How to Grow Bacon Avocado
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Bacon Avocado
Persea americana 'Bacon'
treeBacon avocado is a medium-sized cultivar of the common avocado tree, known for its smaller, thinner-skinned fruit with rich, buttery flesh. It produces earlier and more consistently than many avocado varieties and is particularly well-suited to cooler climates. The tree grows 25-30 feet tall and produces glossy, dark green foliage.
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Example Bacon Avocado timeline · Pittsburgh, PA (Zone 6b)
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Plant Bacon Avocado
Around Apr 17Near Pittsburgh's average last spring frost.
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Tend & protect
Late spring–summerWatering, feeding, and pest-watch reminders.
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Harvest Bacon Avocado
Late summer into fallBefore the first fall frost (≈ Nov 8)
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Growing Conditions
Soil
Growing Zones
Find your zone →Thrives in zones 9-11; can survive brief freezes to 15-20°F (-9 to -7°C) with protection
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Get my Bacon Avocado timeline →Growth Stages
Establishment
2-3 yearsYoung tree focuses on root and branch development; minimal flowering the first 2-3 years
Water consistently, stake if needed, prune lightly to shape. Apply mulch ring 3-4 inches from trunk. Protect from strong winds.
Flowering
4-8 weeksTree produces small, greenish-yellow flowers in panicles; blooming typically occurs in late winter to early spring
Provide consistent watering during bloom. Avoid heavy pruning during flowering. Bacon variety is Type B flowering (afternoon blooms), so planting with a Type A pollinator improves fruit set.
Fruit Development
12-18 monthsSmall green fruits develop; requires 12-18 months from flowering to mature fruit on the tree
Thin fruit if overcrowded (one fruit per 6 inches of branch). Fertilize monthly with balanced fertilizer or avocado-specific formula. Maintain even watering.
Ripening on Tree
3-4 monthsFruit reaches full size and develops darker, bumpy skin; remains on tree until ready to harvest
Do not pick early—avocados ripen only after harvest. Fruit can hang on tree 3-4 months after reaching mature size.
Harvest & Maturity
Ongoing annual cycleTree enters a productive phase yielding 50-150 pounds of fruit annually, with 4-year cycles of heavy and light production
Harvest by hand or pruner when skin color darkens and fruit yields slightly to palm pressure. Thin branches to prevent alternate bearing.
Companion Planting
Plan your garden →Plant with:
Avoid planting near:
Common Pests
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Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap in early morning; release natural predators; prune affected branches
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Apply horticultural oil spray during dormancy; manually remove with soft brush; beneficial insects provide biological control
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Spray neem oil weekly during spring; remove affected fruit and leaves; encourage native predatory mites
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Ensure excellent drainage; avoid overwatering; apply copper fungicide to soil; remove severely affected trees
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Spray with neem oil or miticide; maintain adequate humidity; strong water spray can dislodge populations
Uses
Fresh eating and cooking
CulinaryBacon avocados are ideal for guacamole, salads, toast, and slicing due to their creamy texture and mild, buttery flavor. The smaller size and thinner skin make them more convenient than Hass avocados for individual servings. [source]
Heart health and fat profile
MedicinalAvocados are rich in monounsaturated fats, potassium, and vitamin E, supporting cardiovascular health and reducing inflammation. Studies show regular avocado consumption may help manage cholesterol levels. [source]
Natural cosmetics ingredient
HouseholdAvocado flesh can be mashed and applied topically in face masks and moisturizing treatments due to its high fat content and antioxidants. The oil is used in skincare products for anti-aging properties. [source]
Pollinator and bird support
WildlifeAvocado flowers provide pollen and nectar for bees and native insects. The dense foliage and fruit attract birds and beneficial fauna, supporting local biodiversity in subtropical and tropical gardens. [source]
Seed propagation and natural dye
CraftAvocado seeds are commonly used for water propagation and educational plant growing. The pit can be dried and ground into a natural dye yielding pink, red, and brown tones. [source]
This is not medical advice. LizPlants is not a medical resource. Always consult a qualified healthcare professional before using plants medicinally.
Harvest Tips
Bacon avocados mature in winter to early spring. Pick fruit when skin color deepens (often dark green to purplish) and yields slightly to palm pressure. Do not harvest by ripeness on tree—avocados only soften after picking. Use a hand pruner to cleanly cut fruit with 1-2 inches of stem attached. Handle gently to avoid bruising. Ripen indoors at room temperature (2-7 days), or place in paper bag with banana to accelerate ripening.
Fun Facts
- 🌱 Bacon avocado trees are alternate bearing—they produce heavily one year and lightly the next. Thinning fruit by 50% in heavy years encourages more consistent annual production.
- 🌱 Unlike most avocado varieties, Bacon avocados have relatively thin, easy-to-peel skin and were originally bred in California to thrive in cooler coastal climates, making them one of the most cold-hardy commercial avocado cultivars.
- 🌱 Avocado flowers are protogynous (female organs mature first) and exhibit Type B flowering behavior—they open as female in the afternoon, then male pollen is released the next morning. Bacon varieties benefit from Type A pollinators like Hass or Fuerte for maximum fruit production.
Gardening Terms
New to gardening? Learn about terms used in this guide:
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