How Do Avocados Grow?

 

U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 8 through 11

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Avocadoes (persea americana) are cultivated in tropical and Mediterranean regions.  They are a climacteric fruit meaning they  mature on the tree, but ripen off of it.

 

Tree height varies, usually reaching 30 feet, but sometimes they grow to 60 feet or more, or it may be kept  short with branches spreading close to the ground. 

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Seasonal Growth

 

Winter: Remain undeveloped, cease to grow 

Spring: Germinate in early spring

Summer: May begin bearing fruit, based on the maturity of the plant.

Fall: May bear fruit, based on plant maturity and age

 

In areas of strong wind, wind breaks are necessary. The wind reduces humidity and will dehydrate the flowers, interfering with pollination, which causes fruits to fall prematurely.

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Health Benefits

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History

 

Propagation

 

Fresh seeds are usually started indoors and take 4 to 6 weeks to form a root system and sprouts. When roots and leaves are significantly developed, the plant is set in potting soil.  Trees should be planted  25 to 35 feet  apart  in order to fully develop a solid root and branch system. 

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Harvest

 

When ripe avocados fall from a tree, usually the entire crop is ready to be picked.  Most fruits will not ripen while still attached to the tree. Maturity standards for marketing are mainly determined by time of year for each cultivar and weight, so immature fruits do not reach the market. Immature fruits do not ripen, but become rubbery.

When transporting, avocados must be handled with care and packed into padded boxes, to hold the fruit in position. Bruising causes the fruit to rot quickly, and lose flavor. 

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Storage

Fun Facts