Troubleshooting
Bacon Avocado problems — and how to fix them
Bacon Avocado (Persea americana 'Bacon') is generally forgiving once you match its basics, but a few issues come up again and again. Here is what each one looks like, why it happens, and the fix.
Phytophthora root rot
Triggered by poor drainage and overwatering, this is the leading cause of avocado decline. Use very free-draining soil and disciplined watering to prevent it.
Wind and cold sensitivity of fruit
Though the tree is hardy, fruit and new growth are damaged by hard frost; its upright form can also catch wind. Shelter and protect in cold, exposed sites.
Iron chlorosis
Interveinal yellowing on alkaline or waterlogged soils. Improve drainage, acidify slightly, and apply chelated iron.
Salt-induced leaf burn
Chloride accumulation scorches leaf margins. Irrigate with low-salt water and leach container soil periodically.
Prevent bacon avocado problems before they start
Most bacon avocado issues are care-mismatch, not bad luck. Dial in the basics:
Looking for bacon avocado in general rather than its problems? Read the full bacon avocado care guide — light, water, soil and feeding.
Bacon Avocado problems — FAQ
Why is my bacon avocado phytophthora root rot?
Triggered by poor drainage and overwatering, this is the leading cause of avocado decline. Use very free-draining soil and disciplined watering to prevent it.
Why is my bacon avocado wind and cold sensitivity of fruit?
Though the tree is hardy, fruit and new growth are damaged by hard frost; its upright form can also catch wind. Shelter and protect in cold, exposed sites.
Why is my bacon avocado iron chlorosis?
Interveinal yellowing on alkaline or waterlogged soils. Improve drainage, acidify slightly, and apply chelated iron.
Why is my bacon avocado salt-induced leaf burn?
Chloride accumulation scorches leaf margins. Irrigate with low-salt water and leach container soil periodically.