Growing avocados - Ask Extension
We live in 9b, about a mile off the coast. What do you recommend on a type of avocado? And your honest opinion on fruiting?
Knowledgebase
Growing avocados #948047
Asked November 03, 2026, 9:56 AM EST
We live in 9b, about a mile off the coast. What do you recommend on a type of avocado? And your honest opinion on fruiting?
Coos County Oregon
Expert Response
Thanks for your question.
Oregon State Extension does not recommend trying to grow avocados outdoors in Oregon due to one or more of these factors:
- winters are too cool;
- season is too short;
- springs are too cool & wet; and
- summers are too cool
Take a look at the Oregon State Extension publication "Growing tree fruits and nuts at home" - https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/ec-819-growing-tree-fruits-nuts-home
In your USDA zone 9b you might be able to minimize the "winters are too cool" factor but the other factors remain. Here is an article from OSU Extension that discusses problems with growing avocado in Oregon. Although it specifically addresses the Willamette Valley, the information is pertinent - https://extension.oregonstate.edu/ask-extension/featured/are-fresh-avocados-possible-here. The fact that avocados flower very early (late winter/early spring) means they can be damaged easily by a frost. Pollinator availability might be very low also at that time of year.
You may be able to grow the tree outdoors but producing fruit may be difficult. With a warming climate, things might change, but for now, it is not recommended if you are growing the tree for the fruit.
Oregon State Extension does not recommend trying to grow avocados outdoors in Oregon due to one or more of these factors:
- winters are too cool;
- season is too short;
- springs are too cool & wet; and
- summers are too cool
Take a look at the Oregon State Extension publication "Growing tree fruits and nuts at home" - https://extension.oregonstate.edu/catalog/ec-819-growing-tree-fruits-nuts-home
In your USDA zone 9b you might be able to minimize the "winters are too cool" factor but the other factors remain. Here is an article from OSU Extension that discusses problems with growing avocado in Oregon. Although it specifically addresses the Willamette Valley, the information is pertinent - https://extension.oregonstate.edu/ask-extension/featured/are-fresh-avocados-possible-here. The fact that avocados flower very early (late winter/early spring) means they can be damaged easily by a frost. Pollinator availability might be very low also at that time of year.
You may be able to grow the tree outdoors but producing fruit may be difficult. With a warming climate, things might change, but for now, it is not recommended if you are growing the tree for the fruit.
