When to plant avocados

You can start with an avocado seed. Wash it. Use three toothpicks to suspend it broad end down over a water-filled glass to cover about an inch of the seed. Put the glass in a warm place out of direct sunlight and replenish water as needed. You should see the roots and stem start to sprout in about two to six weeks. (If you’ve followed this process so far and have not seen roots or a stem sprout in more than six to eight weeks, try another seed. ) When the stem is 6 to 7 inches long, cut it back to about 3 inches. When the roots are thick and the stem has leaves again, plant it in a rich humus soil in a 10½-inch-diameter pot, leaving the seed half exposed. Water it frequently, with an occasional deep soak. The soil should be moist but not saturated. And don’t forget: the more sunlight, the better. If the plant turns yellow, you may be over-watering; let it dry out for a few days. If the leaves turn brown and fry at the tips, too much salt has accumulated in the soil. Let water run freely into the pot, and drain it for several minutes. When the stem is 12 inches high, cut it back to 6 inches to encourage the growth of new shoots.

*Please note that the odds that your tree will bear fruit are very small.

Planting: Young tree

Remember that avocado trees do best at moderately warm temperatures (60 F to 85 F) with moderate humidity. They can tolerate temperatures, once established, of around 28 F to 32 F with minimal damage. Avoid freezing temperatures. Plant your tree in March through June. If you plant during the summer, there is always the risk of sun damage, because avocado trees don’t absorb water very well when they’re young. Plant it in a non-lawn area and away from sidewalks and, if you can, plant it in a spot protected from wind and frost. Remember, full sun is best. Dig a hole as deep as the current root ball and just as wide as the width plus a little extra so you can get your hands into the hole to plant it. The avocado is a shallow-rooted tree with most of its feeder roots in the top 6 inches of soil, so give it good aeration. Its root system is very sensitive, and great care should be taken not to disturb it when transplanting. If the tree is root-bound, however, loosen up the soil around the edges and clip the roots that are going in circles.

Soil

Avocado trees like the soil’s pH around 6 to 6.5. If you have a heavy clay soil, elevate the tree in a mound for better drainage. Make the mound 1 to 2 feet high and 3 to 5 feet around. Don’t put gravel or anything else like planting media in the hole. The sooner the roots get into the bulk soil, the better the tree will do.

Watering

Trees typically need to be watered two to three times a week. As the roots reach out into the bulk soil, more water can be applied and the frequency of watering can diminish to about once a week after a year. When watering the tree, soak the soil well, and then allow it to dry out somewhat before watering again. As with most plants, you don’t want the tree to get too dry. The rule of thumb for mature trees is about 20 gallons of water a day during the irrigation season. Seedlings will require quite a bit less water, of course. Check the soil before watering each time to make sure it has dried somewhat. If the soil from around the roots can hold the impression of a hand when squeezed, it has enough water.

Mulching and Fertilizing

Mulch with coarse yard mulch. Redwood bark or cocoa bean husks and shredded tree bark will work. Choose something that is woody and about 2 inches in diameter. Coarse yard mulch is available at some garden-supply centers and through tree-trimming operations. Tree-trimming operations sometimes have material that has been pruned from the tops of trees and doesn’t contain any diseased roots. Use online search engines to find a local tree service. Put 20 pounds of gypsum spread around the tree base, and mulch the area with 6 inches of mulch, keeping the material about 6 to 8 inches away from the tree trunk. Fertilize your young avocado trees with ½ to 1 pound of actual nitrogen per tree per year. You can spread it out over several applications as long as it totals ½ to 1 pound of nitrogen. The other important nutrient for avocado trees is zinc. Ordinary home fertilizer for houseplants will normally work.

Other growing tips

Be patient about seeing fruit. If you have purchased and planted a tree, you can probably expect to see your first fruit three to four years after planting. If you are growing from a seed, it can take anywhere from five to 13 years before the tree is mature enough to set fruit. When the tree does flower, expect a lot of flowers to fall without setting fruit. This is natural.

Should I plant a “B” type avocado with an “A” type avocado to help with good pollination?

Avocado flowering patterns fall into two groups: “A” type and “B” type flowers. A-type flowers open female in the morning and male in the afternoon, B-type are male in the morning and female in the afternoon.
It is widely accepted that fruit production can be helped with the presence of another avocado variety, but it isn’t always required.

How does temperature influence pollination and fruit set?

Optimum fruit set occurs at temperatures between about 65 – 75 F. Cooler or warmer temperatures are less ideal.
Under some conditions, you may get a fruit from a flower that did not pollinate properly. These small, elongated fruit will often fall from the tree on their own, but if they “hang on” you can pick them and eat them. These fruit are called “cukes” but are sometimes marketed in stores as “Cocktail” or “Finger” avocados.

What can I do about my avocado tree dropping fruit?

This is called fruit drop. An avocado tree typically produces about one million flowers, but only 100-200 pieces of fruit per tree. In other words, 1 fruit in 10,000 will set and mature. Sometimes the tree will set fruit but drop them when they are pea to walnut size. This is typical.
To minimize fruit drop of good “fertilized” fruit, avoid stressing the tree. Don’t under or overwater it. Research suggests that fruit retention is also better when there are other avocado varieties present to provide cross-pollination, and that these crossed fruit have a higher tendency to stay on the tree.
There is also some indication that over-fertilizing with Nitrogen during the early fruit stages can also somewhat influence fruit drop. Check with your master gardener for help with fertilizers for your climate/location.

How can I tell when my avocados are ripe and ready to pick?

Avocados do not “ripen” on the tree, that is, they do not get soft while on the tree. They mature on the tree.
Once you pick an avocado, it can take from 7-21 days for it to soften when left at room temperature. You can speed the process up slightly by placing the avocado in a bag with some other ripe fruit (like an apple or banana) or slow the process down by keeping the fruit in the refrigerator. More on how to ripen avocados.

So, when should I pick my avocados?

Pick a couple of avocados and try to ripen them. If they shrivel up or seem rubbery instead of soft, they are not mature yet. Keep picking fruit every few weeks. Note on the calendar when they soften instead of turning rubbery.

Also, note the taste of the fruit. The oil content of the fruit usually increases through the season, and there will be a certain point when it tastes “just right. ” That date will usually vary somewhat due to climate conditions, and some years will be better than others. Some varieties can also reach a point where they have too much oil and some will turn rancid (although many types fall from the tree before reaching that point).

The Hass Avocado in California typically comes to maturity in February and is good through September or October. These dates depend a lot on where you live and climate conditions.

How many fruit will a mature tree produce in one year?

It is possible for an avocado tree to produce 200 to 300 fruit per tree once it is about 5-7 years of age. The avocado tree, however, alternates bearing. This means that the tree may produce a large crop one year, and then produce a small crop the following year. There are lots of variables that influence this.

How many years will a normal avocado tree produce fruit?

Typically, an avocado tree will continue to grow and produce fruit until something kills the tree.

When is the best time to prune avocado trees?

Avocados can be pruned any time of the year, but there tends to be less vigorous regrowth if it is done after cold weather in the winter, sometime around February.

How large will my avocado tree get?

Growth is reflected in rootstock, variety, soil depth and texture, windiness, irrigation and pruning. Reed, Bacon and Hass trees can ultimately grow to 35 feet in 30 years. Pruning can keep the trees to a manageable size, under 15 feet, but it must be done on a regular basis.

What’s the creamy-white foamy looking stuff that grows out of the bark where there are cuts, or small branches have died and dropped off?

It is just sap coming from a wound. It dries into that sugary white, fluffy stuff.

What areas of California are most hospitable to avocados?

Most areas of Southern California are suitable for avocados, except for the mountains and high deserts, where it gets too cold and too dry for fruit set. Outside of Southern California, it depends on the climate. Cold is most often the problem faced in other parts of the state. Still, there are home growers with avocado trees in and around San Francisco. There is also an area along the foothills of the Sierra Nevada Mountains where avocados are being grown in Fresno and Tulare Counties. Growing areas in Southern California include:

• San Diego County
• Orange County
• Los Angeles County
• Riverside County
• Western San Bernardino County
• Ventura County
• Santa Barbara County
• Some parts of San Luis Obispo and Santa Cruz Counties

Not finding what you are looking for? Contact a master gardener* or see the below resources. All links open a new window:

1. Tips for the Backyard Avocado Grower (PDF) 
   This sheet, developed by the California Avocado Commission, was designed to provide Do-It-Yourself tips on growing an avocado tree
2. Ventura County Avocado Handbook* 
   This helpful handbook, hosted by the University of California Cooperative Extension, provides text book-like information on growing an avocado tree including grafting, planting, flowering and more
3. Growing Avocados (YouTube)*
   YouTube offers a helpful selection of avocado growing tips and videos from avocado enthusiasts all over the world
4. Avocado Source*
   The free, virtual library of avocado knowledge. Search for documents, research and more
5. Avocado Variety Information*
   Almost 1,000 varieties of avocados are identified on this page. Also available through this site is general avocado information, resources on flowering, irrigation, phenology and rootstocks

For cultural advice on your avocado tree or plant, please contact a master gardener* or nursery nearest you.

For assistance over the phone from a Master Gardner, try one of the following hotlines:

The California Avocado Commission does not sell, produce or have avocados, seeds or trees available for purchase. For information on where avocado trees are sold, please contact a nursery nearest you.

* Please note: The California Avocado Commission provides this information as a convenience to you; it should not be considered an endorsement by the Commission of a third-party website or the company who owns it. The Commission is not responsible for the quality, safety, completeness, or accuracy or nature of the content of the linked websites.

Season for Planting Hass Avocado | Home Guides

By SF Gate Contributor Updated September 15, 2020

The 'Hass' avocado tree (Persea americana) is an evergreen tree that grows delicious green fruit that surrounds a large pit or seed. Planted during spring, 'Hass' avocado trees thrive in U.S. Department of Agriculture hardiness plant zones 9 through 11. You can propagate avocado trees from seed, but the resulting trees and fruits vary in quality and quantity. For these reasons, budding and grafting are common methods of propagation.

Plant a 'Hass' Avocado Tree

'Hass' avocado trees are planted when the ground is warm, generally during the months of March through June. Trees planted in summer often falter because young tree roots cannot take up water well. If you do plant an avocado tree during summer months, take certain precautions, such as deep watering during dry spells and protecting it from hot summer sun. Whitewashing the avocado tree trunk and branches can help protect trees from too much sun.

Avocado seeds are the result of cross-pollination and do not produce true cultivars, according to the University of California. So, the seed from a 'Hass' avocado does not produce the same tree, but a tree that may resemble one of the parent trees or a new type of avocado, or it may not produce fruit at all.

'Hass' Avocado Spacing and Temperatures

'Hass' avocado trees need full sun to be productive, but they can grow in shaded areas. Unless you plan to prune your tree to keep it small, Master Gardener Steve Albert recommends setting 'Hass' avocado spacing at 25 to 35 feet apart. Avocado roots will compete with other plant and tree roots for moisture and nutrients. In addition, maintain the avocado tree distance from the house by at least 20 feet to prevent damage to the foundation.

Avocado trees thrive in temperatures between 60 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit during the day. Once established, Arizona State University reports that 'Hass' trees can withstand temperatures down to 26 degrees Fahrenheit with only minimal damage.

Temperature for Fruit Set

While avocado trees are mostly self fruitful, a second tree for pollination ensures a good crop. 'Hass' produces a Type A flower and needs a compatible Type B tree for pollination. Type A flowers open in the morning as a female, close at night and the next day open in the afternoon as a male. Type B flowers open in the afternoon as a female and the next morning as a male. 'Fuerte,' also a large cultivar, is a Type B that can pollinate 'Hass' flowers.

Temperature also affects fruit set. The optimum temperature for 'Hass' fruit set is between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. When temperatures are cooler or warmer, it affects fruit set because trees can produce fruit from flowers that did not receive proper pollination. If this occurs, the fruit is generally smaller, elongated fruit called "cuke," "fingerling" or "cocktail" avocados. The "cukes" often drop from the tree, but if they do not, you can pick and eat them.

Time from Planting to Production

Avocado tree production depends on whether you planted a nursery plant or it was started from seed. Avocado trees started from a nursery tree generally begin setting fruit three to four years after planting. Trees grown from seed take longer and require between five to 13 years before setting fruit. When the avocado tree does begin to flower, it is normal for many of those first blooms to fall off the tree.

References

• University of California Agriculture & Natural Resources: Avocado Information
• Arizona State University: Persea Species
• Harvest to Table: How to Plant, Grow, and Harvest Avocados

How to grow avocados at home

February 6, 2019 Likbez Do it yourself

Step-by-step instructions for those who want to get a real tree.

1. Buy an avocado

Choose a dark green fruit that is quite soft to the touch.

If you don't find a ripe avocado, don't worry. Take an unripe fruit. Put it together with bananas or apples for a couple of days. The ethylene they release will help the fruit ripen faster.

2. Separate the seed from the pulp

Carefully cut the fruit into two halves.

Remove the seed from the pulp with your hand or a spoon. Rinse it under warm water.

Use the pulp the right way 🥑

• 12 colorful avocado salads for those who love to eat

3.

Avocados can be planted at any time of the year. If the bone is not damaged, the probability of seedlings is quite high.

Option 1

Use a knife, awl or thick needle to make three or four small holes 2-3 mm deep in the pit. Insert toothpicks or sharpened matches into them.

Pour filtered or, for example, settled water for watering flowers into a small container.

Position the bone so that the blunt end is in the water. Toothpicks resting on the edges of the container will not let it sink.

Keep the water at the same level and change every few days. But make sure that the puncture sites do not get wet.

Instead of water, you can use hydrogel, which is sold in shops with houseplants. Its level should also be below the punctures.

Place the container of avocados on a windowsill or other well-lit place.

The root will hatch in one and a half to two weeks, although its appearance may be delayed for a month. When it reaches 3-4 cm in length, remove the toothpicks and transplant into the ground.

Option 2

Peel off the outer shell of the bone, being careful not to damage it.

Place in a small narrow vessel so that it is about halfway in the water and not tipped on its side.

When the root reaches 2-3 cm a couple of weeks after germination, transplant the seed into a pot.

Option 3

Simply place the stone in a pot of soil so that ⅔ of it is on the surface. If you dig deeper, it might just rot. The pot should be as described in point #4, and the soil should be as described in point #5.

Water every 2-3 days. This method is the easiest, but you will have to wait a few months before the first shoots appear.

4. Choose the right pot

Get a plastic or ceramic pot with drainage holes in the bottom. Its depth should be no more than 10–15 cm. For the first time, this will be enough.

5. Fill the pot with the right soil

Mix universal potting soil with coarse sand and peat in proportions 1 : 1 : 1. This will make the soil loose.

When choosing, keep in mind that the soil for avocados should be neutral (pH = 7), not acidic.

Use gravel or expanded clay for drainage.

6. Plant the seed if you germinated it in water or hydrogel. Fill in the soil and loosen well. Make a small indentation on the surface.

Plant the seed so that it is about halfway in the ground, no more. Try not to damage the roots during planting.

Water your seedling. Make sure the soil is moist but not swampy. From excess moisture, the bone can become moldy.

7. Put in a bright and warm place

Position the pot so that it has enough light. Ideal for window sills. The temperature should be room temperature.

Bookmark this 🥑

• 11 useful avocado hacks

8. Proper care

Do not put the pot in the shade, otherwise the plant will not develop normally. Water the avocado once every 3-4 days in the warm season and a little less often in the cold. Don't let the soil dry out completely.

Spray regularly when seedlings appear. If the air in the room with avocados is very dry, you can put a small container of water next to it to increase humidity.

In the first few months, the avocado will stretch rapidly upwards and can reach 50 cm. Then the growth rate will slow down. When there are more than eight leaves on the shoot, pinch it. Carefully remove the very top with a knife or scissors. After do not forget to rinse the instrument.

As soon as you notice that the avocado begins to stretch, pinch it. So you get a tree with a neat crown.

If possible, keep avocados outside during the summer. With the onset of autumn coolness, return the plant to a warm room. Do not leave outside if the temperature drops below +10 °C.

9. Fertilize and replant avocados

In the warm season, fertilize once or twice a month with houseplant products.

Replant young avocados annually for the first five years. Then the interval between transplants can be increased to three years. Choose a pot with a slightly larger diameter each time.

When transplanting, take care not to damage the root system. Just transfer the earth ball into a new container and add the right amount of earth.

10. Help an avocado bear fruit

With proper care, a tree can start to bloom. This usually happens not earlier than after 5-6 years.

When flowers appear on the plant, try pollinating them. To do this, take a soft brush or cotton swab and swipe over the flowers. Repeat the procedure repeatedly and do not clean the instrument after each procedure. The chances of success will increase if you have several flowering trees.

Don't be discouraged if the pollination experiment fails. Even in nature, avocados produce relatively few fruits. So just be patient and try again the next time it blooms.

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How to grow avocados at home: practical tips

Tips

Avocado, with its distinctive taste and buttery texture, rightfully occupies one of the first places in the list of products for a healthy and balanced diet. This superfood is rich in saturated and unsaturated fatty acids, contains a supply of potassium and vitamins E, K and group B, serves as a source of antioxidants and accelerates the absorption of nutrients.

If you have space in your living room or kitchen, try growing this tropical plant in your home and in a few years you will be able to not only enjoy the lush foliage of the tree, but also eat ripe fruits from your garden.

The scientific name of the avocado tree is Persea americana. The plant comes from Mexico. In hot tropical forests, it can reach 18 meters in height, but this does not mean that you cannot grow it at home - just get a suitable planter and cut the plant in time to adjust its growth.

The avocado tree loves warmth and sun, therefore, taking into account the weather conditions, it is better to grow it not in the backyard, but at home, where it will be possible to provide humidity and temperature that are comfortable for the plant.

How to grow an avocado

One of the easiest ways to grow an avocado is to use the pit of a ripe fruit, anything you can buy at your local supermarket will do. The seeds sprout quickly and easily, so you will definitely be able to start a seedling. However, remember that it takes up to 3-6 years for a tree to give its first crop, and at home, an avocado will not always bear fruit.

1. Select a healthy and ripe avocado of your favorite variety and carefully remove the pit. Be careful, the seed will not germinate if the outer brown shell is damaged.
   

2. Turn the narrow part of the bone up, pierce it with three wooden toothpicks at an equal distance at a slight angle.
   

3. Fill the container with water and set the stone so that its bottom is submerged in water.
   

4. Place the container on the windowsill and change the water every five days.

5. It usually takes four weeks for a bone to grow. But if this does not happen, do not despair and be patient!
   

6. Roots and sprouts appear almost simultaneously. Wait until the future tree is 15 cm tall and then cut it in half. This will cause the avocado to sprout more.
   

7. Prepare a pot of fertile soil in a well-lit area.
   

8. Dig a hole and plant the avocado in it, leaving only the green part of the plant above the ground.
   

9. Water the avocado and continue to care for it. If you want to grow fruit, find out if your variety is self-pollinating or if it needs another plant nearby.

How to care for avocados

Soil

Like all shallow-rooted trees, the avocado tree needs loose, well-drained soil. As for pH, it should be neutral or slightly acidic, as with most other garden plants.

Watering

In the first few years of life, the avocado tree needs a lot of water. Water the plant two to three times a week. After the tree is rooted, watering can be reduced, as the roots will get the necessary moisture from the soil. Understanding when a tree needs additional moisture is quite simple - pay attention to soil moisture, as soon as it dries, water the plant.

Fertilizer

Avocado grows well in fertile soil and requires regular fertilization throughout its life. In the early stages, in order for the tree to grow healthy and strong, use a fertilizer rich in nitrogen once a month. Such top dressing can be replaced with organic compost, which is applied every three months. Continue to fertilize the plant during flowering and throughout the growing season. When the fruits are ripe, fertilizers can be postponed until the next season.

Pruning

Avocado care depends on where you grow it. An outdoor tree will require minimal pruning. Potted plants, on the other hand, require pruning regularly to keep them compact. In addition to the main branches, pay attention to side shoots so that the avocado does not lose shape.

Pests and Diseases

Although the avocado tree has a high content of toxic persin, to which only humans and cats are immune, it does not repel pests. Spider mites, thrips and caterpillars can merge on the plant.

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