Mexicola Avocado
Persea americana ‘Mexicola’
Mexicola Avocado
Status: Active
Location: Front Yard Avocado Grove
Planted: 2026
Source: Everglade Farms
Tree ID: CR-AVO-002
Location:
Front Yard Avocado Planting
Testing the Limits
When planning the avocado grove at Chesed Ranch, one question kept coming up:
How far can we push avocado production in North Florida?
The answer, at least in part, led us to the Mexicola Avocado.
Among avocado enthusiasts, Mexicola has earned a reputation as one of the most cold-hardy avocado varieties available. While avocados are often viewed as a South Florida crop, Mexicola has demonstrated an ability to survive temperatures that would severely damage or kill many commercial avocado varieties.
For a property that experienced the devastating freeze of 2025–2026, that characteristic was impossible to ignore.
Built for the Challenge
Growing avocados in North Florida requires a different mindset than growing them in tropical climates.
Winter temperatures, occasional freezes, and unpredictable weather patterns mean that survivability is every bit as important as fruit quality. While many avocado varieties offer excellent fruit, only a handful have developed a reputation for handling colder conditions.
Mexicola is one of those few.
Its Mexican-race heritage contributes both cold tolerance and a distinctive fruit unlike the larger avocados commonly found in grocery stores.
Quick Facts
| Characteristic | Value |
|---|---|
| Type | Avocado |
| Variety | Mexicola |
| Avocado Race | Mexican |
| Cold Hardiness | Approximately 18–20°F |
| Harvest Season | August – October |
| Pollination Type | Type A |
| Fruit Size | Small to Medium |
| Flavor | Rich, Nutty, High Oil Content |
| Growth Habit | Vigorous Evergreen Tree |
Why We Chose Mexicola
The Mexicola was selected for one primary reason:
Resilience.
While fruit quality is always important, the avocado project at Chesed Ranch begins with survival. Before a tree can produce fruit, it must first prove it can thrive in our climate.
Mexicola has a long reputation as one of the most cold-tolerant avocados available, making it an ideal candidate for evaluation in North Florida conditions.
As an added bonus, the fruit itself is highly regarded among avocado enthusiasts for its rich flavor and high oil content.
An unusual characteristic of Mexicola is that even the leaves are aromatic, often carrying a scent reminiscent of anise or licorice when crushed.
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 |
A Companion to Brogdon
The Mexicola was planted alongside Brogdon as part of the front yard avocado project.
Together, these two varieties represent different approaches to cold-hardy avocado production.
- Brogdon is widely known for balancing cold tolerance and excellent fruit quality.
- Mexicola is known for pushing the limits of cold hardiness while still producing highly regarded fruit.
Over time, we hope to compare growth rates, cold tolerance, productivity, and fruit quality between the two trees.
Annual Growth Log
2026
Planting Date
2026
Observations
- Planted as part of the front yard avocado project.
- Establishing root system.
- Monitoring cold tolerance and growth habit.
- 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
- Exceptional cold tolerance
- Rich, flavorful fruit
- High oil content
- Vigorous growth habit
- Proven Mexican-race genetics
Challenges
- Smaller fruit size than commercial varieties
- Long-term productivity under local conditions still under evaluation
- Young trees require protection during establishment
Overall Assessment
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
One of the most cold-hardy avocado varieties available and a key part of the Chesed Ranch avocado experiment.
Related Resources
UF/IFAS Publications
- Avocado Growing in Florida
- Cold Protection for Tropical Fruit Trees
- Home Fruit Production in Florida
Related Trees
- Brogdon Avocado
- Donnie Avocado