Introduction
Avocado trees are some of the most popular trees to have in both a home garden and an orchard. They are hardy and provide wonderful shade to areas underneath their canopy. Unfortunately, many avocado tree owners are excited to have an abundant supply of avocados, only to be frustrated when the trees fail to flower. In order to help address this issue, let’s take a look at the reasons why avocado trees won’t flower.
Genetics
A common reason avocado trees fail to flower is attributed to genetics. Avocado trees, like other fruit trees, are either self-pollinating or require cross-pollination. Some varieties of avocados are actually resistant to flowering due to the particular genes present in the tree. Other trees, that are not though to flower, may surprise you with a few blooms in the spring or summer.
Climate
Another reason for an avocado tree not flowering are the climate conditions its exposed to. Avocado trees are native to Central America and South America, so they don’t necessarily thrive in a colder climate. They require warm temperatures in order to be healthy and thrive – something that isn’t provided in colder climates. Additionally, if your avocado tree is exposed to a strong wind chill – even in a warm climate – it could have a negative effect on its ability to flower and set fruit.
Too Many Fertilizers
There is a common misconception among some gardeners and orchard owners that in order to get a tree to produce lots of fruit, they should add a lot of fertilizers to the area around the tree. Unfortunately, this is actually counter-productive and will often result in a lack of flowering. Fertilizers provide nutrients to the soil, and while the tree needs a certain amount to remain healthy, too many can have the opposite effect.
Lack of Sunlight
In order for avocado trees to bloom, they need adequate sunlight exposure. The amount of sunlight required to provide optimum flowering will depend a bit on the tree variety, but in general, an avocado tree needs at least 8 hours a day of direct sunlight. Additionally, if the canopy of the tree is shading the lower ones, it can prevent the lower branches from blooming.
Inadequate Water
Avocado trees, like most fruit trees, require a significant amount of watering. In general, they need to be watered on a regular basis, especially during the warmer months. The amount of water needed to greate a bloom can vary, depending on the tree variety and the climate. If the tree is not receiving an adequate amount of water, it can be difficult for it to bloom.
High Nitrogen Levels
High levels of nitrogen in the soil can also have an effect on bloom formation in avocado trees. Nitrogen is essential for healthy plant growth, but too much of it can actually inhibit blooming. If you are seeing an abundance of foliage, but no flowers, there may be too much nitrogen present in the soil.
Incorrect Pruning
Pruning isn’t always necessary for avocado trees, but if you choose to prune your tree, there is a correct way of doing it. Avocado trees are usually pruned for two reasons: to thin out the canopy and to remove dead or diseased limbs. Pruning too much or at the wrong time can also interfere with bloom formation.
Conclusion
If you are having difficulty getting your avocado tree to flower, there are a number of potential causes. Genetics, climate, too much fertilizer, lack of sunlight, inadequate water, high nitrogen levels, and incorrect pruning all can be contributing factors. It is important to take a look at each of these issues and determine which one (or ones) is contributing to the lack of blooms on your avocado tree.
