Avocado ‘Shepard’
Early-season. Shepard avocados are known for their glossy green skin that stays green when ripe. They are ideal for slicing and salads because they don’t brown quickly and hold their shape, with a mild, buttery, nut-like flavour. They have a firmer, less oily, and more buttery texture than Hass. While marketed as a semi-dwarf, it is a vigorous grower, but can be maintained at smaller sizes through regular pruning or by growing in large pots.
Type B flower
43 in stock
ZK180.00
43 in stock
Avocado Shepard
The Shepard Avocado is a highly sought-after premium green-skinned avocado variety prized for its smooth glossy skin, creamy firm flesh, and mild buttery flavour. Unlike dark-skinned avocado varieties, Shepard remains beautifully green even when ripe, making it easy to recognize and exceptionally attractive.
Its flesh is rich and creamy yet firm enough to slice neatly, and it is well known for browning much slower after cutting than many other avocado varieties, making it excellent for salads, sandwiches, platters, and fresh eating. Shepard avocados are smooth-skinned, easy to peel, and contain a good flesh-to-seed ratio. Commercial growers also value this variety for its strong cropping ability and dependable fruit quality.
Why Choose Shepard Avocado?
- Premium smooth green fruit
- Creamy buttery flesh with mild pleasant flavour
- Flesh stays green longer after cutting
- Excellent slicing avocado
- Reliable bearer with good fruit quality
- Attractive semi-compact tree
- Ideal for home gardens and orchards
Growing & Care Instructions
Climate
Shepard Avocado thrives in warm subtropical to tropical climates and performs best in frost-free or very light frost areas. Young trees should be protected from severe winter cold.
Sunlight
Plant in a full sun position where the tree receives at least 6–8 hours of direct sunlight daily.
Soil
For best growth, plant in:
- deep fertile soil
- loose well-drained ground
- soil enriched with compost or organic matter
Avocados dislike wet feet, so avoid heavy clay areas where water stands.
Watering
- Water deeply and regularly while the tree is young.
- Keep soil evenly moist during hot months.
- Once established, water well during flowering and fruit development.
- Do not allow the roots to sit in waterlogged soil.
Feeding
Feed every 6–8 weeks during active growth with:
- compost
- kraal manure
- balanced fruit tree fertilizer
This encourages strong canopy development and heavy fruiting.
Mulching
Apply thick mulch around the base to:
- conserve moisture
- protect shallow feeder roots
- improve soil health
Keep mulch away from direct contact with the trunk.
Pruning
Shepard has a manageable semi-dwarf to medium growth habit and responds well to pruning for:
- shape control
- easier harvesting
- improved airflow
Fruiting
Grafted Shepard Avocado trees generally begin fruiting in 3–5 years under proper care.
Pollination
Shepard is a Type B flowering avocado. While it can produce on its own, planting it near a Type A avocado such as Hass can greatly improve pollination and fruit set.
Mature Tree Size
Approximately 5–8 meters tall, depending on soil, climate, and pruning.
Perfect For
✔ Home fruit gardens
✔ Small orchards
✔ Premium avocado lovers
✔ Fresh slicing and salads
✔ Extended avocado harvest collection
