PLANT PROFILE

In keeping with the subject matter of our lead article, this month's profile is on the Avocado tree. California is the number one producer of avocados in the United States, generating 95% of the nation's crop. San Diego County alone produces 60% of all California avocados! As the nation's "avocado capitol", it's a safe bet that this tree, given proper care, should thrive in your home landscape.

AVOCADO - Family: Laurelaceae Genus: Persea

Temperature: Will handle temperatures down to 24 degrees, however they form flowers in winter and temperatures below freezing will destroy crops.

Size: Some species will grow to 30 feet and spread even wider!

Appearance: Considered an evergreen, although some types lose their leaves for a short time while they are flowering. Tree canopy ranges from low, dense and symmetrical to upright and asymmetrical.

Planting Tips: Avocados can grow in a wide range of soils. The critical factor is to provide them with good drainage. Avocados are sensitive to over watering and are susceptible to root rot. Providing good irrigation without oversaturating is the key to a healthy plant. It is also important to protect them from strong winds to prevent limb breakage and loss of fruit.

Fruit Production: There should be enough avocado trees found in your residential community to provide good cross pollination, so producing fruit should not be a problem. Fruit production usually begins 3-6 years after planting. For best results and better fruit quality, it is advisable to start with a grafted plant from your nursery as opposed to a plant started from seed. Allow the fruit to mature on the tree, as immature fruit will often be watery and almost inedible. Fruit should be clipped from the tree, not pulled, to avoid decaying. Mature fruits should be left for a few days after harvesting to soften before they are ready to eat.

Trivia: Avocados date back to 8,000 BC and are native to Mexico and Central America..........Avocados were once thought to induce sexual prowess and were not purchased by any person who wished to protect their reputation from slanderous assualt!!..........Avocados will not soften on the tree. While they must mature before being picked, they can be "warehoused" on the tree for many months after maturity.