Re: how do i know when my avacados are ripe?

Hi Ray,

Avocado's do not ripen on the tree, they ripen after they are picked.
Haas ripen slower, but most of us will agree that Fuerte's have a much
better flavor. Commercial growers grow mostly Haas for the reason that
they don't bruise as easily as Fuerte's in shipping [their skin/color
disguises this].

I'd say it's a little early yet for picking. Mine usually are ready
between November and January, however this varies with climate and
variety. How large are your avo's? Try this test...

Put your hand around an avo on your tree. Using your thumb and middle
finger, see if your two fingers meet at the widest part of the avo. If
they do, I'd leave them on the tree until your fingers have at least a
1" to 2" gap between them. If your can't wait, pick the largest and
leave them out for a couple of days in a warm place. Check them and if
they are getting soft, they're ready for eating...

Remember, usually around early to late December/January, we get the
dreaded Santa Ana winds! They will blow your avo's right off the trees
and onto the ground. The varmints will have a field day! So keep one eye
on your avo's and another on the weather...

Alain...4+ acres of Fuertes...USDA 9b...Sunset # 19






A

Ray Tayek wrote:
> 
> hi,i live near los angeles. i have a hass and a fuerte, both bearing
> heavily this year.
> 
> when are they ripe? how soon can they be picked and ripen? how long can
> they be kept on the tree?
> 
> thanks