Brogdon Avocado
Persea americana ‘Brogdon’
Brogdon Avocado
Status: Active
Location: Front Yard Avocado Grove
Planted: 2026
Source: Everglade Farms
Tree ID: CR-AVO-001
Location:
Front Yard Avocado Planting
The Avocado Experiment Begins
If there is one fruit that surprises visitors when they learn it is growing at Chesed Ranch, it is usually the avocado.
Avocados are often associated with South Florida, where mild winters make cultivation relatively straightforward. North Florida presents a very different challenge. Winter freezes, occasional hard cold events, and unpredictable weather make variety selection critically important.
The Brogdon Avocado was one of the first trees selected to help answer a simple question:
Can high-quality avocados be successfully grown here?
Why Brogdon?
When researching cold-hardy avocados, one variety consistently appeared at the top of the list: Brogdon.
Developed and proven in Florida, Brogdon has earned a reputation as one of the most cold-tolerant avocados available to home growers. While no avocado is truly freeze-proof, Brogdon has demonstrated an ability to survive temperatures that would severely damage many traditional avocado varieties.
For a North Florida planting, that matters.
Just as importantly, the fruit itself has an excellent reputation. The rich, creamy flesh and high oil content have made Brogdon a favorite among avocado enthusiasts throughout the Southeast.
A Different Kind of Orchard
The avocados are planted separately from the main orchard.
Their location in the front yard provides several advantages, including improved observation, easier access during cold weather events, and opportunities for freeze protection when necessary.
Because avocados represent one of the more ambitious fruit-growing projects at Chesed Ranch, placing them where they can receive additional attention during establishment seemed like a wise decision.
As the trees mature, this area may become one of the most interesting fruit-growing experiments on the property.
Quick Facts
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Avocado |
| Variety | Brogdon |
| Avocado Race | Mexican Hybrid |
| Cold Hardiness | Approximately 18–22°F |
| Harvest Season | July – September |
| Pollination Type | Type B |
| Fruit Color | Purple-Black |
| Flavor | Rich and Creamy |
| Growth Habit | Medium Evergreen Tree |
Why We Chose Brogdon
The Brogdon was selected because it offered the best combination of cold tolerance and fruit quality available for our location.
Many cold-hardy avocados survive winter but produce fruit that is considered inferior to commercial varieties. Brogdon is unusual because it offers both survivability and excellent eating quality.
For a first attempt at establishing an avocado planting in North Florida, it was difficult to find a better candidate.
Tree Information
| Item | Details |
|---|---|
| Planting Date | 2026 |
| Initial Height | 2.5′ |
| Rootstock | TBD |
| Mulch Type | Arborist Wood Chip Mulch |
| Irrigation | Drip |
| Soil Type | Amended Clay-Sand Mix |
| Mycorrhizae Applied | Yes |
Annual Growth Log
2026
Planting Date
2026
Observations
- Planted as part of the front yard avocado project.
- Establishing root system.
- Monitoring growth and cold tolerance.
- Protected during establishment period.
Photos
(Insert planting photos)
2027
Winter Conditions
Lowest Temperature: TBD
Freeze Events: TBD
Bloom
TBD
Fruit Set
TBD
Harvest
TBD
Comments
TBD
Weather & Climate Summary
Season Metrics
| Metric | Value |
|---|---|
| Lowest Temperature | TBD |
| Freeze Events | TBD |
| Rainfall | TBD |
| Growing Degree Days | TBD |
| Peak Summer Temperature | TBD |
Performance at Chesed Ranch
Strengths
- Excellent cold tolerance
- Outstanding fruit quality
- High oil content
- Proven Florida performer
- Strong candidate for North Florida production
Challenges
- Young trees require freeze protection
- Long-term performance following severe freezes remains under evaluation
- Avocados remain one of the more challenging fruit crops for the region
Overall Assessment
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
The cornerstone of the Chesed Ranch avocado project and one of the most promising cold-hardy avocado varieties available for North Florida.
Related Resources
UF/IFAS Publications
- Avocado Growing in Florida
- Cold Protection for Tropical Fruit Trees
- Home Fruit Production in Florida
Related Trees
- Mexicola Avocado
- Donnie Avocado