium-sized, weighing between 6 and 12 ounces. These avocados feature a smooth, green skin and possess a creamy, rich, nutty flavor with a high oil content, ranging from 16% to 22%. The fruit also contains a small to medium-sized seed, contributing to a favorable flesh-to-seed ratio. The Wurtz variety has a Type A flower and is considered self-pollinating, allowing a single tree to bear fruit.
Planting and Growing Wurtz Avocado Trees
Wurtz avocado trees thrive in full sun, requiring at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sunlight daily. They are best suited for USDA Hardiness Zones 9-11, where temperatures generally remain mild. While they can tolerate temperatures down to 25-32°F (-3.9 to 0°C), protection from frost is important, especially for young trees, to ensure optimal health and fruit production.
The tree requires well-draining soil, ideally ranging from slightly acidic to neutral. Heavy clay soils are not suitable, as they can retain too much moisture and lead to root issues. If planting in heavy clay, it is advisable to amend the soil by creating a raised mound using a mixture of sand, compost, and fine mulch to improve drainage. For container growing, a large pot with multiple drainage holes, roughly 75-100 liters minimum, is necessary to accommodate the tree’s root system.
Deep, infrequent watering is preferred, ensuring the soil is consistently moist but never waterlogged, which can lead to root rot. Allowing the top few inches of soil to dry out between watering sessions helps prevent over-saturation. Establishing a watering basin around the tree’s drip line encourages water to penetrate deeply, promoting stronger root growth.
Fertilize the tree two to three times a year, typically from February to September in the Northern Hemisphere. A balanced, pelletized complete fertilizer formulated for fruit trees is suitable. For container-grown trees, liquid fertilization during warmer months can provide necessary nutrients.
Light pruning is generally sufficient for Wurtz trees due to their dwarf nature. Pruning helps manage the tree’s size, improve air circulation within the canopy, and remove any dead or diseased branches. Pinching the growing tips during the first year can encourage a bushier growth habit. The best times for pruning are typically in early spring or late fall.
The Wurtz avocado tree is self-pollinating, meaning a single tree can produce fruit. While it is a Type A flowering avocado, its self-fertile nature allows it to bear fruit without a second tree. Planting a compatible Type B avocado variety nearby can often enhance fruit production. Grafted Wurtz trees typically begin to produce fruit within two to three years after planting.
Common Issues and Solutions
Wurtz avocado trees can face specific challenges. Sunscald can affect young trees during intense summer heat; providing some partial shade during the hottest parts of the day can help prevent this. Pests such as avocado thrips, mites, scale, and avocado lace bugs can affect the tree. Regular inspection of the foliage helps in early detection. Promptly addressing pest issues with appropriate horticultural treatments can help maintain tree vigor.
Harvesting Wurtz Avocados
Wurtz avocados do not ripen on the tree; they mature to full size while still attached. The typical harvest season for Wurtz avocados generally spans from May through September. To determine if the fruit is ready for harvest, check if it has reached its mature size and still feels firm to the touch.
When harvesting, it is advisable to clip the fruit from the tree rather than pulling it. This method helps prevent damage to the stem and the tree itself. Once harvested, the firm avocados will then begin their ripening process. To ripen the fruit, place it at room temperature, which typically takes one to two weeks. Placing the avocados in a paper bag with other ethylene-producing fruits like bananas or apples can accelerate this ripening period.