Avocado trees are special, hardy plants that when grown correctly produce delicious fruit. People love the creamy taste, creamy texture, and vibrant color of ripe avocados, so it’s no surprise that the demand for avocados is rapidly increasing. But how long do you have to wait before this magical fruit-bearing tree bears fruit?
The timeline of an avocado tree’s fruiting period greatly varies. Generally, most avocado trees take about four to five years to bear fruit, depending on the variety of the tree and the quality of the soil. Some varieties of avocados, like Fuerte, can take up to seven to twelve years to bear fruit, while others, such as Bacon and Hass, can take just two to three years.
Growers can speed up the process of an avocado tree to produce fruit by providing it with the best of care. This includes providing sufficient water, proper compost, pruning, and limiting the tree’s exposure to cold. Avocados are very sensitive to weather and soil conditions, therefore, if planted in unfavorable conditions, the time it takes the tree to fruit could be significantly delayed or the fruit produced may not be of good quality.
Of course, the age of the avocado tree is also an important factor to consider. An avocado tree that was bought from a nursery as a young sapling, will bear fruit a bit slower than one that was grown from an already established tree. If an avocado tree is established in better soil, it is likely to produce fruit sooner.
Experts consider that the key to a faster production of quality avocados is to give the tree TLC (tender loving care). This means a consistent and precise pruning, not overwatering, proper fertilization, and protection from bitter cold conditions. Apart from that, some scientific knowledge also plays an important role in achieving this. Careful consideration should be taken when selecting the area in which to plant an avocado tree, as well as the type of avocado.
Avocado trees are resilient and can survive in various season and soil conditions, so long as they are planted with patience and precision. With the right care and effort, avocados will start to bloom in no time.
Ailments
Apart from environmental factors that contribute to how long it takes an avocado tree to bear fruit, pests, diseases, and other ailments may also cause delays. The most common causes of delay in avocado-bearing include root rot, trunk rot, gall wasp, and anthracnose. These pests can cause significant damage to the leaves and roots, stunting the development of fruit.
Root rot is caused by fungi that live in the soil that can block the flow of nutrients needed for proper fruiting. This can cause a slow yellowing of the avocado leaves, followed by gradual die-back in the tree. Trunk rot is caused by a different type of fungus that attacks the roots of the tree, compromising the health of the tree, and slowing down its fruiting process.
Gall wasp is a pest that infests the growing tips of trees and can cause serious damage. When the eggs and larvae are present, they cause swelling and knots in the shoots that eventually reduce the ability of the tree to flower and fruit. Anthracnose is another fungal disease that can cause cankers in the trunk and limbs of the tree, making it difficult for the tree to produce quality fruit.
Proper pest and disease control are paramount for a healthy, productive avocado tree. To reduce the impact of these pests and diseases, careful monitoring and preventive treatments should be undertaken. This can include a combination of spraying, soil fumigation, and pruning
Fertilizer
Fertilizers are one of the most important components for a successful avocado crop. Proper fertilization helps enrich the soil, providing the tree with nutrients and helping it achieve its highest potential. Different varieties of avocados require different fertilizers based on their age, sex, and growth stage.
For instance, nitrogen-rich fertilizer is important for early growth when the avocado tree is still young, and phosphorus-rich fertilizer is essential for the root development. Other micronutrient fertilizer like potassium and magnesium are also essential for the healthiest possible growth. It’s important to note that the timing of fertilizer application is crucial; most nutrient runs off quickly due to our rainy climate, so it’s important to time its application carefully.
Fertilizers should be applied at least twice a year at the start of the growth period in spring and summer and again in autumn and winter. To protect the environment from nutrient runoff, some methods such as drip irrigation, controlled release fertilizers, and shielding of the soil are recommended.
Harvesting
It is important to know when it is time to harvest the fruits of an avocado tree as it can affect the quality of the produce. Avocados are harvested while they are still green, as they can ripen off the tree fairly quickly. Fruits harvested at the right time will have a vibrant green skin and be firm to the touch. It is best to judge the harvest time based on the variety of avocado, as each variety has its own timing. Some may take longer to ripen compared to others.
It is often recommended to wait for some fruits to mature on the tree and test for ripeness. Unripe avocados can be left on the tree for a week or two, until they attain a deep, dark green hue. They can then be harvested and stored safely in a cool temperature to finish ripening.
Experts suggest that harvesting should be done timely and gently with pruning shears or knives. Some trees grown in warm climates may have fruits that ripen year round, so it is important to repeat inspections and harvesting regularly to prevent overripe fruits. Overripe fruits can be still eaten, although they are not as flavorful as when they are picked at their optimal ripeness.
Transport and Storage
Transportation and storage play an important role in preserving the flavor and quality of the harvested fruit. Avocados should be transported as soon as possible after harvesting to ensure they remain at their freshest. If the avocados are to be stored, then refrigeration is the best place for them. They should be carefully and securely packed to prevent damage and bruising during transport.
When stored in the fridge, avocados can stay fresh for up to a week. Those that have been left out can still be eaten if mashed or cut but are not suitable for making salads. To store cut avocados, they should be lightly sprinkled with lemon juice to prevent them from turning brown. This will help them keep for about four to five days.
Nutritional Value
Avocados are a fantastic source of nutrition, packing a variety of beneficial vitamins and minerals. Besides protein, they are acclaimed for their monounsaturated fat content, which has been linked to lowering bad cholesterol and raising good cholesterol. They also contain high levels of vitamin A and C, vitamins B1, B2, B5 and B6, dietary fiber, and magnesium.
Avocados are often used as a replacement for sugar, as they are rich in naturally occurring sugar, making them a great alternative for those who are looking to cut back on processed sugar. The high fiber content helps alleviate constipation, as avocados boast among the highest fiber per gram of any fruit. Furthermore, the potassium found in avocado is great for those who need more energy, as it helps regulate the fluid balance in the body.
Uses
Apart from being eaten raw, there are numerous ways in which to use avocados. Avocados are widely used for making sandwiches and salads, smoothies, and even as an accompaniment to savory dishes. Further still, mashed avocado can be used as a healthier alternative to butter, spread generously over toast. It can even be used as a face mask or hair mask, as it has numerous benefits to the skin and hair.
Avocado oil has become popular in recent years as a substitute to other unhealthy oils and is a key ingredient in many commercially sold dressings and dips. It can also be used to make guacamole, which has become a worldwide favorite in the last few decades. Avocados are also incredibly versatile, as they can be used in both sweet and savory recipes.
Health Considerations
Nutrition aside, it is important to be aware of a few health considerations when consuming avocados. The avocado pit should not be eaten under any circumstances as it is toxic to humans. In addition, it is recommended to cut the avocado with a knife and not your bare hands as the knife blade can also be hazardous for your hands if mishandled.
It is important to watch your serving size, as avocados are high in calories and fat. While an avocado a day can do wonders for your heart health, excessive consumption can lead to weight gain. Finally, it is best to refrain from eating an avocado if the skin is already turning brown, as this indicates that it has been exposed to air for too long and will not be fresh.
