Growth Cycle
Avocado trees fall in the long-term growth cycle. At up to 30 m tall, the trees are considered to be tall, however, they take longer to fully mature as compared to other types of trees. The minimum age of the tree when it can start bearing fruits is usually 5 to 7 years in most cases and can extend up to 10-12 years in some cases. Among other factors, the age of the tree is dependent on the type of avocado it is and the environment in which it was planted.
Seed to Sprout
The growth of an avocado tree starts with a seed. The seed is bitter and can take up to two months to sprout under optimal growing conditions. Once the seed sprouts, initial growth of the tree requires about 6 – 12 months time for the primary stem to form.
Fruit Bearing
After the primary stem is formed, the avocado tree may start bearing fruits in some cases by the fourth or fifth year, with full maturity and greater production coming after 7 to 10 years, in the warmer regions like California and Florida. Tree maturity, especially in the warmer regions takes longer as compared to the cooler regions, due to prevailing conditions like temperature, soil, light and the amount of water the tree receives, which affects the growth and production of the tree.
Variety and Location
Depending upon the variety of the avocado tree and the location in which it is planted, it can take anywhere between four to fifteen years for an avocado tree to mature. Some varieties may take longer than others in the same location. The Hass avocado tree that is widely grown in California usually grows fruit after 4 to 6 years, while some of the other varieties may take up to 8 to 12 years to produce fruits, depending upon the location.
Environment
The quality of the soil, temperature, light, and amount of water the tree receives are important factors in decisions regarding where to plant an avocado tree and how long it will take for it to reach maturity. All things being equal, and maintaining just the right balance between all the necessary external factors, and with regular pruning and maintenance, it takes about 8-10 years for an avocado tree to reach maturity.
Urban Farming
Urban farmers often face constraints when it comes to planting fruit trees because of the limited availability of space. However, even with such constraints, the avocado tree remains a popular choice because it’s a semi-dwarf variety, and the tree starts to bear fruits within 5 to 7 years. Additionally, the roots of the avocado tree are able to penetrate deeply into the soil, thus making them ideal for urban farming.
Production
Once it starts bearing fruits, the production of the tree goes up in the ninth and tenth year, and it may take nearly another ten years for the tree to produce the maximum fruits and reach full maturity, although it depends upon the environment, the nutrients, and the variety of the tree itself.
Harvesting
Many factors come into play while harvesting avocados from a mature tree, such as the seasonal influences, pruning methods, and the soil. Poor soil and not pruning may reduce the number of fruits that can be harvested, however, with proper care and nutrient enriched soil, a mature avocado tree can easily produce 400 – 500 avocados in a single year.
Thinning
Thinning is the process of removing some of the fruits from the tree to improve their quality and size. Thinning should be done once the fruit is about 3 – 4 cm long and takes place at least two times before the harvest. This helps maintain vigor and ensure healthy development of the fruit.
Nursery
In most cases, an avocado tree is purchased as a seedling or a young tree from a nursery. Depending upon the maturity of the tree, it may take a while before it can reach full growth and bear fruits. If a tree is purchased as a seedling, it can take up to 10-12 years before it starts to bear fruits. If a tree is purchased as a three year old tree, it may take 5-7 years to start production.
Irrigation
Once an avocado tree is established, whether at home or in an orchard, it is essential to have an irrigation system that can water the tree with plenty of leaching and nutrients – such as nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium – to support healthy growth and survive the heat and lack of rainfall.
Fertilization
In addition to regular fertilization, the soil should also be tested at least once every two years to ensure that the tree is getting adequate nutrients, and that the limestone levels in the soil is not too high to inhibit the growth of the tree. A soil test also indicates if there any serious diseases or insect infestations.
Soil Care
Over the years of its growth, an avocado tree thrives on well-drained and moist soil. By maintaining good soil structure and care, the roots can access the essential nutrients needed for proper growth. The soil should be mulched to retain moisture and aerated to create ideal conditions for the roots of the tree to survive.
Pruning
Regular pruning keeps the tree healthy and helps control the size of the tree as well as reduces the height growth. Proper pruning also helps ensure that the leaves and branches receive the right amount of sun in order to support the tree’s fertility and increase avocado production.
Irregularities
Sometimes environmental factors, such as strong winds and water stresses, can cause irregularities in an avocado tree’s growth, such as a lack of vigor, flowering, and harvested fruit. In this case, it is important to remove any dead or damaged branches and mist the leaves with water to reduce the effect of the environmental stresses on the tree.
Birds and Insects
Unfavorable weather conditions can also attract birds and insects. To protect the tree from birds, it is important to cover the buds and the fruits with netting and for the insects, provide pest control and remove any infested twigs or branches.
Frost
Finally, for regions where frost is expected, the tree needs to be covered with a plastic net or fabric cover to protect it from the cold weather. This also helps reduce the tree’s vulnerability to certain diseases and pests.
