Avocado 'Gem' (Persea Americana) - Grafted - LIVE PLANT

Plant Insights and Care

The GEM Avocado (Persea americana) is a premium avocado variety known for its compact growth habit, high productivity, and exceptional fruit quality. It was developed as an improved alternative to the popular Hass avocado, featuring a more upright growth structure, making it well-suited for smaller orchards or high-density planting.

GEM avocado trees reach approximately 4–6 meters (13–20 feet) in height with proper pruning. They thrive in warm climates with full sun exposure, requiring well-draining soil with a pH range of 6.0–7.0. Unlike some other avocado varieties, GEM avocados are more heat-tolerant, making them a good choice for hot, arid environments. However, they still require consistent deep watering, especially during flowering and fruit set.

This variety is a Type A avocado, meaning its flowers open as female in the morning and male in the afternoon, making it self-pollinating. However, planting it near a Type B avocado (such as Russell or Bacon) can enhance yields. Regular pruning is beneficial to maintain a manageable size, encourage air circulation, and support fruit production.

Key Points:

• Origin: Developed in California as an improved alternative to Hass.
• Climate: Prefers warm, subtropical to tropical conditions and can handle heat well.
• Sun Exposure: Full sun is essential for optimal growth and fruit production.
• Watering: Deep but regulated watering to prevent drought stress and overwatering issues.
• Soil: Well-draining soil with a pH of 6.0–7.0.
• Special Care: Benefits from cross-pollination with a Type B avocado for increased yield but is self-fruitful.

Fruit Profile

The GEM Avocado is visually similar to Hass but has a rounder, slightly larger shape with thicker, pebbly skin that turns dark purple-black when ripe. Its flesh is creamy, rich, and buttery, with a higher oil content, making it one of the most flavorful avocados available. Unlike Hass, GEM avocados grow inside the tree’s canopy, providing natural protection from sunburn and reducing wind damage.

Dive into the facts:

• Taste: Buttery, nutty, and rich, with a high oil content.
• Appearance: Round to oval-shaped with thick, pebbly skin that darkens when ripe.
• Fun Fact: GEM avocados offer similar quality to Hass but with higher yields and better resistance to sun damage, making them an excellent commercial variety.