Botanical Name: Persea americana 'Shepard'
Common Names: Shepard Avocado, Greenskin Avocado
Shepard is the go-to avocado if you want to beat the "Hass season" and get fruit early in the year. It's famous for having smooth, glossy green skin that stays green even when it's ripe. The best part? The flesh is super creamy and it does not turn brown once you slice it, making it the king of salads and lunchboxes.
Features:
Ideal prune height range: 3-4m (can reach 8m if not pruned)
pH growing conditions: 6.0 to 7.0
Shade or full sun: Full sun (needs shade when young in Perth)
Minimum pot year 5: 75L to 100L pot
Time to fruit age: 2-3 years (grafted)
Type B Pollinator: Pairs perfectly with a Hass (Type A) for huge crops.
Shepard trees love Perth’s sunny days but they hate "wet feet." You must plant them in a spot with excellent drainage—mounding the soil is a great trick for our sandy or clay patches. They are heavy feeders, so give them plenty of organic fertiliser in spring and autumn. In a hot Perth summer, make sure they get deep watering and a thick layer of mulch to keep their shallow roots cool.
Interesting Notes:
Unlike the Hass, the Shepard fruit is a bit firmer, so it holds its shape perfectly when sliced. Because the skin stays green, you check if it's ripe by giving it a gentle squeeze at the neck—if it yields slightly, it's ready for your toast!
If you want a reliable, high-yielding tree that fills the "avo gap" in your kitchen, the Shepard is a must-have.
Limited stock. Pickup from Parkwood, WA. Delivery to Perth Metro only.
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