The original tree grew from a seed planted in the grove of Tom W. Brogden of Winter Haven, Florida, in the 1930s.
[1] 'Brogden' first received attention when a seedling of it was reputed to survive the winter in North Carolina.
[2] The cultivar's name was published by the Florida State Horticultural Society in 1951, and it became recognized for its cold hardiness,[3] unique dark-purple skin color, and superior flavor.
Though it had no major commercial potential due to its thin skin, 'Brogden' was recommended for home growing in areas of Florida where avocados needed to be more cold hardy than most to survive.
Today 'Brogden' trees are still propagated and sold as nursery stock, both in Florida and in other states where avocados can be grown.