Do you know when an avocado tree will bear fruit? Growing avocados is an adventure that can take years before one can finally enjoy the fruits of their labours. But the wait is worth it! Whether growing a single potted plant in the back patio or multiple trees in the backyard, gardeners can expect the trees to grow and eventually reap the rewards of homegrown avocados.
Green-thumbed enthusiasts can expect to wait about 5 to 13 years for a home-grown avocado tree to bear fruit. Avocados are of a tropical origin, so gardeners should expect to give the trees extra attention when it comes to setting the perfect climate for growth. Though you may have a general idea of how long it may take for the avocado tree to bear fruit, a lot of factors contribute to the rate of growth.
For instance, the variety of tree plays a major role in the timeline. For example, bloom type, flowering season, and pollination. Additionally, certain types of avocados can be grown from seed, while others are grafted which takes less time to bear fruit. Moreover, the size of the tree and its location should be taken into consideration when deciding how quickly your avocados will be ready to be enjoyed.
Avocados are unique in that they are bipenvited, meaning a female tree must have a male partner (of a different variety) close by for successful pollination. As such, not every tree flowers and sets fruit. Furthermore, the types of flowers of the avocado tree vary between varieties. Some are designed for ‘self-pollinators’, which means the flowers contain both apetalous male and female blooms.
The tree’s location can also play a role in how quickly the avocado is ripe. If planted in a mild, warm climate, the tree may reach fruiting maturity more quickly than if it is grown in a cooler, wetter climate. Furthermore, frequently fertilizing the roots and soil with a balanced fertilizer can jumpstart the tree’s development and prosperity, leading to quicker harvest.
Finally, the amount of water and sunlight the tree receives is a major factor in the avocado tree’s growth. The tree loves full sun, so ensure it receives at least 8 hours a day, 5–7 days a week. Adequate but conservation water should be provided, especially during hot summer days. Water deeply, but allow the soil dry a bit before each application.
Soil Conditions for Avocado Tree
When it comes to soil, avocados are finicky plants. The trees’ roots need loose, well-drained soil to produce a bountiful harvest. To enhance drainage, consider amending the soil with compost, manure, and other organic materials. Adding cinder blocks and small pebbles to the mix can also boost drainage. Make sure the pot has an ample hole at the base.
It is crucial to test the soil’s pH and add the right amendments accordingly. Avocados prefer slightly acidic soil and to thrive, the soil should stay between 6.0 and 6.5. That said, if the pH is alkaline (above 7.0) in too high, it may very well be due to human activities, such as the use of fertilizers, which can affect the soil’s acidity. In such cases, adding sphagnum peat moss can help.
To ensure your avocado tree is adequately hydrated and achieves the best growth, use a special soil moisture meter to measure the moisture content. This meter can help gardeners determine when it is time for an extra drink for the tree. Likewise, investing in a harness can help the tree to her full potential, as the small but necessary accessory can tie the tree’s main branches and direct the focus of growing energy.
Organic Fertilizers for Avocado Tree
To ensure the health and growth of your avocado tree, fertilize it at least two or three times a year with a balanced fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Too much nitrogen can cause excessive leaf growth, while too much phosphorus can prevent fruiting.
Organic fertilizers are a great way to supplement the soil and provide the avocado tree with essential minerals. Organic fertilizers like kelp and fish emulsion, banana peels, aged manure, and compost are effective in providing the nutrition your tree needs while also boosting soil health and fertility, which leads to improved draining.
For instance, adding aged manure or compost helps to aerate the soil and loosen clay soil. Moreover, the organic matter in it introduces beneficial insects and microbes, which feed on the organic matter, thus creating an organic environment for the tree’s roots to thrive in. Additionally, organic fertilizers also have other benefits, such as increasing soil moisture retention and improving the soil’s tilth.
Pests and Diseases for Avocado Tree
Like any other type of tree, an avocado tree can succumb to pests, diseases, and other factors. As such, it is important to protect it from any potential damage. Opting for organic pest controls such as planting companion plants or using diatomaceous earth are two ways to avoid chemical pesticides.
Avocado trees are also prone to diseases such as root rot, black spot, and other fungal diseases. To prevent such problems, provide your tree with ample watering and make sure the soil is well-drained. Pruning may also keep diseases at bay and even promote healthy growth. In addition, applying a fungicide may help if you notice any signs of disease on your tree such as spotting or wilting leaves.
Lastly, avocado trees are delicate and susceptible to frost. If temperatures dip to a low, unusual level, the tree’s leaves may become scorched or damaged. To avoid this problem, make sure to keep the tree sheltered during extreme temperatures.
Harvest Time for Avocado Tree
Though it takes several years for an avocado tree to bear fruit, there is still room to enjoy the beauty of the tree. For example, the dark green leaves and small yellow flowers can bring about a soothing presence in any room. As the tree matures and blooms, the appearance of the fruit is a welcome sight.
Once the fruit has turned from green to black, you may be able to pick the avocados from the tree. Typically the fruits have ripened a few weeks after the tree has flowered, however, this is not a definite rule. In some cases, gardeners may be able to pick ripe fruit off their tree in as little as 4 weeks, while others may have to wait up to 6 weeks. It is wise to check the avocados starting from the bottom of the tree as the fruits ripen quicker
When it is time to harvest, wait to harvest the avocados until they are soft to the touch. However, this sometimes may not help as some varieties picked earlier on in the season may not be as creamy as those left to mature on the tree.
Storage and Preservation
Once the avocados have been harvested, the mother-load of that avocado tree’s yield should be enjoyed, preserved, and stored properly. If you have more than you can eat at once, freezing, drying, and canning are great ways to store avocados for later.
If you would like to keep the avocados at room temperature for a few days, store them in a dark, cool place such as the bottom of the refrigerator or a cool kitchen cupboard. Grease the avocados lightly with coconut or olive oil before storing them in an airtight container. Additionally, the avocados can be stored in a paper or cloth bag to further protect them from any bruising.
When it comes to freezing avocados, they should be sliced and unwashed, before they are put into a sealed container and placed in the freezer. Storing avocado in the refrigerator is a great way to keep them at their most delicious. Last but not least, canning is an excellent way to preserve avocados for an extended amount of time.
Cooking with Avocado
Whether eaten as a snack or used as an ingredient in your favourite recipes, avocados have become a popular fruit in almost every kitchen. However, they must be ripe and ready to be used in order to be enjoyed.
Cooking with avocados is no rocket science and one’s imagination is the limit. The creamy texture and mild flavour of the avocado make it the perfect ingredient to add to tacos, salads, sandwiches, and burgers. Avocado toast has become a classic and the pairing possibilities are endless. Mash the fruit and make a delicious guacamole, or even add it to smoothies, shakes, and shakes.
Culinary expert, chef Priya Khataw, shares: “Avocado is a wonderful addition to savoury as well as sweet dishes. I have a recipe for an Avocado Jam that I’m very proud of. It has a light, citrusy flavour, and it’s an easy-to-make recipe that people of all cooking levels can make in 20 mins or less. It is a great way to enjoy a different type of jam that is healthy and delicious.”
Turn the traditional peanut butter and jelly sandwich into a delicious and healthy meal by cutting an avocado and adding it to the sandwich. The creaminess and mild flavour of the avocado blend perfectly with the sweet, tangy flavour of the jelly. Additionally, grilled sandwiches are always more delicious with slices of ripe avocado.
Avocado Skin and Nutrients
Avocados are packed with fulfilling and nutritious components such as vitamins, minerals, and healthy fats that make it a great addition to any diet. Studies suggest that the avocado skin may contain far more nutrients than the pulp due to its chlorophyll, proteins, and unsaturated fatty acids.
Dr Marilyn Archer, Nutritionist, explains: “Chlorophyll helps us to detoxify our body by helping to remove harmful substances from the blood. The proteins found in the Avocado skin help to supplement and demonstrate the antioxidant properties of the Avocados. They are also rich in unsaturated fatty acids that are beneficial for brain health, cardiovascular health, and overall wellbeing.”
Due to nutritional content of the avocado skin, some experts suggest adding it to salads, omelettes, and stir-fries for an added crunch and burst of flavour. One can also make an avocado lemonade by muddling a few slices of avocado skin, adding freshly squeezed lemon juice, a teaspoon of honey, and some mint leaves for a refreshing start to your day.
