The Lamb Hass avocado is a cultivar of Persea americana , part of the Lauraceae family , which includes species like bay laurel and cinnamon . Botanically , it ’s a Charles Edward Berry , characterise by its single big semen and overweight flesh , though it ’s typically used as a vegetable in culinary app . Lamb Hass is a hybrid derived from the Hass multifariousness , with predominantly Guatemalan pedigree ( around 85 - 90 % ) and a underage Mexican influence , inherited through Hass ’s lineage . This Guatemalan laterality contribute to its rich , oily flesh and robust pelt , while the Mexican trace enhances its adaptability , making it a refined evolution of its famous parent .

Originating in California , the Lamb Hass aguacate was developed by Robert Lamb and his sons at their Camarillo nursery in Ventura County . In the recent 1970s , they choose it from seedling of a Hass tree pollinated by an nameless salmagundi , likely a Type barn like Bacon or Fuerte , aiming for a late - season option . After long time of testing , it was patented in 1996 by the University of California , which promoted it for its upright maturation , high-pitched output , and extended harvest time windowpane . Though not as widespread as Hass , Lamb Hass has earn traction among raiser for its productivity and quality .

Identifying a Lamb Hass avocado mirror its Hass inheritance with a twist . It ’s pear - shaped to oval , slenderly turgid than Hass , weighing 10 to 18 ounce ( 280 - 510 grams ) . Its skin is thick-skulled , pebbly , and green when unripe , turn coloured imperial - total darkness when advanced — intimately identical to Hass but often shiny . The flesh is creamy , golden - green , with a high oil subject ( around 19 - 23 % ) , encasing a average cum that leaves ample edible issue . Its thicker skin and denser grain set it apart , offer a bounty spirit over its primogenitor .

Lamb Hass avocados thrive in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11 , suited to warm , semitropical climate with minimal frost risk of exposure . They ’re somewhat less cold - tolerant than Mexican variety show , handling abbreviated dips to 28 ° F ( -2 ° vitamin C ) , but sustain cold damages blossoms and fruit . Coastal California , peculiarly Ventura and Santa Barbara Counties , provides idealistic stipulation — well - drained soils , full Sunday , and moderate winds . Its Guatemalan roots make it sensible to overwatering , though it ’s hardier than pure Guatemalan types due to its hybrid vigor .

Seasonality for Lamb Hass protract from June to October in California , top out in late summer to early fall , afterward than traditional Hass ( April - September ) . This extended window , enable by its slower maturation , satisfy a opening when Hass render wanes , with fruit harvested mature but firm and ripened off - tree . Its thick skin allow longer on - tree repositing than thinner - skinned multifariousness , hike flexibility . While Hass dominates yr - round of drinks via import , Lamb Hass radiate topically during its time of year , available at farmers ’ markets and strength stores .

Culinary uses of Lamb Hass avocados mirror Hass but expand its richness . It ’s perfect for guacamole , where its creamy , nutty flesh blends seamlessly with unslaked lime and spiciness , holding texture in low-set mixture . Sliced or cube , it elevates salads , sandwiches , or sushi , pair with bold flavors like soy or citrus tree . Its high-pitched oil content makes it idealistic for spreads on goner or commingle into dressings , tender a luxurious mouthfeel . Best raw — cooking risks jaundice — it also suit creative sweetheart like Persea Americana fry or cold soups , relieve oneself it a versatile , late - season adept for avocado aficionados .

Cultivation of Lamb Hass Avocado

Climate Requirements

Lamb Hass avocados flourish in USDA Hardiness Zones 9 to 11 , thriving in warm , subtropical clime with temperatures between 65 ° F and 85 ° F ( 18 ° cytosine to 29 ° atomic number 6 ) . Their Guatemalan dominance throttle cold tolerance to brief drops around 28 ° F ( -2 ° coulomb ) , with frost harming blossoms and untested trees . agriculturalist in California ’s coastal region habituate jazz machines or sprinkler during uncommon cold pushover to protect crops .

Soil Preferences

Well - drained soil is all-important , as Lamb Hass is prostrate to root rot ( Phytophthora cinnamomi ) . Sandy loam or volcanic grease with a pH of 6.0 to 6.5 promote aeration and water menstruation , idealistic for its shallow roots . Clay soils require bring up beds or constituent amendments ( e.g. , compost ) to prevent saturation . Soil testing ensures drainage and nutrient balance before establish .

situation Selection

Flat or gently sloping commonwealth ( up to 10 % tier ) aids drainage , while full sun—6 - 8 hours day by day — labour fruit production . Wind protective cover ( born ridges or planted barriers ) shields its heavy , tardy - time of year fruit from damage . Coastal California sites , like Ventura County , offer the static warmth and moderate humidity Lamb Hass prefers over inland extremes .

Tree Propagation

Lamb Hass is propagated by grafting onto vigorous rootstocks like ‘ Toro Canyon ’ or ‘ Duke 7 ’ to ensure disease resistance and asseverate its upright , productive traits . Seeds wo n’t bring on true Lamb Hass fruit due to its hybrid origin , so nursery grafts — scions from certified trees — are mature for 12 - 18 months before transplant . This preserves its late - time of year quality .

Planting

Trees are space 15 - 20 feet ( 4.5 - 6 meters ) apart , though its upright growth allows wet space ( 12 - 15 feet ) with pruning . springiness planting , C. W. Post - frost , is optimal in California , giving rootage meter to establish before summer heat . hole twice the root ball ’s size are enrich with compost , and stakes corroborate young trees against wind until rooted .

Irrigation

Lamb Hass requires moderate , precise watering—20 - 40 gallons ( 75 - 150 liters ) per tree weekly , adjust for rainfall and stain type . dribble irrigation targets the root geographical zone , avoiding overwatering that its Guatemalan roots dislike . Young trees necessitate 2 - 3 weekly sessions , tapering as they mature . territory moisture sensor balance hydration with drainage to prevent rot .

impregnation

Nitrogen is applied at 1 - 2 pounds ( 0.45 - 0.9 kilo ) per Sir Herbert Beerbohm Tree annually , split into give and midsummer loony toons to fuel its eminent yield . Zinc and potassium addendum destination want , often via foliar sprays in sandy soils . Organic mulch or balanced fertilizers ( e.g. , 10 - 10 - 10 NPK ) sustain health , but over - fertilizing risks vigor over fruit , so folio analysis refines input signal .

Pollination

Lamb Hass is a Type A flowerer — distaff in the morning , male person the next good afternoon — self - fertile but profit from cross - pollination . Pairing with Type B varieties like ‘ Bacon ’ or ‘ Zutano ’ supercharge fruit set , as bees bridge bloom convergence ( April - June in California ) . Orchards often bring out nettle rash to maximize pollenation , enhance its later - time of year output .

Pruning

Light pruning shapes Lamb Hass ’s upright canopy , removing dead wood or crowded subdivision to improve light and flow of air . Young trees are prepare into a minute , open sort over 2 - 3 days , while mature trees get annual cutting post - harvest ( fall ) to manage yield load . Its compact growth reduces heavy pruning need , support its high productivity .

Pest and Disease Management

genus Persea pinch and thrip are fundamental pestis , controlled with predatory insect ( e.g. , lacewings ) or point spray like sulfur . Root rot is the main disease , countered with immune rootstocks and strict irrigation ascendance . Regular scouting and rubble removal limit pest spread , favor integrated blighter direction over broad chemicals .

Fruit Development

After pollenation , Lamb Hass yield matures over 12 - 14 months , quick for harvest from June to October in California . It ripen off - tree , with teetotal topic content ( 22 % minimum ) sign due date . yield count 10 - 18 ounces ( 280 - 510 grams ) , with size of it tied to water , nutrient , and thinning — its great yield may require outgrowth support .

Harvesting

Lamb Hass is picked mature but firm , with clipper snipping stems to preserve duncish pelt . clock aligns with crude oil cognitive content tests , peaking in former summer to fall for market demand . Workers practice ladders for its tall , upright form , hoard into padded bins to void offend its dumb fruit , a plus over thinner - skinned type .

Post - Harvest Care

Harvested fruit is cooled to 40 - 50 ° F ( 4 - 10 ° C ) to slow up ripening , then graded for size and character . ripen come off - tree at 65 - 75 ° F ( 18 - 24 ° C ) over 7 - 14 days , or hie with ethylene commercially . buddy-buddy pelt extends shelf biography over thin - skinned variety show , but timely treatment maximizes insolence . Mature tree diagram give 150 - 250 pounds ( 68 - 113 kilo ) annually , reflect its raising for copiousness .