For my followers I want to apologize for being absent. I have been in technical hell. First I couldn’t get into the site. Finally got that fixed then the system would not let me respond. Now I’m back. Thanks for your patience. Charley
Growing Avocados
California’s foremost avocado expert Charley Wolk’s blog
Hi, I am interested in consulting before I purchase a property with avocado trees. Please send me your contact if you’re able to help. Thank you!
Jasmine, I will send you the contact information separately.
Hi Charley,
Looking for an Avacado orchard in Southern Ca region.
Are you available for consultation?
Gary, Yes I’m available for consulting. I will send you my contact information separately.
Hi Charley,
May I have your contact information as well. I would like to work with you. I’m currently looking in the Temecula area to start growing avocados.
Jonathan, I’ll send it separately Sorry for the delay.
Hello Charley,
I Have a few questions about the water quality and availability in the De Luz Area. Is there any way to get you Contact information to have a conversation?
Thanks Kevin
Kevin, I will send you my contact information separately.
Hello Charley –
I’m currently looking for a piece of land in Temecula to build a residence. I’ve found a few w/ 4-5 acres that are advertised as having ideal avocado growing conditions.
Do you work with micro growers? I’d be super interested in planting a grove and being able to monetize some of that land.
Please let me know if we can chat soon.
Thanks so much!
Ryan, Sorry I missed your posting. I’ll send you my contact info separately. Charley
Charley
I am in Winters CA near Davis on 30 acres in a ‘citrus belt’. I am very interested in starting a small mixed production orchard to include Avocados. I would love to set up a phone consult if you are open to an out of area client
Jan Hester
Jan, I always welcome ways to help. I will send you my contact information separately.
Good afternoon Charley,
We recently came across an opportunity to purchase a five acre parcel with an established grove on it in De Luz. We would be interested in getting a consultation on the property before purchasing. Any chance of getting your contact information to try to set something up?
Kevin, I’ll send you my contact info separately.
Hello. May I please have your contact info as well? My business partners and I are looking to get into the avocado industry as well. thank you
Cheryl, I’ll send you my contact info separately.
Cheryl, I sent you an email with my contact info. I used the email on this blog posting. It came back said there was no such email. You will have to send another to the blog so I can respond.
Thanks, Charley
Hi Charley,
Thank you for this incredibly valuable site. I’m interested in your services to evaluate purchasing an existing avocado grove in Southern California. Hopefully we can talk soon!
Rachel, I will send you my contact information separately.
Hi Charlie, I’m considering purchasing an existing grove right here in your neck of the woods off West Lilac Road in Escondido. Would love to hear your thoughts before actively pursuing this project. Any chance we could connect over the phone? Thank you in advance! Andrew
Andrew, I will send you my contact information separately.
Hi Charley, I am interested in a conversation, but your site doesn’t have any contact information. Please reach back to me.
Rebecca, I will send you my contact information separately.
Hi Charley!
Just want to start by saying this blog is amazing and extremely resourceful so thank you for that!!
My father has just recently bought a 370 acre farm in the mountains of the Pedernales Province, Dominican Republic and is planning to convert what was a coffee farm to an avocado farm. He is new to this and is wondering if you have any suggestions on what is most important when starting this new venture!
Thank you in advance for your knowledge!
Joelle, Your father’s project sounds interesting. I have been to the growing areas in the DR. I am not familiar with the provinces. I would first check the minimum temperatures where he wants to plant. Avocados don’t like cold. Next I would make sure adequate water is available. He could go to the University of California extension web site http://ucavo.ucr.edu. It is written for development in California but much of the information is applicable for any location. Good luck. Charley
Hi Charley
I’m interested in your services to evaluate a property. Can we connect?
Jim, I will send you my contact information separately.
Charley would you be available to consult in south Texas. If so would you kindly share your contact information. Thanks in advance.
Rueben, I will send you my contact information separately.
Mr.Wolk i presently live on the east coast. I will be moving to aguanga CA. My partner and I are wanting to purchase some land to start an avocado orchard. This is all new to us and we’re hoping that you could direct us on the in’s and outs of this business. She lives out in Palm desert now. She will be visiting me to sit down and setup a business plan. The end of next month I will be coming out there to check out land . Thank you
Cheryl, You will find the avocado business exciting. As a beginner starting I recommend you go to the University of California Extension web site, http://ucavo.ucr.edu. It’s a good place to start and is written in language for a beginner. Let me know if I can help. Good Luck. Charley
I was pretty pleased to uncover this website.
I need to to thank you for ones time for this fantastic read!!
I definitely really liked every part of it and I have you saved to fav to see new information on your web site.
Luz, Thank you for your generous compliments. Charley
Hello Charley, I have acquired 24 acres in the Orange County foothills and would like to plant at least half an acre of avocados to start. This would be a work training program for former homeless veterans and former homeless men, women, and children. Could you please reach out to me to discuss. My email is Jim.Palmer@RescueMission.org
Jim, I will reply to your email to see if there might be something I could do to help.
Please contact in regards to consulting on an avocado operation I recently took over in Temecula. Thank you!
Omar, Sorry I missed your post. I will send you my contact info separately.
Hello Charley I have a couple questions I bought 4 acres I’m Michoacán Mexico I think wether is good but I’m new how far should I plant my trees and what advice do you give me I’m in California and my land is far I’ll try and go and check on the worker evert 2 months I have a canel on the top of my land and a small creek in the middle the temp is about 75 Fahrenheit late November it’s not to cold thanks for taking the time
Joel, You have several messages asking the same questions. This will be the answer to all of them. You didn’t say what the slope is. I’m going to assume it is gentle. In California most new groves are planted on high density spacing. I have been using 12×12. That is 12 feet between the trees and 12 feet between the rows. The beginning of the rows is staggered so that the first tree in the next row is in between the first two trees in the previous row. It is great that you have a canal and creek for water. You will still have to install an irrigation system. As an absentee owner you will need to have a reliable person in the grove to take care of the trees. Finding that person will require some local contacts. Good luck. Charley
Hi Charley:
We are in Riverside, transitioning from a lemon grove to Hass avocados this winter and came upon the idea of planting the young avocado trees (Dusas root stock) between the lemon trees to protect them from wind and sun until they are mature enough to stand on their own. The lemon trees are 18 feet apart and between 12-15 feet tall. What are your thoughts and/or experience on this technique?
Leo, I know the idea seems logical but it is not. After you plant the avos in between the lemons to protect them you are good. When you take the lemons out no matter how careful you are there will be some damage to the new avocado trees. The avos can thrive without the protection from the lemons. You ask how do I know this? I too thought it was a good idea and did it. Later I regretted that decision. Good luck.
Charley, I heard about you through a friend and just like the others here, I would appreciate it if you could please send me your contact information to speak with you privately. I’m purchasing property in the Temecula area That currently has some avocado trees on it but I would like to expand it quite a bit and we’re like your professional experience and consultation on it. Thank you very much for your time I look forward to hearing from you.
James, I can help you with choosing an avocado property in Temecula. I will send you my contact information separately.
Good Evening Charley,
I wanted to talk to you more on the market in Michoacan.
My Brothers and I own a young farm that we just finished planting, first harvest wont be for another 3-4 years but i wanted to start getting details on the differences from Michoacan and Southern California Hass trees/avocados.
I appreciate your 35+ years in the avocado industry and the proper ethical mission you seek within the industry.
Would be great to talk to you more about it look forward to hearing from you thank you.
Raul, I’m not sure I understand your question “on details on the differences from Michocaan and Southern California Hass trees/avocados.” Please give me a specific and I wwill try to answer.
Hi Charley – Can you send me your contact ? I would like to consult with you on a potential property purchase involving possible avocado growing.
Rama, I’m sending you the contact information today.
Hello Charlie,
We are shopping for land in Valley Center, California and have come across a few old groves that owners let die (not stumped…100’s of dead trees). Would love to connect as we evaluate potential properties and what it will take to revive old groves.
James, Good questions. If you have a creative account there can be tax advantages in buying the abandon groves. Simple statement is that it is not economical to revive old groves. Beter to take them out and start all over with a high density orchard. I will send you my contact information separately to arrange for consulting.
Hello Charley
I am looking at buying property in the De Luz/Temecula/Fallbrook area. Would like to consult with you. Can you send me your information ?
Rama, I would be happy to help you in a decision to purchase an avocado grove. I will send you my contact information separately.
Charley – I appreciate your blog here….do you only provide consulting and full field management services that are specific to avacados or do you and your org also provide insight and services to other ag products like grapes, dragonfruit, other?
Robert, I don’t have the in depth knowledge to consider myself qualified to consult on the other commodities. I would suggest searching the other commodities on line first. That may give you a lead. Also call your county farm bureau they may have some information on a consultant. Good luck.
Hi Charley,
Do you offer consulting services by phone or email? My friends and I have no avocado farming experience and we are interested in purchasing a property. We’d like to have clarity on the ongoing costs, etc. Best regards, Phil
Phil, Yes I can help you with consulting to help you buy an avocado property. I will send you my contact information separately.
Charlie do you have seminars you teach or ones you would recommend for the new farmer?
Tina,
You can contact the University of California Extension and the California Avocado Society for their seminar schedules.
Hi Charley,
I am researching on growing avocado in south India. The temperatures around the year would be between 26°C – 38°C. But from what I found on web, avocado grow in high altitudes. Does it really have much influence on the production? The farm I am looking at is at 585ft elevation.
Suma, Temperature is more critical in growing avocados than altitude. The temperature range you describe are important on the high end. If it gets to 38C occasionally you are OK. If it gets to that temperature for extended periods of time, your expectation of success is diminished. In any event you will need dependable irrigation.
Charlie can you consult for me as well?
Tina,
I sent you my contact information separately.
Hello Charley,
I am looking for information on the ramp in production rate of new trees, to better set expected revenue over time. I am 3 years into revitalizing an older organic grove starting with 1200 mature trees on 12 acres of a 22 acre site. I’ve cut kept 550 trees which remain organic, cut the rest, cleared an additional 6 acres, installed new irrigation with a high quality well coming on-line soon, planted 2,150 trees this spring (1650 Hass on Dusa, 500 Gem on Dusa – both conventional for now). in what year would you expect the first meaningful fruit, in what year would you believe that the trees are mature & at full production, and what does the ramp rate typically look like between those extremes?
Chuck, Your project sounds interesting. The rule of thumb is that you can expect commercial production in 4 to 5 years after planting. That means you can expect commercial production in 2024 or 2025. You will probably have some fruit next year. It sounds like you still have some mature trees in production. In that case whatever amount of fruit you have on the new trees you can harvest. If you just have the new trees there might not be enough to send to the packing house. You would normally expect full production by year 8. You didn’t say what the spacing is . Generally before year 8 you would begun some pruning to maintain a lower tree height. The increase in production is almost geometric from the beginning. Once they start that production is going to come quickly, especially on Dusa root stock.
Hi Charly. I am thinking about purchasing 10 acres of producing HASS avocado in Escondido. I would like some consultation on the property prior of closing as well as a cost estimate on grove management. Thank you.
Fabio, Yes I can help you evaluate the property on a consulting basis. I will send you my contact information separately.
I’d like consultingtservices for a piece of land I’m looking to purchase in Temecula
Gerardo, I believe your post has the wrong address. Fabio is another individual who had posted questions on the blog. I can help you with your interest in a parcel in Temecula. I will send you my contact information separately.
Sir,
prior Navy MO, served with 2/1, 2/3, and 2nd MLG. Ooorah!
I live in San Diego (HWY 56 and I-15) and have a south-facing backyard. I want to plant Avo’s in a 14×13 foot space. What is the maximum number of trees I can plant? 2 or 3? 4? Which ones would you choose? I’m thinking Backyard Orchard Culture…where several fruit trees are planted in the same hole. Good for stone fruit, not sure about Avo’s. Thanks!
Rich, Popular tree spacing currently being used is 12×12. That’s 12 feet between the tree and 12 feet between the rows. With that criteria you can plant one tree so it has enough room to grow. That being said you could plant two trees. In that rectangle try to get them 10 feet apart. Just remember if you plant them at the edge of that space they will grow into that adjacent area. Don’t plant two trees in the same hole. You won’t be happy after they start growing. I would try to get one Reed tree and one Gem tree. They tend to grow straighter and will better use your limited space. Good luck, Charley.
Thanks Charley!
I’ve tried to ask this question on the site a few times. It posted once but wasn’t answered then disappeared. I’m in Fallbrook and have a few 30+ old Fuerte trees. There is new growth low on the tree just on primary limbs. The upper story of the 20 foot trees look dead. I think they need to be cut back. Some of these limbs are heavy, up to 8-10″ across. Should anything be applied to seal the cut wounds? What is the best time of year to do this?
Rey, I’m glad you sent it in again. I was answering your question and the computer ate my answer and your question. I’ll try again. It sounds like your conclusion is correct. The upper portion of the tree is dead. Probably had the water turned off for a long time. The recent rain has stimulated the tree to try to come back. You can try to help by cutting the dead limbs back to live wood. The trees are probably older than 30 years. If you want to have a save the tree project, cutting them back is the first step. On the other hand cutting them down and grinding the stumps out is really a better solution. You can replace them with a new tree on root rot resistant root stock. Then you can have a much higher expectation of success for your effort and money. Good luck.
My wife and I are considering buying a house with avocados on it. There looks to be about 125 trees on a 2.1 acre estate. I am wondering what the potential income would be on that sort of property after paying someone to manage/ and pick/ sell them?
Michael, You have about one acre planted. The potential income will depend on the condition of the trees and how well they are being farmed. Finding some one to manage the property will be difficult because of the size. My company has a minimum charge to manage. I would plan on having to subsidize the operation.
Hello Charley
I have been searching on your blog about avocado groove start ups and haven’t found what I’m looking for so here it goes. I have been looking for a vacant plot of land there in Fallbrook or surrounding area for a potential avocado groove start up. This land that I found is about 7 acres, the listing said that the area has known potential for water wells, there’s avocado grooves and houses around this land currently. What do I look for in a piece of land? I know you stated that frost settles in the valleys and that’s bad for a avocado tree, slopes, facing? Is it cost efficient now a days to start a groove from scratch for a small time guy like me? Whats the cost per acre to start something like that? Any info and advise is much appreciated.
Semper Fi
Luis, With small parcels you really are restricted in choosing conditions. There aren’t that may bare parcels available. The main point you already identified. For avocados it has to be frost free. Gentle slope would be nice. Some factors to be aware of. If you sign a contract for trees tomorrow you probably won’t get trees until 2022. If you choose high density planting and you should development cost will be about $35,000 to $40,000 per acre. After planting you will have operating cost for 4 to 5 years before you start receiving revenue. It sounds challenging but it is a good investment if you have the capital. Let me know if I can help.
Hi Charley,
SemperFi!!!!
I am a Californian who inherited about 30 acres in Jalisco Mexico, my father grew and farmed those lands. I as a child. wanted to see if I could grow avocados on the land and then start growing in California since I live here. I appreciate your knowledge and hope to be able to make enough money to be able to hire experts like you, of course if you are available. Again I appreciate you and hope we could meet and work together.
Leon, Thanks for your comments. Charley
Hi Charley,
Found this page by serendipity. If you have the time, I would like to talk to you. What is your email? I would really appreciate your ear.
Thanks !
Tee, If you have questions post them on the blog. When I answer them many people get the value of the answer. Thanks, Charley
Hi Mr Charlie!
I found your blog and your knowledge and your enthusiasm to help others is really impressive.
I’m from Croatia and my sister and I have an idea to plant avocado (just few tress for the start). Do you think avocado will succeed in Croatia? I will read your blog more thoroughly so I get more knowledge about watering and fertilizing. Is it financially promising?
Thank you, Ivana
Ivana, I recommend you go to the University of California Extension web site, http://ucavo.ucr.edu. It has all the information you need to begin. You will have to adjust it to the conditions in Croatia. Let me know how you do. Charley
Hello Charley
We farm in southern Idaho and would like to diversify. We have looked into avocados in southern California. Would you be able to advise us in that process?
Thanks Rulon Spear
Rulon, We have connected and are working on getting the information you need to make decisions.
Hi Charley
I am interested in your consulting services as they relate specifically to helping identify economically viable, existing farms (listed as well as off market) that might be purchased in Southern California (as well as follow-on management). 30-50 acres. Is this a service you provide and please advise as to fees for such services. Many thanks!
Eric, I’ll send you the contact info separately.
Hi Charley, I acquired my grandmothers home in Oceanside of roughly 3 acres. I have wonderful childhood memories of playing in the Avocado orchard. Unfortunately my grandmother was unable to sustain the grove for many year and it is long gone.
I have prepared an acre of land to establish a small grove with various fruit trees to include avocadoes. I have been caring for 10 trees (Haas and Reed) in very large containers for the last 3 years and would like to plant them permanently in the ground. Can you give me some insight into far apart they should be planted, do they well with other fruit trees (orange and tangerine) and anything else a newbie should know to establish a new grove. I can hardly wait to hear from you.
Thank you, Sarah
Sarah, You will have a challenge planting those tree after being in containers for three years. I suggest 12×12 spacing in your situation. That’s 12 feet between the trees and 12 feet between the rows. You must accept you will need to prune them every year to keep them from growing into each other and adjacent trees. Remember to plant them on mounds. You will probably need a mound four feet wide and eighteen inches high. The trees should be pruned before planting. Going from the container to the ground will put them in shock. Add some vitamin B into the backfill soil. The trees are probably root bound so you will have to cut the roots before you put them in the ground. Good Luck, Charley
Hello Mr. Wolk,
I like your web site and appreciate any advice you can give. It looks like you are a wealth of information.
I tried to previous post this questions on your web site, but cannot find it on the site, so I am trying again.
I am looking for advice on water quality, TDS, for growing avocado trees. I am trying to determine if I can use well water on our trees. We are looking at rebuilding a collapsed well on the property.
We are located in south Escondido ca, next to a creek. The previous well was 60′ deep and caved in soon after we purchased the property. I am not sure how much the previous owner used the well, but it had a working pump in it. I am putting in a test well to determine the water quality soon.
I am wondering how high of TDS or other major water quality constituent can be used for growing avocados? Are there limits and techniques to use high TDS?
I have heard thru the web, that you can flush TDS out of the root zone if you water occasionally with high volumes.
I am trying to determine if I should drill the well and put in a new water system. I am looking at avoiding damaging our trees.
Thanks for any help.
Greg
Greg, Yes TDS impacts fruit production. The more salt the less production. Production plummets when the TDS reaches 500 ppm. You can leach the salt below the root zone by applying more water than the tree needs, usually double. This should be done about every six weeks. You can see this becomes expensive. The 60 foot well was probably just recovering surface water irrigation. Before you do anything with the well I would have the water tested to see what’s in it. I do not believe spending money to repair a 60 foot well is prudent. For example new wells are normally drilled to 1000 feet. Good luck.
Thank you very much I will keep the 500 ppm TDS value in mind when I get test results back.
hi i am coffee farmer in uganda e. africa neighbouring kenya tanzania source ofriver nile going north country gorillas esp for tourist but the plantation many years ago died of wilt dieseas now i am thinking to have white goat exotic dairy and hassavocado i have more than three hundred acres since uganda islately up coming economically is promoting hass avocado forexport forforeign currncy iamsure u.s.is helping 80 percent farmer population for wealth creation i willbe happy to hear from u how with your assistance to establish such project farm is hilly needs bore hole for irrigation since grew coffee and dairu farm in 1970s hoping avocado will do well we have two rainy seasons will be glad to hear from your expertise thanks
Badru, You can a good beginning by going on the University of California Extension web site http://ucavo.ucr.edu. This information is for California but you should be able to adjust it to Uganda. Also you need to know that avocado leaves are toxic to pregnant goats. Eating the leaves may cause them to abort. Good luck.
Hey Charlie,
First of all it’s amazing to see a blog like this; this is super helpful and I get good vibes from the website!
We’re a family seriously thinking about growing avocados in Nepal. We want to know what we should read, the main common mistakes we’re likely to make, and the most important factors involved. The department of agriculture here can supposedly provide trees and pesticides – are we to trust these?
Also, what all do you do to maximize yields? What variety of avocado should we grow? Is it possible to ever give you a call and just ask you some questions for a little?
Thanks so much
Josh, I don’t know where you are in Nepal. The first consideration is that your area is frost free. That means is doesn’t get cold. The avocado tree is a tropical plant that cannot take cold temperatures. I would check on where the government is getting trees. I suggest you go to the University of California Extension web site. Go to avocados. This will give you enough information to get started. Just adapt the information to your climate. Good luck.
Charley!
We’ve begun to do a lot more research and due diligence and are considering around 5 hectares of land. The government here is a bit unmodern and gives slightly idealized advice (not rooted in metrics or yield-maximization).
We’re looking at an area in Dhading, Nepal. It gets an average of around 2000m+ of rainfall annually. As far as we are aware, this would be one of the first commercial orchards in Nepal.
We have no way of really confirming what government tells us here without hiring some outside consultant; I’ve read through the University’s website almost joyously (thanks for this great resource) as well as tons of other resources.
I have some basic questions if that’s still okay:
1. If the government here recommends a “7m” (20ft+) spacing, is this in stark contrast to your recommended 12 x 12 (I trust yours much more intuitively), or did you mean 12m x 12m?
2. With 7 meter/21 ft spacing, is this only around 204 trees per 10,000meters (10,000/49)? Is this calculation correct?
3. The government here right now estimates yields at around 10 metric tons per hectare (So 22,000 lbs in 2.471 acres… Seemingly roughly 8900 lbs per acre. ). Am I correct in assuming this is relatively low/poor performance? (In this 3rd world, developing nation, agro data spreads poorly, soil moisture is measured by eye, and I think the culture of precise measurement simply doesn’t exist!)
4. What are the main things novice avocado farmers tend to get wrong? I want to keep these plants happy, fed and irrigated perfectly with well-tested water, and constantly measure soil moisture to ensure they’re never drowned or underfed. Ive read through 100’s of cases on your blog and it seems like everyone seems to make the same few mistakes, and they keep on coming right back to the water (underfeeding, drowning, salinity/chloride, etc). I’d just love to know the main area where newbies like us trying straight away for commercial plantation are likely to do something dumb!
5. Properly farmed with decent yields (Dhading, Nepal gets 2000mm+ in rainfall a year), and the proper equipment, what do you think a healthy yield in lbs is for 5 hectares? (Is it the same answer as always? 10,000 – 20,000?).
Thanks so much, Charley. I’m a huge fan of your work now.
Josh, Let me try to answer your specific questions and then make some addition al general comments. Also all my comments are for acres and feet. You will have to adjust the numbers to metric. 1. 20×20 feet is the old way. That would yield less than 100 trees per acre. Now the approach is high density. My 12×12 feet spacing yields about 300 trees per acre. This spacing requires annual pruning sometimes beginning in year three. 3. The 8900 lbs. per acre is a weak average. You can make money at this level if your cost of production is not too high. High density spacing properly farmed could yield double that. 4. Your right the most critical element in avocado production is the correct irrigation practices with good quality water.
Now the general comments. I don’t recall the climate in your area. If you get cold freezing temperatures in the winter avocados won’t work. Your annual rainfall is adequate provided it is spread out over the entire year. If you have hot temperatures in the summer and all the rain comes in the winter, you will have to irrigate. When you plant the trees put them on mounds at least 3 feet in diameter and 18 inches above grade. You can get simple moisture sensors like Irrometers to help you with your irrigation management. Good Luck.
Two weeks ago I transplanted a Bacon Avocado Tree from Home Depot. I used a combination of native soil, compost from Miramar Greenery, and succulent soil. I peeled back the mulch to allow the soil to dry as it’s been really wet. I topped about 6 inches off it a few days ago with pruning shears as it was getting tall too quick and I wanted the tree to establish itself and grow thicker. The top where I topped was green at first and is now hollow. Any concern here?
Brian, I really need more information to properly answer your question. You didn’t say how big a tree you got from Home depot. I assume you were planting the tree from the container to the ground. I also assumed the mulch you peeled back was the ground not the container. It also sounds like you topped the tree like you were pruning a hedge. The good new is it sounds like the tree is healthy and vigorous if you were concerned about its rapid growth. To slow the tree’s vertical growth the procedure is to pinch not cut the bud of the main leader. If what I assumed from your description of topping is correct, then what will happen is the tree will put out multiple shoots from the place of your cut. The exact opposite of what you wanted to accomplish. I assume the description of hollow is the shape of the tree not the individual branches. If that is the case, that is typical. The tree will eventually fill that space with growth. I hope this helps. Good luck.
Hi Charlie
I’m trying to figure out how to ask you a question but all I can find is a reply Fox
Rich, You should be able to just type your question in the box and I will get it. Charley
Hi Charlie,
Firstly, I am a big fan of you and the work you have done for Avocado’s.
I am looking to start a small farm with 10 trees and I need some assistance with how to get started. Would you be able to advise?
Look forward to hearing from you.
Kind regards,
Aki
Aki, You didn’t say where you are so it is difficult to offer any suggestions. Here are a couple of points to consider. You have to verify that the climate will support avocado production. You can’t have freezing temperatures. You have to have water for irrigation. You didn’t say how much land you have. You have to design the irrigation system for the whole parcel even if you install it in increments. Finally you have to identify a source to buy the trees. Good luck.
Hi Charley I have an avocado tree in Spain and the leaves have alll turned a reddy brown color , do you have any idea what this could be please ?
Alan, Without seeing the tree I have to assume what you see is chloride burn. It is caused by the salts in the irrigation water and the method/duration of the irrigation. Apply more water less frequently.
Hi Charley!
I am a senior in high school and for my Senior Project, I am researching the avocado industry such as the growing process, economic impact of avocado farming, and why avocados have become so popular. I would love if you would be my outside expert to answer a few of my questions. Could you email me if you are able to.
Thanks,
Carrie Speer
Carrie, I’ll send you the contact information separately. I hope I can help.
I would like to contact you to advise to grow avocado in India on payment basis
Pls send your contacts
C.S., I’m not sure what you have in mind. I will send you my email address you can describe what you have in mind to see if I can help. Thanks, Charley
Hello Charley,
I have a Hass and a Fuerte tree growing next to one another, both trees are about 10 feet tall and I believe to be about 7 years old. Only the Hass seems to set any fruit and very little at that. I live in Big Sur very near the coast and experience a rainy season that goes from winter through sometimes mid-spring followed by cool, foggy summers and a warmer, drier fall. My thought is that the trees are not receiving sufficient pollination during flowering, but it could be any number of reasons. Any ideas or guidance is much appreciated. Thank you!
Sean, Usually the problem with back yard tree’s production is irrigation, usually not enough. That being said the other consideration is what you mentioned, pollination. The tree’s flowers normally open in the spring. Most natural pollination is done by bees. Bees navigate by the sun. If the flowers are open when it is foggy the bees won’t leave the hive hence little or no pollination. I don’t know how you can fix that. Sorry.
Hi Charley. I am a journalist writing an article on avocados for HuffPost and I would love to speak with you. Could you email me please?
Lucy, Information is on the way.
Hello Charlie,
I have been reading your blog for years. I have about 6.5 acers which has been the site of a grove in de luz heights area for 50 years or more. The trees were very old and large and it is my understanding that they were stumped back in the 80’s. Prior to buying the property almost all the trees had died due to lack of water, but it seems that they were too large and old to be productive in any case. There is a 750 ft. well on the property that I believe produces 35-45 gpm and water is accessed at the 300 ft. deep level. The problem is the water contains roughly 300 parts per million of saline and I understand that 100 parts per million or less is necessary for avocados. I am wondering if a reverse osmosis system could help resolve my issues with saline in the water or perhaps some sort of filter? If not, raising avocados on a large scale may not be in my future. If based on the above information you feel a chance exists to operate a profitable grove, please contact me, as I would like to hire you as a consultant. Even more than the financial incentives, I want to operate a nice healthy beautiful grove, but there is too much at stake to just “wing it”.
I appreciate the information you have shared on this site!
Frank, You have a challenge. RO is very expensive and I don’t believe it would be economical for 6.5 acres. Additionally after RO gets the salt out you have to dispose of the salt. Probably the bigger challenge. You can mitigate the salt problem somewhat with an irrigation strategy. You over irrigate to push the salt below the root zone and you use some district water which has less salt. From your description of the trees your plan should be to take the trees out and replant to high density spacing. Good luck.
Hello Charley,
many thanks for your blog.
Sorry if my question has been asked before.
I am planning to set up an (avocado) orchard on the Mediterranean cost of Turkey, and I have read all I have come across on the net including your blog.
The recommended distance between the trees vary from 12 to 40 foot.
-How does the tree distance affect the avocado production per area (har) and the maintenance costs per produced ton?
-What would the optimal distance be regarded low labour costs?
-How may I avoid large annual variations in production?
Thanks in advance / Erik
Erik, The variations in tree spacing you have read is probably driven by different countries and different farming techniques. In California the cost of the land drives the decision. Groves I have planted recently in southern California I planted 12×12. That’s 12 feet between the trees and 12 feet between the rows. I have visited orchards that were planted 5 feet between the trees and 14 feet between the rows. All spacing in the close range is called high density. You have to plan on annual pruning to keep the trees low and open. Production per acre is greater than just letting the trees grow. Don’t get hung up focusing only on the labor costs. The profit is the real measure. If you have more labor costs an more profit that’s a good deal. Avocado trees like most fruit trees are alternate bearing. If you figure out how to stop it you will become very wealthy. Good luck.
Hi Charley,
Do avocado producers usually use anything (other than feeling the soil texture) to evaluate soil moisture/tension? I’m asking because I’ve been developing pressure sensors with external barometric compensation to connect on irrometer’s tensiometers for real-time monitoring since other solutions such as Hortau are too expensive. I’d like to sell my sensors, but I’m not even sure growers would use these.
Martin, As you know there have been great strides in improving sensor technology. Individual sensors can measure different elements at different depths and transmit the data. Also there are choices of vendors for the equipment. The growers use the full spectrum of tools. This ranges from nothing just irrigate on a schedule based on the weather to sophisticated system that measure parameters and turn the irrigation on and off. Hope this helps.
Hi Charlie,
I am looking at purchasing an avocado grove in your area, being a neophyte I would appreciate your guidance, via consulting. Please send me your contact info. Thanks.
Jerry
Jerry, I will send you my contact information separately.
What’s is the farest north avacados can be grown and what is a typical spacing and trees per acre? I’m in the Los Banos area.
Dennis, How far north is really not the criteria. What is the weather? If at your location you have freezing temperatures, you can’t grow avocados commercially. If you don’t have cold but summer temperatures are high, the trees will survive but production will be marginal. I suppose the practical test is that given the high demand for avocados if it were commercially feasible they would be there.
Hello, Charley.
I’ve removed a little over 2 acres brush on a property south of Ojai in Ventura County and I’d like to plant avocado. However I’m worried that it may not be enough acreage to make a profit. There are several other properties surrounding me with Avocado orchards, and I know the soil conditions are good, however they’re all at least 4 acres or larger. Can I be successful with high density planting?
Jon, The simple answer to your question is yes. On the small parcels you lose economy of scale in almost everything you do.
Charley I am not a grower, I just have one tree that I have nurtured for 5 years. It was full of avocados prior to the heat wave last week, it was 114 degrees here in Rialto for one of the days and it burned the leaves now the stems to the fruit are turning black and the leaves are falling off, Is my tree dead? Is they anything I can do to save it? Bev
Beverlyn, Sorry for the delayed response. The heat has caused a lot of response. I doubt your tree is dead. The symptoms you see are typical after a heat event. Right now it requires patience. Don’t be too quick on pruning the tree. Just endure the ugly and wait to see what the tree will do. I expect that by now you should see some new leaf buds. You also have to cut back on the irrigation. With the damaged leaves the tree can’t process the applied water. Also don’t fertilize it for the same reason. Good luck.
Hi Charley. My names Tony. I am interested in growing avocados in Nicaragua. Having a farm with a viable and teachable trade to the indigenous people. as well as drilling water wells for those in need. I know the finances will flow as soon as i put a tangible game plan together and get my boots on the ground. I have a friend who started tree of life ministries in Jinotepe. I am interested in a coastal community to develop a avocado farm and a christian surf camp. As well as drilling a water well for the A-farm- we will drill other wells for free for those in need. If you could direct me to some good reference points for doable information… Ty…Tony D.
Tony, The best, quickest source for avocado information is the University of California extension we site, UCAVO.UCR.EDU. Good luck on your project. Charley
Hi Charley,
My wife & I are looking to buy a bare land in Temecula or vicinity to start a grove – one to hold and enjoy for ourselves and kids. How much capital would you say is needed for a 5 or 10 acre operation?
Would appreciate you sending me your contact info.
Thank you!
Steve
Steve, I’m not sure I understand your question. If you are talking about operating cost, they will be about $8000.00 per acre per year. Obviously there are variables. If you are talking about capital to start, you should plan on spending about $30,000.00 per acre for development. Capital to purchase the land will depend on the deal. I will send you my contact information separately. Thanks, Charley
CHARLES;
Thank you for setting up this blog.
FYI – Tanzania has recently seen the increasingly awareness of growing HASS avocados. There are more globally known ventures growing and exporting avocados to Arabia and European Union Market.
Now, the challenge: There’s few available information for establishing a private Avcados growing business. Kindly send me your email so we should exchange more business information.
Pold
Pold, The best source of information for beginning an avocado business is the University of California Extension UCAVO.UCR.EDU. This should get you started. Trying to do consulting work via email is difficult at best and minimally productive. Charley
Hi Charley,
My husband and are looking to purchase a small Avocado ranch in Fall brook or surrounding area. size 5-10 acres. Can you tell us how to look, example Loop net? Also can advise me on the best way to education myself on what I need to know about growing Avocado?
Really appreciate your input
Thank You Jill Bakker
Jill, The easiest, fastest, best way to look for an avocado grove in the area is to contact a local realtor. I suggest Sunshine Properties in Fallbrook. They handle ag parcels so have agents that understand. You can begin your growing avocados knowledge by going on line and looking at the info available from the University of California web sites, UCAVO.UCR.EDU. In addition if there is not a link there go to the University Cooperative Extension site. I will send you my contact info separately. Charley
Hello Charlie my father has been growing avocados in Del Luz since 1978 and he had passed since.Well my question is that our trees are about 40 years old and look very healthy but it just seems like they are not producing fruit any longer We have been fertilizing and doing some injecting just cant seem to produce.I was thinking if we were to have the trees graphed whats your thoughts thanks so much George…
George, Since you said the trees are 40 years old I assume they are very tall. That is probably the reason they are not producing. The trees are crowded and probably canopied. Only the top of the trees is producing. That’s the only place there is any sun light. The height of the trees has to be lowered to about 8 to 10 feet. This can be done over time but it has to be done. I assume the trees are has. While there is some opinion that grafting haas to haas can increase production, the jury is still out. So get the tree lower. You will be surprised at the increased production. Charley
Charley,
My husband and I are looking to purchase a property in the Southern CA area that has an avocado grove. We are not knowledgeable in the avocado farming industry, as we are from the east coast.
We have family that moved to the area and would like to be closer to our family.
We are very interested in managing a small grove.
Are you available as a consultant? We do not see that your contact information is available.
Thank you for your help.
I.M.
Irina, Yes I do consulting on an hourly basis. I can evaluate properties you may be considering. I will send you my contact information separately.
Jill, The email that is on your question on the blog did not work when I sent you more information. It was returned undeliverable. You will have to send another comment to the blog. Thanks. Charley
Hello Charley,
My wife & I are considering purchasing a property with a home and avocado grove in the De Luz area. I’d like to contact you for some direction please. Thanks much!
Rick, I will send you my contact info separately. Charley
Dear Charley,
I have tried two avocado trees over the last twenty years at my home and after a few years they both failed. I have determined that excessive water and clay soil conditions were responsible. I want to try again….
This time, after a LOT of reading, I think I know what I need to do and would like your input as an expert. I am going to put in a raised bed, about 20 inches high with a width of about five feet and plant the tree in that. I have read that the tap root is the main problem, but that the top roots also need to be able to drain well.
My questions are: Do you think this might work? Is 20 inches enough, I will go higher? Any other advice?
I hope to hear back from you. I enjoyed reading your web-page!
Thanks,
Robert
Robert, Yes planting on the mound will help get the trees started. Bottom line you have to look at your irrigation practices. If they are being irrigated with you lawn, stop. They should be on their own system even if it is a hose. The water should be distributed, not all applied to the trunk. Since you now there is clay there, you have to check the amount of water in the soil. Easy way is to get a soil probe to pull a sample and feel how much water is in the soil. Alternative is to invest in a soil sensor that measure moisture on a continuing basis. When all else fails irrigate the trees and don’t apply any more water again until the trees show they need water. First sign is droopy leafs.
Good luck. Charley
Hi Charley,
I was touched by how passionate and loyal you are to the avocado grower’s community.
I am a student at UCLA Anderson school of business and am working on a research project for my thesis about the avocado industry. Will you be able to have a quick interview over the phone? I’d like to know the problems you face, or are facing in growing avocados and what types of improvements on the current variety you wish for etc.
Emi, Might be able to do an interview, but scheduling would be difficult. I would suggest looking at the web sites for the California Avocado Commission, the California Avocado Society, and the Hass Avocado Board. This should give you the information you are looking for and leads to other sources. Good luck, Charley
Hi Charley, We just looked at a property at 25377 Via Oeste in the De Luz area. It has approximately 400 trees on 5 acres. Are you familiar with this grove? If so is it healthy? Profitable? The grove IS on city water. I was thinking of putting a well in. Are wells successful in this area? If I put one in, how long would it take to recoup my cost of the well?
Tim, I am familiar with the area but not this specific property. I would have to look at the grove to make an opinion of its health. You would have to look at the records of the seller to judge whether it has been profitable. Drilling a well in the area has risks. The water is located between plates rather than a big underground lake. Some times you hit the water sometimes not. The amortize the well investment will depend on how much water you get compared to the district water bills. I will send you my contact information if you need help. Thanks, Charley
Hi Tim & Charley.
My husband and I noticed that same property for sale and wondered why you didn’t move on it? We are also looking to buy a house with an avocado grove in this area.
Thanks and sorry for butting in on your conversation!!
Tracy, Did you find a property to buy? Tim, Did you acquire the property you were considering? The one you asked the questions?
Charley
we will cultivate Avocado in southwest of China, But we have not any experience, and need professional guide for the cultivation, would you like to go to China for the training? and how much we have to pay for it?
Thanks
Liu
Liu, Your offer sounds very interesting. I would like to go to China very much to work on a project like yours. Unfortunately my responsibilities to clients and my business here in California would not have time available for that kind of a commitment. Sorry, Charley
Hello Charley,
I’m in Florida and I have a small potted avocado tree that I keep in the back yard. Earlier this summer the leaves all turned brown starting at the tips and most of them fell off. The branches which had been green also turned dark brown from the tips and the brown color began to move inward toward the trunk (taking the leaves as this change spread).
This eventually stopped and new growth began after a couple of months in October, but now that diseased part looks to be spreading again.
Here are a couple of pictures: https://imgur.com/a/IeM3B
Have you seen this before? What can I do to stop it and save this tree. Thank you!
Pete, What is the source of your irrigation water. From your first comments it sounded like tip burn. If your source of water has chlorides the tree will pick them up and the salt causes the tips of the leafs to turn brown and eventually drop. When I looked at your photos I can tell you have a lot going on. You didn’t say where you are in Florida. Generally speaking there is a lot of humidity there which is conducive to fungus. Also it is not clear what kind of plants are around the avocado tree. You could try spraying the plant with fungicide but the visible damage to the structure appears to be too far along. I would suggest you start a new seedling and when you plant it in a container use a larger one. Good luck.
Sir,
There is a property in Vista, CA for sale with multiple acres of avacado trees. Would it be possible for you to contact me via email to discuss this or other opportunities in the local area?
Semper Fi!
Nate, I will send you my contact information separately.
Hi Charley,
I want to start Avocado farm back in my home country in India. Would like to know about soil , water and other factors for cultivation. Please let me know your availability ?
Thanks,
Subba
Subba, The general conditions are a Mediterranean climate, no freezing temperature and not too hot in the summer. The soil should be well drained so the roots are not in stranding water. In the summer a mature tree will require about 450 gallons of water per week.
Charley,
I’m a student at the Utah Valley University studying a dual major in Marketing/Accounting. I was gifted 60 acres including hillsides (Jalisco,Mexico.) I wanted To know how many trees I could plant in one acre?
Also, I wanted to know if you are willing to consult with me and possibly so some shadowing.
Tony, The number of trees per acre depends on the spacing. The current popular strategy is high density. I have been planting trees 12×12. This yields a little over 300 trees per acre. There are some growers who have planted 10×10. Of course you can vary the spacing to suit the situation. One consideration will be the slope and the need for equipment use in the orchard. The nature and tempo of the business on my end does not allow time for shadowing. Sorry, Charley
Tony,
congratulations on your gift. wondering if you’d be interested in having a partner / investor. I come from the same business background and can make an investment in the grove to produce avocados. Thank you. Please share your thoughts
Tony, Maybe you and Alex can get together on some thing that will work for both of you. Good luck. Charley
I’m interested too, I have 30 acres gifted to me, in Socal
Amy, I’ll send you my contact information. I may be able to help.
Hello, Mr. Wolk,
We live on a 13 acre ranch in De Luz and would be interested in talking with you about consulting, if you would send us your information.
My grandpa has been running this grove as his retirement hobby farm for ~25yrs. Now he is 81, widowed, and getting tired.
The rest of the family hasn’t thought much till now about the grove’s commercial potential (some years it barely breaks even; last year was good), but my husband and I are interested in knowing if it may make sense for us to continue what my grandpa has started. My husband comes from a grain farming family in Alberta; he knows a lot about farming and next to nothing about avocados.
We just finished the process for organic certification last month.
If you would send us your contact information, we would be glad to speak with you.
Thank you!
Emily Jackson
Emily, Your situation sounds interesting I will send you my contact information separately.
Thanks, Charley
Hi Charley,
I’m glad I have come across your site – I live in Cyprus (Pafos) and I have 120 trees that are approx 30 years old and just planted another 150 trees – my issue is that my trees bear fruit in large quantities every second year. Is there something that I am doing wrong? or is this from natural weather conditions?
Thank you
Andrew
Andrew, You are doing nothing Fruit trees are alternate bearing. One year a large crop the next year a smaller crop. The amplitude of this swing in production can vary because of different cultural practices and weather conditions. But the trees will still have alternate bearing. The important consideration is that you don’t reduce the care of the trees because you have a small crop. Hang in there. Charley
Hi Charley,
My husband & I are interested in purchasing an avocado gove/homesite in De Luz/Temecula area and would like to contact you for consult. Would you kindly send contact info? Many thanks!
Christine, I will send you my contact info separately.
Hi Charlie. My name is Frank Fasel and I live in San Juan Capistrano. I have 3 acre citrus/avocado grove. Trying to re-establish avos. after a bout with root rot and gophers. Stumbled upon your website while doing some research. Your name had a familiar ‘ring’ to it. Long story short, I just put it together. I too was born and raised in St. Louis,Mo. graduated from S.L.U.H. but in 1957. Played baseball and soccer. I too am a former marine…….@15 years active and reserve duty. The USMC brought me to Pendleton and El Toro. Looked you up in the 1955 yearbook (The Daughin). #81 on the football team. I had several friends on that team. Will contact you later with avocado questions. Semper Fi.
Frank, Nice to hear from you. I guess this proves it is a small world. Look forward to hooking up. Charley
Frank, Nice to hear from you. I guess this proves it is a small world. Look forward to hooking up. Charley
Im starting an avocado farm of about 150 000 trees now i do not know how to identify the seeds for rootstock. Im in zimbabwe
Frank, I don’t know how to identify the seeds after they have been removed from the fruit. Usually the fruit is committed for seeds so you know what you are going to get. If you are going to propagate 150,000 trees I would expect you have identified a source of seeds.
Hello Charley!
My wife and I are looking to move to Southern California and start our own avocado farming operation and would love to pick your brain. We would love to talk to you and get a lay of the land. Please email us at your convenience!
Many Thanks & Semper Fi from a fellow Former Marine!
Nick & Hope
Nick and Hope, Sorry for the delayed response. More to do than hours in the day. I’ve sent you my contact information. Look forward to talking to you. Charley
Hello Mr. Wolk,
I’m very interested in farming and especially avocados, I’m sure you’re a very busy man and I would like to pick your brain on how to gain farming knowledge through formal education. Thank you. Semper Fi.
Osvaldo
Osvaldo, You can start by going to the University of California Extension web site. They have some printed material, video, and references. I don’t know where you are but you might want to check the Community College for basic science courses, soils, biology, plant physiology, etc. Good luck. Charley
Hello Charley,
I have some brown spots on my avocado leaves, characteristic of the brown spots is that they first appear on the upper side of the leaf, they can get to 10mm diameter and then that spot becomes a hole!
When the brown spot is present it is surrounded by a yellow “halo”, this “halo” disappears when the spot becomes hollow!
The spots appear on some leaves but on different branches and on different trees!
I am not sure if the information I am giving you is enough, is it possible to send you a picture of it.
You can email me anytime and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
Thank you in advance
Ash, Tough question. What you describe sounds like a pest rather than a disease. You can examine the impacted leafs and the healthy leafs around them to see if you can see any bugs on the leafs. You didn’t tell me where you are, and how you irrigate the trees. Take the first step to see if you discover any thing.
so what can you tell me about growing avacados in the lancaster california area i have sandy soil and clay mix for land should i truck in dirt or this ok? also its windy here and kind of dry
Charles, I am familiar with the Lancaster area. I race at Willow Springs Raceway. I don’t believe you can grow avocados commercially. It gets too cold in the winter and too hot in the summer. As you note it does get windy which would have a negative impact on the trees. If you wanted to grow one in your yard you may be able to mitigate the above conditions. Sorry. Charley
Dear Charlie,
Thank you very much for your answer to my previous 2 questions. I have thought that I have been benefited a lot after participating in your popular blog. This forum also have helped me introduce a new Nepali friend with similar interest in avocado farming in Nepal. We had discussed lot about our business recently.
My another question to you is can we also post photographs and video of affected parts of avocado tree in this blog? If yes, we could share visuals of different diseases and other conditions of avocado plant. If possible how can we attach them in this blog?
It has been good to find you here.In our country Tanzania-East Africa,avocados were for feeding pigs and was not commercial plant as of today.I currently reserving 100 acres of land for this plant.There are some Americans who came for avocado planting trainings here and the findings was great for those who responded early.I will be asking questions from time to time to improve my avocado knowlegde as I am preparing for my own avocado nusery to accomodate the 100 acres.
John, I compliment you on undertaking such a challenge. I have received numerous queries from Africa about growing avocados. In most cases there is no easy source of trees. I would recommend you go to the University of California Extension web site. There is a lot of information there to help get you started. Charley
Hello Charley,
We are considering building a house on a 5 acre lot w/ mature avocado trees in Fallbrook. We have no experience w/ avo groves, and while the idea is very attractive, we would like to get more info on what we would be getting ourselves into. We plan to review expenses/income w/ owner but also want an evaluation of the grove, info on maintenance, tax implications & advice on whether we should even consider taking this on. Can you suggest some next steps?
Thanks
Susan, Typical operation of the grove cost between $7000 and $8000 per acre per year. For taxes the expense to operate the grove is a deduction from the profit of the operation. A loss could be applied to other income. The value of the first crop is not considered income but is part of what you pay for the property. Reviewing the expense and income from the seller is a good start to give you a point of reference. Those numbers are more significant if they are backed up by the pack outs from the packing house and bills from the water district. Production of 10,000 pounds to the acre averaging $1.00 per pound payment gives you a positive return. Less pounds or less $’s per pound can put you upside down. I will send you my contact information. If you like I can help you with your decision on a consulting basis. Thanks, Charley
HI Charley,
What is your opinion of growing avocados in Arvin, CA? I have a 360 acre almond farm and we need to start replanting. I would like to convert to a crop that can have more restorative farming options and I am exploring which crops would be suited to that and ideally, it would be a crop with similar needs to almonds in the greatest sense to make the conversion more streamline. I am sorry if I posted this in the wrong place. I couldn’t figure out how to post an original question. Thanks for your great site!
Anne, I understand what you are looking for. Unfortunately I don’t believe avocados will work. It gets too hot in the summer and you have the risk of cold damage in the winter. The tree would not be happy and in my opinion the risk is too high. Thanks, Charley
Thanks Charley-
Hi Charley
Can you provide any info on growing avocados in Guyana?
Any help or direction will be greatly appreciated.
Max
Max, The climate in Guyana should be acceptable with one caveat. The description of the area says it is a tropical rain forest. There may be too much water even for well drained soils. I would suggest you look at some of the West Indian varieties. They do better in wet conditions.
Hi Charley,
I’m curious to learn if and how avocado trees can be grown to produce fruit in controlled environments (indoors) to mimic natural growing conditions in new areas of the country. I’d like to understand if hydroponic farming methods could be employed for urban dwellers to grow their own fruitful avocado supplies. I’m at dessa.brennan@gmail.com if it’s easier to reply that way. I’m also in Southern California and can meet.
Dessa, Yes you can grow an avocado tree indoors. Its structure will be dictated by the size of the container. A comparison would be a bonsai plant. Growing indoors for production is a challenge. The flowers have to be pollinated. The normal/natural way is bees. I know of no one who has figured out how to grow a tree hydroponically. I can’t even visualize it. Thanks, Charley
Dear Charley,
I am writing from CNN International and would love to see whether you are available for an interview with us today (4.45pET).
Would it be possible to send me an email? rosanne.roobeek@turner.com
Rose, Sorry for the non response. Your message to the blog was inadvertently skipped. That being said I would be happy to do an interview with you but filling a request on the same day is almost impossible. I will send you my email. If you have a requirement you can contact me, I will try to honor your request. Thanks, Charley
Hi Charlie, what is a reasonable expected return for a avocado orchard after all expenses in southern California?
Thanks, Mike
Mike,
Your question is not answerable. It depends on too many variables for example the density of the planting(the number of trees per acre), and most importantly is the orchard being farmed correctly. To give you some perspective if you produce 10,000 pounds per acre you should be profitable. Less you can’t make long term. A high density planting will produce more. What those dollars will be depends on the market. Charley
Looking at buying a small Grove in southern CA, have some questions message me if you can please
Thanks,
Adam
Adam, I will send you my contact information separately. Charley
Hi Charley,
I am purchasing an abandoned grove and am looking for any information on the removal of the old trees and the process of getting a grove restarted. Clearing, planning, preparation? Can I contact you for some help? Thanks very much for the good information on here.
-Jim
Jim, Your question requires more than would be appropriate for the blog. I’ll send you contact information separately. Charley
Hi Charley, probably same question here.. We are two novice that are about to buy the property with 450 avocado trees in Fallbrook. Besides the knowledge which we of course have to gain, the first couple of years we cannot be present in US at all times taking care of the grove, therefore would need management that will take care of it. Do you think you can help us? /Nathalie
Nathalie, Sorry for the delay I have been too busy. I will send you contact information separately.
Hi Charley!
I have a few questions about the use of a new technology in the orchards. Could you please email me?
Thank you in advance.
Michael, I can answer your questions on the blog then more people will get the benefit of the information.
Thanks, Charley
Michael, I have been busy. I’m sending you an email today. Charley
Hello Charley
I am 20 years old and live in Zambia(Africa). I am currently growing 10 hectares of macadamias but was looking to start growing 25 hectares of avocados. The problem I have though is that I was going to order the trees from South Africa but there is a four year waiting list and is the only known place to get stock so I have decided to graft the trees my self but was just wondering what the best root stock would be to graft a hass or fuerte to. Like I said I’m very young and just looking for a way to beat the system so some advice would be much appreciated
Thanks
Devan
Devan, You are not the first one to note the long waiting period for trees from South Africa. Right now the preferred root sock is clonal Dousa. That being said if you can’t get trees I don’t know how you will be able to get root stock. Seems you are going to have to grow a seedling from whatever avocados are available to you. Good luck. Charley
Hi Charley,
I have 2 avocado trees, both doing poorly, both are old trees. One is a Fuerte that used to fruit well, but then it was trimmed several years ago and has not fruited since then. (Lots of fruit drop.) The other is an unknown variety (maybe Hass) which is very large and has never fruited. It appears to be dying.
I live in Pasadena. Would you be willing to come to my property to diagnose what is wrong, and recommend solutions? I’d be willing to pay for your consulting services.
Thanks.
Francis,
Where do you get your water from? Do you know if anything has changed with the water quality? I’m wondering what the TDS levels are – that significantly affects growth…could potentially be an issue?
Cheers,
Rich
rgbastariv@gmail.com
richard.bastar@voltea.com
239-292-6294
Francis, Here are some more suggestions for you. Charley
Hello,
My father and I would like to start growing avocados and would like your advice if possible.
We thank you in advance.
Vanessa P.
Vanessa, I attempted to contact you with the email that shows on your posting. Unfortunately the system says it is an invalid address. Sorry
Good Afternoon Charley,
Your website is very informative and appreciate you sharing your time and expertise with us. I am in escrow on a 40 acre property located in San Marcos, CA. The only information we were given is the avocado trees were stumped around 2015 because of the rising cost of water. The trees have started to grow back but have been neglected. We would love to set up a consultation with you. Thank you, Aimee
Aimee, Any progress on closing the escrow on the orchard? Charley
Hi Charley,
We purchased a property late last year in Morro Hills in Oceanside with approximately 300 Hass avocado trees on about 6 acres.
1/3 of the trees are very large, 1/3 are medium, and 1/3 were stumped about 2 years ago. We were referred to the previous grove manager, but he has been very inconsistent with contacting us and guidance with our grove. We are interested in getting a consultation from you regarding grove management and advice.
Thanks,
Jason
Jason, I know the frustration of non response from service providers. I will send you my contact information separately. I’m sure I can help you with your grove. Thanks, Charley
Zachary, Growing the avocado indoors is always a challenge. Without seeing the tree the most probable cause of what you are seeing is improper irrigation. Either too much water or not enough. If you are in a cold climate you probably have the heat on. If there are not other plants in the room the heat is sucking all the moisture out of the plant container. If you water it too much and the tree doesn’t use the water the roots are rotting and you see the symptoms on the leafs. Remember the tree prefers to get water use it and dry out a little then get more water. You have to check to see what you are doing.
Hi Charley,
Really appreciate your website and the great information you share. Could I please get your contact information as I’d like to talk to you as a consultant on an existing grove in Fallbrook? Many thanks.
Suzanne, I will send you my contact information separately. We can make arrangements for a consultation on your Fallbrook grove.
Hello Charlie, were looking at a grove to purchase in De Luz – of course water is the largest expense, I thought I would look at drilling a Well what is your knowledge on this ? I got a site unseen estimate of $15-30 a foot – this would depend on the depth + equipment, I also heard that there may be restrictions on drilling up there
Hello Charley
I need advice, looking to buy a small avocado groove in the central coast 3.5 acres 700, 8 year old trees. Was told by the owner of it that it nets 45k a year. The property has a well on it. It’s been on the market for over 2 years now and that scare me. Question 1: How many years do these trees keep producing? Question 2: My understanding that well water is free just need to maintain the well, is that true? The trees are prune and looks good irrigation is on point with a drip system. My question 3 is what should i look for or ask? I don’t understand why it’s not selling.
Thanks
Mauricio
Mauricio, The trees will continue to produce as long as they are well cared for. Well water is not free you have to pay for the power to pump the water. The net per acre is high. It appears that the grove is a high density planting or else the tree count is wrong. I would ask for the packouts from the packing house to verify the production. The seller is not obligated to give them to you. If not provided you should be skeptical of the production numbers. I can’t judge why it is not selling.
How I can contact you thru email?
Thanks
Mattia, I will send you the contact information separately.
Hi Charley;
Thank you so much for your blog.
I am looking to buy a 20 ac. avocado grove in the Temecula area, but my concern is water and assessment tax. Does this happened everywhere in California or only in certain areas? Do you know if the operating cost per ac. varies from San Diego county, Ventura county and San Luis Obispo?
If you know any grove for sale in those areas, please let me know.
Thank you,
Maria, The cost of water will vary with the location and whether the water is from a well or from a water district. I’m not sure what you mean by assessment tax. If you are talking about the assessment paid to the California Avocado Commission and the Hass Avocado Board, yes it applies to all areas. The operating cost per acre will vary from one county to another. This difference is mostly attributable to the cost of water. The really best way to find a grove is through a real estate agent. You would need to work with individual agents in each county. Good luck on your endeavor.
Charley I was attached to 3rd Bn 5th Marines in VietNam. I have an avocado grove in the DeLuz area. Trees are older….25-30 years old. Water costs are killing me, and of course the June 2016 heat wave killed over half of this year’s crop. I’m looking for guidance as to what to do….turn off the water, graft, plant new trees, etc. Do you have any advice? could I talk to you as a consultant? Roger
Roger, Your question is often asked. The simple answer is that the demand for avocados both in the US and world wide far exceeds the supply. In California we struggle with the high cost of water. So simply you have to take every step to maximize production on the land. This may include replanting. I will send you my contact information separately. Charley
Charley,
Thank you for your very resourceful blog. I have one question for you please:
I am considering significantly investing in a phased 3000 acre avocado plantation in Kenya ( http://www.selinawamucii.com/investors/ )
My worry / concern is the market projection and trends.
Is there enough international market to make export-oriented large scale avocado growing viable i.e bearing in mind other dominant players like Mexico & Peru?
Thank you.
Nesbitt, I am often asked that question. My reply is that I cannot comprehend the size of the world wide demand for avocados and it is growing. Right now all the suppliers together cannot meet the demand. So from that perspective you have no worry.
Hi,Mr. Wolk,
I am a reporter from a Hong Kong media,HK01.I would like to invite you for an interview as I am doing a feature story on the rise of avocados.
Avocados are popular in American in these few decade. I would like to invite you for an interview about the trend of avocado like how it became popular and the challenges faced.
If you have any inquiries, please do not be hesitate to contact me via email.The interview can be conducted through telephone, skype or email. Thanks.
Fiona Ko
Fiona, I would be happy to help you. I’ll send you my contact information separately.
Hi Charley,
Your blog is so informative. I am interested in buying an 8-10 acre avocado ranch in the Temecula area. Can you send me your contact information for consulting purposes? Thank you!
Stephanie, I sent the contact information separately. Let me know when you find a parcel. I will help you with your purchasing decision. Thanks, Charley
I have a half acre hillside behind my house in Rancho Palos Verdes, Calif Would the hillside be a good place to grow avacados?
Michael, Hillsides are good for growing trees. They all get more sunlight on the hill, especially if it facing to the west. You need to check the night time winter temperatures. There are some areas there that may get too cold in the winter.
Hi Charley mi name is Marisol I need you help I have a avocado tree on mi back yard is about 40-50 years old
Recently we put artificial grass the people how installed it cut a small root from de tree .
The tree was full of leaves and small avocados now all the leaves are falling and the avocados are black and hard like rocks is the first time that happen
Also I notice ants on the trunk I kill the ants and we put some Vitamins to the tree but still losing the leaves and I don’t see new leaves at all if you can help me I try to find somebody to come but I didn’t have any luck
Thank you
Marisol, The tree needs oxygen. The artificial grass has cut off all the air to the tree. It is suffocating. You may have the tree or the artificial grass. I don’t believe you can have both. Sorry. Charley
Zubin, What you heard is correct. A seedling will not produce the fruit of the seed that was planted. It may produce a fruit from its parent root stock. Probably will produce nothing. It will make a nice tree. You have to graft the seedling. You can go to the University of California web site UCAVO.UCR.EDU. You can navigate trough the site to find the section on grafting. You can use bud wood from your existing trees. Give it a try you have nothing to lose. Charley
Hi Charley,
My name is Grace and my dad, Hank, owns a avocado farm in Fallbrook, CA. He’s really into buying and selling land as a hobby but never knows how to develop it or do business of any kind. I was wondering if you can help my dad cultivate his avocado farm into a business? Let me know, thanks!
Grace, It is not clear whether your Father wants to buy an avocado grove or he already has one. In any event I can help him on a consulting basis. I will send you my contact information separately.
Hi there I live in Fallbrook with about 70 trees. Two years ago I bought property and tress neglected with “0” fruit set due to lack of water. I pruned. Fertilized, and properly irrigated with about 100#/tree yield. I had ag lab do soil and leaf sample and they gave me fertilization and nutrient schedule. The trees exploded in growth and continue to. Here it is Sept 1 and one stressed tree set a little fruit. All others are actively growing but no floral buds as of Sept. Could the active growth prevent blossom formation? Could there be and 3xtremely late fall bud break. Lots of axillary buds but I can’t determine if vegetative or floral. Have any ideas why no blooms or fruit set?
John, Join the long list of disappointed California avocado growers. The crop statewide is small. Almost all had the same experience. There are many theories. I personally believe it is the accumulation of salt from the previous years irrigation. It has just caught up with us. I’m not buying the weather theory. You must continue to care for your trees so that they are in good shape for flowering and fruit set in the spring.
Hello Charley! I have a question regarding your consultation services. I own 20 acres of undeveloped land in Newberry Springs Ca, 92530. Currently in Newberry Springs there are pistachio farms and pistachio processing plants. I have tried to gather information on line regarding the variety of pistachios, nurseries that sell the trees, water rights and other farm start up information-but, cannot find any pistachio farms. I don’t want to buy an existing farm because I don’t know why they are selling it. My question to you is ” Do you provide farming consultation services for starting a pistachio farm?”
Jose, Sorry I can’t help you with pistachios. I would think that the University of California web site should have the information to help you. I also believe there is a pistachio growers group here in California that should be able to help. Try contacting them.
I have been following your advise on Avocados. very informative and enriching. Thanks
Your welcome.
Hi Charley,
I have a question regarding the agriculture business as a whole. Where do you see the future of farming moving towards? Is hydroponics something that you see taking over? Is it possible to implement hydroponics into the avocado growing business? I am a chef and am deeply passionate about the ingredients that I use. Currently living in Mexico right now studying the cuisine here. I have come across an avocado that had an edible and very soft leathery type skin. The flavor was incredible. I was told this was the “original” avocado before it was changed through selective breeding. Is this correct?
Daniel, Farming in the US is pressured by ever increasing cost of production. The producers look for more ways to be more efficient and produce more product. I don’t believe hydroponics will take over. There are more operations using this method. Also more green house operations. Most producing vegetables. I don’t know of any development of hydroponic systems to grow trees. I don’t know of any avocado to eat the skin. The “original” avocado may be in the eyes of the observer. While there has been some varietal breeding done it is very long term and with marginal success. Hope this helps. Charley
Good day Charley
Hope you are well.Please can you help or assist. Scouted the web for a Avocado production step by step flow diagram. Want to start at selecting a field, taking in consideration the soil, climate, varieties, the propagation, tree care, fertilization and pest management through to production, harvesting and then the maintaining of the groves
Basically a step by step guide with the risk at each steps that needs to be consider.
If I draft the flow would you kindly look at the step that I have missed.We are a packhouse that manage 32 farmers. this need this tool to make my life easier.
regards
Engelinda
Engelinda, I would recommend you go to the University of California web site for avocados UCAVO.UCR.EDU. You can navigate through the entries. They have an avocado guide for land selection to operations. It is written for California. You should be able to adjust it for your situation.
Good Morning Charlie,
I am interested in acquiring an established avocado orchard in the San Diego area. Can you help me assess the health of the trees on the property I am currently looking at? I can give you the information in a PM.
Thanks
Martin, Yes I can help you evaluate a grove you may be considering for purchase. I do that on a consulting basis. I will send you my contact information separately. I only have a potential email address from the blog. It is very long so I hope it works. If not you can try another post on the blog. Thanks, Charley
I recently stumble upon this knoledge…unfortunately in our case it appears we made all the mistakes in this business..our fam went for thus for acre spot by a resort lake place near the water table off close ro the 76 pala.not directly, , I can send the address , I know the previous owner watered by timer,, our valves got knocked out by a car. so we went to manual.. but something was always off… all our trees avocado trees were producing , but they appear to all have little holes drilled into the trunks.. more than half died.. our irrigation situation got so bad (probably leaks) we went 7-8 months without water to shower clean or cook.. I don’t wanna suspect foul play , yet the statements paint a different picture… is there anyway to be sure it’s even worth starting the process over… I can send the spread sheet , thanks for even reading this .. you actually help . does a well x troll on the property mean possible well? sounds stupid but everyone says it’s just a pressure tank… thanks for any info you could ahare
Oscar, The situation you describe is complex and has many undefined conditions for me to respond. It requires a physical inspection and analysis. Charley
Hi Charley,
Thank you for the great information. I am looking at some property in the Fallbrook area with a 5+ acre avocado grove. I would be interested in retaining your assistance as a consultant. Can you forward your contact info?
Thanks!
Steve, I can help you evaluate a property you may be considering for purchase. I do that on a consulting basis. I will send you my contact information separately. Thanks, Charley
Hi Charley, I’ve been told there are no dwarfing rootstocks for avocado, but how about using an interstock of a smaller scion variety like like [..? You’ll know better than me which varieties are small, but I read Holiday is smaller than most varieties?]. So you might graft Holiday onto Dusa, and then later graft Hass or other variety onto the Holiday stem about 4 – 6 inches above the first union. This has approach has been practiced with apples for example to use a vigourous rootstock say for replant orchards but get a dwarfing effect using an interstem from a dwarfing rootstock, so why not try the same approach with avocados?
Eddie, That’s an interesting concept. At the time the Gwen variety was developed it was believed to have dwarfing characteristics. It seem to be smaller during development, but when planted commercially it didn’t seem to be a smaller tree. My understanding is dwarfing comes from the root stock not the varietal on the top. I could be wrong so I am going to pass your suggestion to the Research manager at the California Avocado Commission. Thanks for you interest. Charley
Hi Charley, Great website! I’m located in Laos (SE Asia) and planning to develop an avocado industry here. The soils and climate in my area are very good for avocado – a few hectares were already here about 20 years ago and are doing well. I will supply to Thailand initially but as production increases, I’ll be looking to China. I’m writing a business plan to seek investment and I need to cover the packing operation. Can you recommend a company that supplies avocado packing equipment? In a recent post, I saw you mentioned a price of US$0.80/lb – I assume that is before any packing and if so, then roughly how much would packing add to the costs? Thank you.
Eddie, I personally do not know the names of manufacturers of packing equipment. Over the years being in the packing houses the packing equipment is just there. While I see it I just take for granite. You might want to contact a packing house to ask what equipment they are using. I also believe a web search should turn up something. The cost of packing in Laos will be determined by the cost in Laos. For example can boxes be sourced in Laos or will they have to be shipped in? Hope this helps. Charley
Hi Charley-
My in-laws just moved back into their home in Escondido. They have 2 acres and one acre is a fuerte avocado grove. They have been gone and renters living in the home for 9 years. Before they left several of the trees were dying and they had several grafts done and the moved not long after. Now they are back and most of the trees and grafts are dead- well the tops of the trees are dead and new green growth has sprung up from the base of the dead trunks and a few are even producing fruit. Also- much of the irrigation has been destroyed (no clue if it was tenants or landscaper).
I’d like to get some information about trying to help/save the grove as some of it currently looks like Halloween-town! Is there a professional we could have come out and give us advice on what to do? Is there a class I can take or book you can suggest that will help me help them?
Thanks for your time!
Sarah
Sarah, The University cooperative extension is currently conducting a six week school on growing avocados. I don’t know if you can join in now. There should be books and hand outs from the school that should be available. That being said what you describe as the current situation does not warrant consideration for recovery. You will waste your time and money and frustrate yourself. If you want to have an avocado grove take everything out and start all over. New irrigation on high density spacing and new trees that are on root rot resistant stock. This will be a far better use of your time and money. My company can provide that service should you decide to do that. Charley
Hello Charley,
Thank you for your blog as I have found it very interesting to read. I am wondering how I may contact you as I have been looking at land in the San Diego and Bonsall area. One of the parcels already has trees planted that are producing fruit; however I do not know how to assess the value. What I am looking for is a parcel of land where I can both build an avocado farm and experiment with growing coffee and make a profit. I am very concerned about water but like the area very much. Additionally, I would like to build a house on the land. Do you help people assess land, zoning and current avocado trees and what profit may be calculated if they were to purchase the land?
Catherine, The best solution to help you look for a parcel of land is a local realtor. I can help you evaluate an orchard on land you are considering for purchase. I do that on a consulting basis. If you purchase an orchard, my company can furnish management and cultural work services. I will send you my contact information separately. Zoning and land value is the purview of the realtor. Good luck on your search. Charley
Hello Charley
I’m looking into starting a 13 acre Avocado and Banana farm in the Jordan Valley, I’m thinking about benefiting from the Banana trees over the first three years until the avocados start producing?
any tips ??
Nayef, Let me begin by saying I do not like multiple crop plantings. In almost all cases what you need for one crop is not good for the other. I assume you are inter planting the two crops. An alternative would be to plant one section to banana and another section to avocado. When the avocados are in production take the bananas out and replace them with avocado. If you inter plant the water requirement for the two plants will be different. This presents a huge design and operational management challenge. My experience with bananas is that they are rapid growing and would crowd and shade the avocados. This will impact the development of the avocado trees. I guess I’m suggesting you really take a close look at the advantages and disadvantages of what you are considering. Charley
thanks for your reply charley i really appreciate it
would your recommend planting the avocados under shade netting since the summer sun is quite harsh here. most farms in the area are moving towards Medjool dates since the climate helps date fruit to grow significantly in size.
can you provide a remote consultancy service helping me develop my avocado farm??
Nayef, You pose an interesting question. Planting the trees under shade netting may be a consideration to get them started. If you are going to leave the netting up it has to be high enough to give the trees room. You will also have to plan on a regular pruning strategy. All that being said if the summer sun and heat is so intense maybe the area is not suitable for avocados. I will send you my email separately so you can describe what you have in mind for remote consulting.
Hi Charley,
We just bought a house in Northern CA that has a mature Haas avocado tree that we believe has dothiorella canker disease. We have tried scraping off as much of the white and red gunk as we can but am wondering if there is some sort of spray that will help or what else we can do. It is in the trunk of the tree and pretty bad and we hate to lose the tree. Thank you for any advice.
Lori, You are taking the right approach. The next thing to do is either spray the wound with a mild cooper spray or apply a weak copper paste. You should be able to get those products from Home Depot or your local garden store. Since I haven’t seen the extent of the damage I have no way of knowing if the tree will survive. No matter you will need to be patient. The healing will take time. Charley
Hi Charley,
I have an odd question/set of circumstances that I hope you can help with. I live in MD, not a typical avocado climate, however I found a pit, spouted in my compost pile 7 years ago and decided to let it grow to see what would happen. I potted, repotted and transferred from outdoors (summer) to indoors (winter) for 7 years, untill I could no longer fit it into my house. The ceilings were too low, or the tree had become too tall. I work at the George Washington University in DC where they have a building with a tall atrium, that gets sun. I moved the tree in the back of a pick-up truck last early fall and it remained inside all winter. It did not enjoy the drive or the new environment because it basically lost all it’s leaves but then in early spring started to revive and grew new leaves. So now for the bad part, it went outside a few weeks ago and last week someone found it snapped off at the base of the trunk, lying on the sidewalk. Not sure how it happened, wind (I doubt), students rough housing, more likely. The grounds crew is heartbroken as am I, since I had it for 7 years. They have the trunk end sitting in a bucket of water and the pot with the root base just sitting outside. I just found this out today, they were afraid to tell me. So it has been 6 days. Is there anything we can do to save the tree?
Nancy, I don’t believe you can save the tree. It just didn’t have enough root system to support the growth on top. You can start over but this time put it in a bigger container. Very quickly you should have it in a container the size of a half wine barrel. Also don’t let it get too big. It is OK to prune it. You need to keep it smaller because you have to move it in and out. Good luck. By the way I went to GWU grad school.
Hi Charley,
I have a couple of old avocado trees in my yard in Pasadena, CA. They are not doing well and I don’t know why. One’s branches are dying. Another has a lot of fruit drop. Who can I contact to come out to my place to help me diagnose? I’m willing to pay for the consult.
Thanks.
Francis, I don’t know who could help you up there. You might try to call the University Extension Office. If they don’t have someone they may be able to send you to someone. If they have a master gardening program, they might be able to help. Most cases of avocado tree problems in the landscape is irrigation. Either not applying enough water or applying it incorrectly. For example running the water for a short time every day instead of a long time once a week, or using the lawn irrigation for the trees. I hope this helps. Charley
I am interested in buying a property (4-20 acres) that has avocado trees and some flat areas for building on. I am interested in San Diego county area. Wondering if I could speak with you about my responsibilities as a farmer and month to month costs .
Julie, I will send you my contact information separately. We can talk briefly about your interest in getting into the avocado industry. Thanks, Charley
Hello Charley,
I want to invest in Avacado grove. How do you decide how much it is worth. How do California industry keep up with Mexico and other country?
Appreciate your response.
Thanks
Mayur, How much the avocado grove is worth is different for every property. Factors that would be considered are the grove condition, production history, location, slope, roads, well, water district etc. California has a premium product that is in demand by consumers. The off shore producers have a lower cost of production. The demand for the product is there. Everyone can make money if the flow of fruit to the market is even and steady. Unfortunately the current market situation is depressed because Mexico has been shipping more fruit than the market can handle at this time. Thanks, Charley
Hi Charles. I live in New Zealand. I have a little orchard with an avocado plant. It was not growing at all for three years and I was thinking of removing it. This year a fast growing shoot with somewhat similar leaves (but much bigger) have started growing from the bottom of the plant. I am not sure whether it is a ‘sucker’ requiring a removal or the actual avocado plant has finally started growing. Any advice?
Khan, You didn’t say where you are in NZ. You also didn’t say whether the tree was grafted to a varietal. Not growing for three years is very unusual. It sounds like it was really dead and it has thrown out growth from the root stock. This would easily show if the growth is coming out at ground level. I would also suggest contacting the Avocado Growers Association in Taranga. Good luck. Charley
Hey Charley – just ate another Fuerte. It was life changing! Thank you so much!
Mike, Your Welcome.
Charley,
We would like to learn how to grow avocado. Can we visit your farm? Thank you.
Gilbert
Chulan, I believe the best way to begin to learn about growing avocados is first read the available material. The University of California web site is a good place to start. You can also contact the San Diego County Farm Bureau. They have formal farm tours coming up. You should also contact the California Avocado Society. Occasionally they have grove tours. These tours will be beneficial because there is comments also
I just found your blog. I live in La Mesa and have room for about five or six trees. I bought a few little Lowes/HD trees, researched a little, planted them all, and within 6 months, they were all dead.
I have probably a million questions, but my first is, do you have a good resource you can point me to? I’m particularly interested in the basics, but also improving my soil quality. Is mixing native (clay-y) soil with sand, vermiculite, and compost/manure a good plan? Do you have other tips?
Thank you!
Jake, Your best bet for information is the University of California web site UCAVO.UCR.EDU. You can navigate through it to get the info you want. Regarding the trees dying, it was probably incorrect irrigation. Either too little or too much. It also could have been the right amount of water applied incorrectly. Also were the trees planted in a basin or on a mound? If you planted them in a basin odds are you drowned them. Good luck. Charley
Hi Charley, My daughter is doing a science project. I found your blog through a Google search. She is researching how long it takes avocados to ripen in different environments. My question is what is the spam of time we do not see, the tree harvest to store. What is the typical amount of time the avocados travel? This would play a part in her research. thank you for any info you can share with us. Thank you, a Science project mom!!
Angie, There is no simple answer to your question. The basic measure is where was the fruit grown and where is it going. Fruit grown in California being sold in California will reach the consumer in less than a week. Fruit from Mexico is transported by truck going to any of the US markets will probably be more than a week. Fruit coming from South America and New Zealand is transported by sea. The voyage usually about three weeks. So obviously fruit quality and time to ripen will vary widely. I trust this helps. Thanks, Charley
Hi Charley,
Great to have you back! I have been reading on avocado farming and it appears quite promising. You mentioned that the Hass variety is not elite. Which varieties would you recommend for medium to large scale farming. How does the GEM variety perform compared to Hass?
Muriuki
Muriuki, The way you asked the question I assume you are planning on planting. The GEM will perform similar to Hass. You would need to find a handler who would commit to handling the marketing of the fruit before you plant. If you are looking for diversity from the Hass you could also consider the Reed. Good luck on your venture. Charley
Charley,
I would like to get your information regarding consulting on a property I own in DeLuz.
Thank you…
Could i text you a picture of my 3 avocado seeds i put in mason jars about six months ago…is it a good idea to transplant in potted soil now or do i did to take them to a nursery somewhere to marry them? to grow avacados…i forgot the term. Thank you…
Doreen, It is not clear what you did with the seeds. It sounds like you just put them in the jar. You didn’t say if you put water in the jar. No matter. To get the seed to root you have to put tooth picks in the seed so that you can have the seed in the to of a glass of water so that half of the seed is in water and half is in the air. After a while the seed will grow roots. Then you can plant the seed in a container using potting soil. Again after a while a seedling will grow. Eventually you will be able to plant the seedling in the ground. You need to know that the seedling will not grow the avocado variety you started with. It may not grow any fruit or it may grow some kind of fruit from its parent. The seedling has to be grafted with the variety to get fruit. Good luck. Charley
I’d love to connect with you and get your opinion on a lot of questions i have about getting avocado farming started. I’d really appreciate if you can reach out to me on my email. Thank you !
Sidharth, You can ask your questions on this blog. Then others can benefit from my answers. Also I believe I have an email from you that is on my “to answer” stack. I should get to that answer shortly. Thanks, Charley
Hello Charley,
We just got a 2 1/2 acres with around 50 avocados in Oceanside. The water is been off for a year. Do you a counsel on how to get the trees back? You can email me anytime Thank you in advance.
Joaquin, I can help you on a consulting basis. I will send you my contact information separately.