Effects of temperature, soil moisture and light intensity on the temporal pattern of floral gene expression and flowering of avocado buds (Persea americana cv. Hass)

•Effects of four environmental conditions on Persea americana cv. Hass flowering were determined.•Only low temperature-(LT)-treated trees followed by optimal conditions (OGC) flowered.•LT activation of both LEAFY and APETALA1 was required for floral meristem determinacy.•LT activated bud FLOWERING LOCUS T and floral organ identity genes after 2 and 4 weeks in OGC.•LT induces ‘Hass’ avocado flowering, warm temperature supports floral organogenesis.