What is an Avocado Tree?
Avocado trees are perennial evergreen plants that belong to the Lauraceae family and are natively found in Mexico and Central American rainforests. It is also known as an alligator pear because of its rough, scaly skin and pear shape. The fruit of the avocado tree is edible and makes up part of a healthy diet. It contains no cholesterol or sodium, is a good source of dietary fiber, and is high in key vitamins and minerals, such as potassium and folate.
Are There Male and Female Avocado Trees?
Avocado trees are known as “dioecious” species, meaning that each tree has either male or female reproductive organs. In order for the plants to produce fruit, both a male and female tree must be present. The male tree will produce the pollen that the female tree’s flowers must receive in order to be fertilized.
Not all avocado varieties are dioecious–some are hermaphrodites and contain both male and female reproductive organs on the same tree. However, these types of avocado trees are rare, and their yields tend to be very low.
How Do I Know if I Have a Male or Female Tree?
In order to know if it is a male or female tree, the tree must be examined during a specific time of the year. Typically, male trees will display small yellow to green flowers at the beginning of the growing season, while female trees will present small flower clusters containing both male and female flowers.
The number of flowers on the female tree is usually fewer than on the male tree, and the female tree’s pollen will never be released in the air. The flowers on the female tree become the fruits of the avocado, and the fruits on the male trees are usually smaller and will never become avocados.
Expert Perspectives
“In order to achieve maximum yields, having both a male and female tree is obviously preferable,” says Dr. Jennifer Tao, an avocado specialist at the University of Florida.
“At the same time, if you only have one tree, it doesn’t mean you won’t get any avocados–it will just produce a fewer amount,” Dr. Tao explains. “Although the yield of your tree will be lower, the fruit will still be of good quality – just make sure to fertilize it regularly.”
Karin Lutz, a certified avocado grower in California, adds that planting a few pollinator trees next to a single avocado tree could also be beneficial. “Bee populations are usually quite abundant in most areas and the bees can help pollinate the fruits of an individual tree and increase its yield, so it might be an option for some people,” she states.
Self-Pollinating Varieties
Although having only one tree is not ideal, there are some self-pollinating varieties of avocado trees that are more productive than others when grown as a single tree.
The most common of these varieties are ‘Bacon’, ‘Day’, and ‘Fuerte’, all of which can produce a decent harvest of fruit even when they are not pollinated by another tree.
‘Bacon’ and ‘Fuerte’ are two of the most popular and widely cultivated varieties, so they can usually be found for sale at local nurseries.
Care of Avocado Trees
Avocado trees typically require special care in order to produce a healthy crop of fruit, whether from one tree or two. The soil needs to be consistently fertilized with potassium and calcium, for instance, and the tree should be pruned regularly.
Like all plants, avocado trees need sufficient water and sunlight in order to grow and thrive. Because their roots grow shallowly, it is important to choose a location that is well-drained and not likely to suffer from flooding.
Pest and Disease Management
The most common pests and diseases affecting avocado trees include scale, mealy bugs, root rot, and anthracnose.
“Physical removal of the pests is a great option,” explains Dr. Tim Beck, a plant pathologist at the University of California-Davis. He adds that chemical treatments should only be used when absolutely necessary and in the right dosage.
To fight root rot, a combination of fungicidal treatments and soil amendments such as compost are recommended. Always follow the instructions on the product label and consult a specialist if there is any doubt on how to use any chemical products safely.
Water and Fertilizing
In most cases, avocado trees do not require a lot of additional water, as long as the soil is moist and not overly wet. The tree can also benefit from regular fertilizing with an organic or slow-release fertilizer formulated for avocado trees.
In order to prevent over-fertilizing, the fertilizer should only be applied at recommended levels according to the product label. Additionally, it is important to note that using too much fertilizer can cause leaf burn and reduce the yield of the tree.
Harvesting and Storing
Avocado fruits should ripen on the tree and then be harvested when they have changed color, but are still firm. The length of time required for the fruits to ripen can vary, depending on the variety.
Once harvested, the fruits should be left to ripen further at room temperature before they are placed in the refrigerator. In order to extend the shelf life of the avocados, they should not be cut before they are ready to be eaten.
Storage and Preservation
For longer-term storage and preservation, avocados can be frozen, dried, or pickled. To freeze them, simply remove the skin, place the flesh in a plastic bag, and store in the freezer for up to two months.
To dry the avocados, mash the flesh and spread it out on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the oven at a low temperature for 2-3 hours, or until dry. For pickling, mix equal parts salt and white vinegar and leave to ferment for three days.
Tree Varieties
Avocado trees come in a variety of different sizes, colors and shapes, ranging from the large, spreading, tropical tree to the smaller, more shrub-like variety, and many of them are suitable for growing indoors.
The most popular varieties, as previously mentioned, include ‘Bacon’, ‘Day’, and ‘Fuerte’, which are known for their good yields and resistance to pests and diseases. Additionally, some other commercial varieties such as ‘Hass’ and ‘Pinkerton’ are also popular choices among gardeners.
Harvesting the Fruits
When harvesting the fruits, it is important to leave the stem attached, as this helps prevent damage to the flesh of the avocado.
Using pruning shears to clip the stem as close to the fruit as possible is the most recommended method, and it is important to keep the avocado in a cool place as soon as it is harvested in order to preserve its freshness.
Finally, it is essential to check the ripe fruits regularly, as they can quickly become overripe and spoil if left too long on the tree.
Using Avocado
Avocados are widely used in many dishes, from salads to sandwiches. The flesh has a mild, buttery flavor, so it can be used in a variety of recipes, both savory and sweet.
In addition to being eaten fresh, the avocados can be mashed and used as a spread or added to smoothies or milkshakes for an added creaminess. Avocado oil is becoming increasingly popular, too, as it can be used for cooking, baking, and as a dressing for salads and other dishes.
Taste and Benefits
Avocados are known for their unique taste, which can vary depending on the variety. ‘Hass’ avocados are among the most popular, as they are known for their dense, creamy, and slightly nutty flavor.
In addition to the delicious taste, avocados provide numerous health benefits. They are high in healthy fats, vitamins, minerals, and dietary fiber, and they have been linked to a lower risk of cancer, heart disease, and other diseases.
Adverse Effects
Although avocados are generally considered to be healthy, they may have some adverse effects. In people with avocado allergies, eating the fruit can cause an anaphylactic reaction, which can be deadly.
Additionally, eating too many avocados can lead to an increase in calories and fat in the diet, which can contribute to health problems such as obesity if consumed in excess.
In conclusion, when it comes to growing avocados, having both a male and female tree is ideal for maximum yields. But, if only one tree is available, there are a variety of self-pollinating varieties, such as ‘Hass’ and ‘Fuerte’, that can still produce good yields with proper care and regular fertilization.
