Avocado 'Fantastic' (Persea americana)
Cold-Hardy Avocado with Creamy Fruit and Early Harvest
The Fantastic Avocado is a cold-tolerant Mexican-type avocado that lives up to its name with smooth, creamy fruit, early harvests, and impressive resilience in cooler climates. Known for tolerating temperatures as low as 15–18°F, this variety is ideal for gardeners in Zones 8B and up who want to grow delicious avocados without the tropical heat.
Fantastic produces pear-shaped fruit with thin, glossy skin and rich, nutty flavor, perfect for slicing, guacamole, or straight off the tree. The tree is fast-growing, evergreen, and can be kept compact with pruning—making it a great choice for backyards, edible landscapes, and subtropical food forests.
Why You'll Love It:
- One of the most cold-hardy avocados available
- Delicious creamy fruit with rich flavor and thin skin
- Perfect for Zones 8B–10 growers and early harvests
- Fast-growing, evergreen, and easy to maintain
- A must-grow for guacamole lovers and rare fruit collectors
Growing Tips:
- Plant in full sun and well-draining soil; avoid heavy clay
- Water regularly during establishment, then reduce to deep, infrequent watering
- Mulch heavily to insulate roots and retain moisture
- Protect young trees from hard freezes during their first few winters
- Harvest when the fruit softens slightly off the tree—usually late summer to early fall
| Scientific Name | Persea americana 'Fantastic' |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Fantastic Avocado |
| Family | Lauraceae (Laurel Family) |
| Origin | Mexico (cold-hardy selection) |
| Plant Type | Fruiting Tree |
| Life Cycle | Perennial |
| Food Forest Layer | Mid-Story / Canopy Layer |
| Mature Size | 15–30 ft (prune to maintain smaller size) |
| Light | Full Sun |
| Water Needs | Low to Moderate |
| Harvest Season | Late Summer to Early Fall |
| Time to Fruit | 0-1 years from planting |
| Self-Fertile | Yes (Type B flower) |
| Growth Rate | Moderate to Fast |
| Zones | USDA Zones 8B–10 |
| Florida Native | No |
| Propagation | Grafted |
| Seasonal Characteristics | Evergreen; thin-skinned, pear-shaped fruit |
Wondering about your USDA Growing Zone and what you can grow? 🌎🌿 Learn how to find your Zone and grow tropical plants anywhere—Florida to Alaska! 👉 Read the full blog here!
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