Little Cado Dwarf Avocado

Where to Plant

• Sunlight: This dwarf variety requires at least 6 to 8 hours of direct sun to produce a heavy fruit crop. While it can tolerate light afternoon shade in extremely hot climates, too much shade results in leggy growth and significantly fewer avocados.
• Soil: Thrives in loose, well-draining soil that prevents water from pooling around the roots. If you have heavy clay, plant your tree in a raised mound or a large container using a citrus-specific potting mix to avoid the root rot that avocados are prone to.

Watering Requirements

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy during the first two years while the root system establishes. Once the tree is mature, switch to deep, infrequent soakings that allow the top few inches of soil to dry out between visits. Inconsistent watering is a common cause of fruit drop and can lead to smaller, less flavorful avocados due to moisture stress.

Pruning Tips

Since the Little Cado blooms on the tips of new growth, the best time to prune is in late winter or early spring just after the harvest. Think of pruning like a light haircut to maintain its compact dwarf shape and to remove any branches that cross through the center. Opening up the canopy ensures that sunlight reaches the interior branches, which encourages more fruit-bearing wood for the next season.

Fertilizer Needs

Apply a specialized citrus and avocado fertilizer three times a year during the active growing months of spring and summer. You should avoid high nitrogen fertilizers in late fall because they stimulate tender new growth that is easily damaged by winter frosts. Proper feeding provides the essential micronutrients like zinc and iron that keep the leaves deep green and help the tree hold onto its heavy fruit.