Contact Us
University of California Cooperative Extension Ventura County
669 County Square Drive, Suite 100
Ventura, CA 93003
Phone: 805.645.1451
Fax: 805.645.1474
Office Hours:
Monday - Friday from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.
The office will be closed for the following holidays:
December 24-25 - Christmas Holiday
December 31 - January 1 - New Year Holiday
January 20 - MLK Day
Avocado Fruit Set
Under “normal” growing conditions an avocado tree should begin producing a few fruit in the third year of life, and the number of fruit should increase each year after that until fruit production plateaus at tree maturity. There are several reasons why a tree does not bear fruit.
- Avocados bloom at the terminals of the branches, i.e. first year’s growth. If the tree is pruned and this new growth is cut off, the tree will not bear.
- If the tree receives too much nitrogen, most of the growth will be vegetative and fruit production will be reduced.
- Avocados are a tropical fruit. Hence, they do not tolerate extreme heat or cold. A sudden hot spell, especially during bloom or soon after fruit set will cause flower abortion or fruit drop. Avocados do not tolerate long periods of cold. They are injured by freezing temperatures. Also a period of 48 hours below 55°F during bloom will cause a crop failure as the blooms will not set.4) Persea mite infestations can cause leaf drop, thus reducing tree vigor and reduced or no fruit set.