I live in north Orange County. I too was concerned about size so I planted a Gwen avocado about 12 years ago. Gwen is a semi-dwarf variety that has topped out at about 13-15' high. I keep the diameter spread to about 7' with minor pruning. Gwen is similar in appearance, taste and texture to Hass, but slightly larger and it remains green when ripe. The tree produces well and last year I had to give some of the fruit away to friends. - Mike

In my opinion, Fuerte is the best tasting avocado. Only reason it isn't seen in the stores anymore is that the Haas and its leathery skin make it a better shipper and the fact that Haas bears every year as opposed alternate years as does the Fuerte, but the texture and taste of the Haas simply can't measure up to the Fuerte.

Have never seen avocados (except for the Bacon) larger than the beautiful Fuertes which grew in my backyard in Long Beach. My father had to do the graft several times before it took and he never lived to see the tree bear.

Hass. At least in my yard, the Hass produces. We ripped out the Fuerte after five unproductive years. I don't like Reed, and I have never tried Dwarf Holiday, but I agree with the others that Gwen, Fuerte and Hass are the best tasting avos still in production.