Avocado farming is a lucrative business that is growing in popularity. It is a healthy fruit, and can be sold for a good price at the market. Avocado trees take about 3-5 years to produce their first crop of avocados. However, once they do you should be able to profit from them for many years to come.
The following blog post will provide you with all the information you need about avocado farming. This will help you decide if it is something you would like to pursue as well.
But before we kick it off, let us understand some basics.
What is Avocado Farming?
Avocado farming is the process of planting and harvesting Avocados. Avocados are grown primarily for their fruit. They also produce flowers and other plant materials that can be used for other purposes. Avocado contains oil that is compressed under high pressure and used in cooking.
The avocado seed extract is also used for medicinal purposes in reducing high blood pressure. Avocado flowers are used in making beauty products such as soaps and perfumes.
The History of Avocado Farming
Avocados are native to Central and South America. They have also been grown in other tropical climates around the world over many centuries. Avocado farming was an important part of agribusinesses in California for much of the 20th century.
The Avocado farming industry has had a long and prosperous history. What started as a small family business grew into the multimillion-dollar avocado production we know today. Avocado farming also traces its origin in countries, like Mexico, Brazil, Israel, New Zealand, and other places on several continents.
Common Types of Avocados Grown in the World (Avocado Varieties)
There are about 300 types of avocado varieties found in Mexico alone. The most popular is the Hass Avocado variety which accounted for over 50% of Avocado production in the world. However, there are more common varieties like Fuertes and Bacon.
Hass Avocado
Hass Avocado was first discovered in the 1920s in Avocado Heights, La Habra Heights, and Fullerton. The Avocados were grown by a family who started their own small business of Avocado farming with just 25 trees. A Hass Avocado tree typically takes between five to seven years before it is ready for harvest.
Fuertes Avocado
Is the second most popular Avocado variety in Mexico and other parts of the world after Hass. The Fuertes Avocados are pear-shaped with a smooth medium-thin skin that appears like a hazelnut’s. Their fruits are typically bigger than Hass.
Bacon Avocado
Just like Hass, Bacon avocado originated in Avocado Heights, La Habra Heights, and Fullerton as well. It is shaped like a pear with bumpy skin that covers it from the stem to the tip. The Bacon Avocado is a small, narrow fruit with smooth skin which grows around 25-30 feet tall a typically has hard flesh.
How to Grow Avocados
You can start by planting one in your backyard. Avocado trees are pretty easy to grow and maintain. Avocados do well in moderately warm temperatures and moderate humidity. They require plenty of water too! Make sure you plant them in a place with adequate rains. You can also set up an irrigation system to compliment the rains where they are not enough.
How to Plant Avocado
You can plant an avocado seedling (Hass or Fuerte) in the following few simple steps:
- Search for a good source of grafted and hardened seedlings to be plant. I recommend visiting your local garden store or searching online.
- Avocado trees need at least six hours of sun a day. Some are located in places that get over 10 hours per day. These fruit-bearing plants still require plenty of sunshine. This will enable them to grow their green leaves and produce avocados.
- Dig the hole about 2ft*2f t *2ft deep and be sure to get some uncompact, well-drained soil. If you suspect that your soil is not so good for drainage, then increase the size of this pit. You can do this with a slope or mound instead if it’s more clay-like in nature. Avocados will need water. However, make sure there isn’t too much because they can rot easily.
- A good gardener is mindful of the space needed to grow a plant. Take your time when digging up soil and place it back into its original form. Once it has been broken apart, the roots will be able to expand as they need in future growth stages.
- Carefully peel off the potting bag with as little disturbance to your seedling’s roots as possible. Clip any woody root that may be wound around it is a good idea. If you encounter them, try not to break anything on such delicate plants
- When planting a tree, it is important to make sure the root ball stays intact. Start by forming an indentation at ground level in loose soil. Fill any gaps around its base with more dirt as you go along. Water it well after inserting some fertilizer pellets if needed. This will allow it time to work their way through all those new roots!
- You now need to apply a 6-inch layer of coarse wood mulch around the tree. Leave about 2 feet on all sides. This will help conserve moisture for your young plant and make it appear more natural in its surrounding environment.
- Water deeply. Three or four times a week after that depending on the weather.
Benefits of Avocado Farming
- Avocado farming is a good source of income.
- The fruit has many health benefits and good nutritional values.
- The farming can done in a wide range of climates and soil.
- Growing avocados is easy and can be also done within a small area.
