Persea americana 'Miguel' (Avocado)

Persea americana, the avocado, is an evergreen fruit tree native to southern Mexico and Central America, cultivated for thousands of years and now grown throughout tropical and subtropical regions worldwide. Belonging to the laurel family, it develops into a medium to large tree with a dense canopy of glossy green leaves, reaching 20 to 60 feet depending on climate and rootstock, and remaining productive for decades.
Fruits vary widely in size, shape, skin texture, and color - from smooth green to rough dark-purple - depending on the cultivar. The flesh is rich in healthy oils and prized for its smooth buttery texture. The species is also notable for its unusual flowering biology, with flowers opening in two phases that promote cross-pollination between complementary types.
Cultivars derived from Mexican, Guatemalan, and West Indian genetic backgrounds show considerable variation in fruit quality, harvest season, and cold tolerance. The hardiest Mexican-type selections may survive temperatures near 20F when mature, while many West Indian types sustain damage below 30F. Avocado grows best in full sun with well-drained soil and regular moisture; it is sensitive to prolonged waterlogging. Generally suited to USDA Zones 9b-11. See more about avocado:
Avocado varieties chart.
Avocado variety guide: Snack or Guacamole?
Growing avocadoes in Florida
The Magic of the Avocado

Persea americana 'Miguel' is an avocado cultivar valued for its flavorful fruit, vigorous growth, and adaptation to warm subtropical and tropical climates.

The tree is evergreen, forming a dense canopy of glossy green leaves and reaching 20-40 feet under favorable conditions. Regular pruning can maintain a more compact size for home gardens and small orchards.

'Miguel' produces medium to large fruits with smooth to slightly textured green skin at maturity. The flesh is creamy, pale yellow, and rich in flavor - typical of high-quality avocados - and well suited to fresh consumption and a wide range of culinary uses. Fruit size, shape, and harvest season may vary with local growing conditions.

This cultivar performs best in full sun and fertile, well-drained soil. Young trees benefit from regular watering; established specimens become moderately drought tolerant, though good drainage remains essential, as avocado roots are sensitive to waterlogging. When propagated by grafting, trees may begin bearing within a few years.

USDA Zones 9b-11. Mature trees can briefly tolerate temperatures down to 28-30F, though flowers, young shoots, and developing fruit are susceptible to frost damage.