Haas Avacados in Houston?

[PlantSwap]

I've got a Haas avacado tree (potted) growing on my back patio (south facing) that survived last winter there (it's somewhat protected from the wind in one corner of the patio). It's now about 9' tall and getting close to touching the arbor's ceiling.

I think by the time winter rolls around it will be too tall to keep in the patio or garage. What should I do with it? ... stick it in the ground and hope for the best?

[txbeyer]

I'd recommend finding a south side wall to your home which is somewhat protected from the cold and give it a try. You may have some damange to it but if it survives and continues to grow, it will gain hardiness with age. I know someone who is growing Ruby Red grapefruit tree that produces over 500 fruit per year in Clear Lake because it is against the south facing red brick wall of his two story home. Sam Chism in Clear Lake is growing Mangoes using the same method - close to the house in a protected area. He has not had luck growing the "cold hardy" variety of Avocado as a container plant.

[PlantSwap]

Thanks Bob. I might try sticking it amongst some banana trees on a south wall (somewhat protected by a small tool shed).

[rdfast]

Randy Lemmon of the Garden line radio show said that they will survive here but they may get some freeze damage but that this will help them to produce!

[PlantSwap]

Hi rdfast, welcome to the forum.

Well that settles it. I'm sticking it in the ground.

[PlantSwap]

Woohoo. I just planted the avacado tree. We'll see how it does.