Choquette is a West Indian x Guatemalan hybrid avocado that produces very large, smooth, mild fruit in late fall and winter. It is a Florida classic and resists common avocado diseases better than many varieties. (Persea americana 'Choquette')
Shop this plant: Choquette Avocado Grafted Plant 14"-20" / 3 Gal
Quick Care Summary
- Sun: Full sun.
- Soil: Excellent drainage is a must; avocados die quickly in waterlogged soil.
- Watering: Water every 2-3 days for the first few weeks, then 1-2 times weekly for the first year.
Sun
Full sun. Young trees appreciate some protection from afternoon sun in the first summer.
Soil
Excellent drainage is a must; avocados die quickly in waterlogged soil. Plant on a mound 1-2 ft high in low or heavy areas. Tolerates alkaline soil.
Watering
Water every 2-3 days for the first few weeks, then 1-2 times weekly for the first year. Established trees need deep watering in dry spells only. Never let water pool around the trunk.
Fertilizer Schedule for South Florida
Young trees: a balanced fertilizer with minor elements every 6-8 weeks from March through September in small amounts. Mature trees: 3-4 feedings a year. Add chelated iron and zinc on alkaline soils if new leaves are pale. Keep mulch 6 inches away from the trunk.
Pruning
Prune after harvest (early spring) to control height at 15-20 ft and keep a strong central structure. Remove low limbs that touch the ground and any dead wood.
Cold Protection
Choquette is moderately cold sensitive. Young trees are damaged below about 30°F. Cover with frost cloth and water the soil before a freeze.
Container vs. In-Ground
Grows large and is best in the ground. A young tree can be kept 2-3 years in a 15-25 gallon pot before planting out.
Spacing
20-25 ft between trees, 15+ ft from structures.
Flowering and Fruiting Timeline
Grafted trees usually begin fruiting in 2-4 years. Flowers in spring (B-type flowering); fruit matures December-February.
Harvest
Avocados ripen off the tree. Pick when fruit reaches full size and the skin dulls slightly; let it soften at room temperature for 5-10 days. Leave some fruit on the tree and pick as needed through winter.
Common Pests and Diseases
Start with organic, low-impact fixes: good airflow, clean-up of fallen fruit and leaves, and soaps or oils before anything stronger. Always follow label directions.
Root rot (Phytophthora)
How to identify: Wilting, small pale leaves and dieback despite watering; roots dark and mushy.
Organic-first treatment: Prevent with good drainage and mounding; don't overwater; use coarse mulch kept off the trunk.
Scab and anthracnose
How to identify: Corky brown spots on fruit and leaves.
Organic-first treatment: Choquette resists these fairly well; prune for airflow and use copper sprays if outbreaks occur.
Avocado lace bug and mites
How to identify: Leaves yellow or bronze with stippling; tiny bugs underneath.
Organic-first treatment: Hose off, then spray insecticidal soap or horticultural oil.
Laurel wilt (ambrosia beetle)
How to identify: Sudden wilting of a branch or whole tree; dark streaks under bark; tiny boring holes.
Organic-first treatment: Keep trees healthy and unstressed, remove dead wood, and contact a professional quickly if you see sudden wilt.
FAQ
Do I need two avocado trees? Not required. Choquette sets fruit alone, though planting an A-type variety nearby can boost yields.
When is Choquette ripe? Usually December-February in South Florida.
Why are my avocado leaves brown at the tips? Often salt buildup or irregular watering; water deeply and less often.
Related Reading
- Do You Need Two Mango or Avocado Trees?
- Why Too Much Fertilizer Can Hurt Your Fruit Tree
- Cold-Hardy Fruit Trees for Florida Freezes
Ready to grow your own? Get the Choquette Avocado here.
