Climate and Seasonality
Avocado trees need warm, tropical climates to produce their signature fruit. If you live in a cooler climate, you can grow an avocado tree, but it is unlikely to produce fruit. Avocados are categorized as tender and semi-hardy, meaning they grow best in temperatures ranging between 45 and 85°F (7°C – 30°C). That said, ideally cooler climates should grow either the West Indian (Florida) or Guatemalan race of the species, since these are the most cold-hardy race.
Terrain and Fertilization
Fruit-bearing avocado trees require a well-draining soil pH of 6.0 to 6.5, as well as adequate moisture and rich, fertile soil. Chances of this occurring in any type of soil are pretty low, so it’s important to prepare a special area with the appropriate soil, then regularly fertilize this center to make sure the tree gets enough of the proper nutrients.
Tree Size and Distance
Avocado trees can grow surprisingly large, and the size of the tree is a factor in how long before the tree can produce fruit. Typically, though, it takes about 5 to 13 years for an avocado tree to mature and bear fruit. Even then, trees that have been planted closer together can hinder the growth of each other and could cause a delay in the fruit production. For that reason, it’s important to ensure you leave plenty of space between each tree when planting.
Grafting and Pollination
Avocado trees don’t have much luck propagating on their own from seed, so gaining a tree with either Mexican, Guatemalan, or West Indian rootstocks is often the best route. You can also use grafting, a process which is used to propagate desired traits in young trees. Grafting involves taking a cutting of a larger tree and fusing it to the roots of a younger tree. Not only does this expedite growth, but it ensures the same type of fruit will be produced by the young tree. Avocado trees also need pollination, typically by bees, in order to produce fruit. So make sure the tree is near a steady source of pollinators.
Harvesting
Assuming all of the above criteria are met, an avocado tree can bear fruit within 13 years. At this point, it’s important to remember that avocados are not like other trees that bloom and bear fruit particularly in the same season every year. Depending on the type of avocado tree, different harvest times may be observed. Avocado trees can have up to three different harvests per year and can have periods in-between when nothing is produced.
Care and Maintenance
In addition to the tree’s climate and terrain, bearing fruit also depends heavily on proper care and maintenance. That means regular irrigation and pruning to maintain shape, size and vigor, as well as insect and disease control. Avocado trees are also heavy feeders, meaning they need a good amount of manure and fertilizer, especially during the fruiting season. It’s also important to remember that avocado trees need sun, and need plenty of it, so be sure to pick a good spot when planting.
Genetics
In addition to all the above criteria, a certain genetic influence is also at play when trying to determine how long before an avocado tree produces fruit. Different varieties exist, with some producing fruits quick while other do so much slower. Different cultivars of the same tree can significantly fluctuate the time it takes for a tree to bear fruits. So it’s always worth researching the variety of tree you plan to plant beforehand.
Pros and Cons of Buying a Tree
When looking at an avocado tree for sale, it’s important to establish whether it has already started to bear fruit, or if it will take several more years before it can. There are advantages to both, for example, if you get a tree with bearing fruits you can harvest them earlier rather than waiting for years before you can have the fruits; the downside being that you may have to spend more than you had planned. If the tree species is still young and has yet to produce fruits quicker, it still may take several years before it is mature enough and can produce fruits, but it will also be significantly cheaper.
Growing an Avocado Tree From a Pit
Another option you can explore, if you don’t feel ready to invest a good chunk of money in a ready-to-produce tree, is growing an avocado tree from the pit, although this can be more difficult in climates that are not hospitable to tropical plants.
As a first step, you will need to start by germinating a pit. To do so submerge it in water, with around two-thirds of the pit underwater and the remaining third above the water’s surface. You can place three or four toothpicks at the top of the pit, so you can suspend it over a container in an upright position. Once the pit is properly submerged, leave it in a warm place, such as a windowsill, and check every few days to see if there are any roots forming. It can take anywhere between 2 and 6 weeks for the seed to sprout and form a root.
Once the root is about 2 inches long, start preparing to transplant the pit. Fill a pot with potting mix that has good drainage and, when the pit is ready, gently place it with the root facing downwards, and cover it with the soil. You may need to secure the pit into the soil, as the Pit may try to roll off. Water your newly-planted avocado tree and place it in a sunny location and then start taking care of your plant.
Daily Watering and Pruning
Shallow daily watering and monthly fertilizer with a slow-release fertilizer consisting of a 3-1-2 NPK ratio during the growing season should be enough. Feed it with a fertilizer specific for citrus and fruit trees, so it gets all the nutrients it needs. As a cool season houseplant trim the tree in the spring when you notice it has gotten too tall. Pruning will keep your tree much healthier and reduce the need for more dramatic pruning later.
Logistics and Costs
When deciding whether to buy or grow an avocado tree, factors outside of the growth time need to be taken into consideration. For example, availability, costs – an avocado tree from a nursery can range from $20 to $40 or more – as well as the cost of soil and the container, the cost of ongoing care and maintenance, such as pruning, fertilizing and watering, and the space available.
Safety Considerations
Avocado trees can be very large, and may branch out significantly, so be sure to have a designated safe space for your tree. Putting it somewhere which won’t interfere with other trees, shrubs or landscaping features. You should also ensure your tree is away from any buildings or structures which could be damaged by falling branches or debris. And lastly, always be sure to wear safety gear when pruning or caring for your tree, to avoid any potential injuries.
