Knowing when to pick avocados from the tree is the secret to perfect fruit. It can feel tricky, but with a few simple signs, you’ll get it right every time.
Unlike many fruits, avocados don’t ripen on the tree. They mature on the branch but only soften after harvest. This means picking at the perfect moment is everything. Get it right, and you’ll enjoy creamy, flavorful avocados. Pick too early, and they’ll never soften properly.
This guide will walk you through the clear, easy signs to look for. You’ll learn how to check your specific variety and handle the fruit for perfect ripeness.
When To Pick Avocados From The Tree
There is no single calendar date for harvesting avocados. The timing depends on your tree’s variety and your local climate. Instead of a date, you need to watch for physical and visual clues. The process is simple once you know what to look for.
First, identify your avocado variety. Common types include Hass, Fuerte, Bacon, and Reed. Each has its own harvesting window and subtle signs. If you’re unsure, a local nursery can help you identify your tree.
The Primary Signs of Maturity
Check for these key indicators that your avocados are ready to be picked.
- Color Change (for some varieties): This is most reliable for Hass avocados. They turn from a bright green to a very dark, almost black-green when mature. Other varieties, like Fuerte, may stay green.
- Skin Texture: The skin of a mature avocado often becomes slightly bumpier or changes texture. It may feel less glossy.
- Stem Color Test: This is a very useful trick. Pick one test fruit and remove the small stem (the button) at the top. If the flesh underneath is green, it’s ready. If it’s brown, it may be over-mature. If it’s yellow or white, it needs more time on the tree.
- Ease of Picking: A truly mature avocado will detach from the tree with a gentle, upward twist. If you have to yank hard, it’s likely not ready. Use clippers for stubborn stems to avoid damaging the fruit.
The Size and Shape Guide
Your avocados should reach the typical size and shape for their variety. Compare your fruit to a known example from a grocery store or gardening guide.
For instance, a mature Hass is oval and about the size of your fist. A Reed is round and can be much larger. If your fruit still looks small and skinny, it probably needs more time to fill out. The tree is still sending it nutrients.
Why Timing Varies by Variety
Different avocado types ripen in different seasons. In many climates, Bacon avocados are ready in late fall or winter. Hass avocados often mature in late winter through spring. Fuerte can be a winter harvest too.
Your local weather is the other big factor. A long, warm growing season means earlier maturity. A cooler, shorter season means you’ll be waiting longer. Observe your tree’s pattern over a couple years—it’s the best teacher.
The Official Taste Test
The most reliable method is to pick a single “test fruit.” Choose one avocado that looks most promising based on the signs above.
- Pick it carefully with a gentle twist or using pruning shears.
- Place it in a paper bag on your kitchen counter for 4-7 days. The bag traps ethylene gas, which speeds up softening.
- Check daily for softness by gently squeezing the fruit in your palm (not with fingertips, which bruise it).
- Once it yields to gentle pressure, cut it open. Taste it and check the texture.
If the flesh is creamy, tastes rich and nutty, and peels easily from the seed, your tree’s avocados are ready for harvest. If it’s watery, stringy, or tasteless, the rest need more time on the tree. Wait a few weeks and try another test fruit.
How to Harvest Without Harm
Picking avocados correctly prevents damage to both the fruit and the tree. Damaged fruit won’t ripen well and can develop rot.
- Use the Right Tool: For fruit high up, use a long-handed fruit picker with a basket and cutting blade. For reachable branches, hand pruners are best.
- Leave the Stem: When clipping, leave a little stem (about 1/4 inch) attached to the avocado. This prevents a wound at the top of the fruit that can lead to premature rotting.
- Handle Gently: Avocados bruise easily. Place them gently into a harvest bucket or basket. Don’t drop them or pile them too high.
- Watch the Branch Tips: Be careful not to break off the small branch tips next to the fruit. These are where next year’s flowers will appear.
The After-Pick Process: Ripening Perfectly
Once picked, avocados need time to soften. You can control the speed of this process.
For slow ripening, place hard avocados in your refrigerator’s crisper drawer. They can stay there for weeks. When you want one to ripen, take it out and leave it on the counter.
For faster ripening, put 1-2 avocados in a paper bag with a banana or an apple. These fruits give off alot of ethylene gas. Close the bag loosely and check daily. They will usually be ready in 2-3 days.
Never ripen avocados in a sealed plastic bag. This traps too much moisture and promotes mold. A paper bag is perfect because it breathes.
Common Problems and Solutions
Sometimes, things don’t go as planned. Here’s how to troubleshoot.
Problem: The avocado shrivels and never gets soft.
Cause: It was picked too early and never matured properly. Once cut off from the tree’s resources, it cannot develop its oil content.
Solution: Use the stem color test next time to ensure maturity before picking.
Problem: Fruit becomes soft on the tree.
Cause: This can happen in very hot weather or if the fruit is over-mature. It’s often a sign of irregular watering.
Solution: Harvest a bit earlier in the season next year and maintain consistent, deep watering.
Problem: Dark sunken spots or cracks in the skin.
Cause: This could be insect damage, sunburn, or a fungal issue like anthracnose.
Solution: Keep your tree healthy with proper feeding and water. Harvest affected fruit and discard it away from the tree.
Storing Your Harvest
You’ve picked a great harvest—now how do you keep it? You can extend your avocado enjoyment for months.
For long-term storage, keep hard, unripe avocados in the refrigerator. They can last for several weeks this way. Check them occasionally for any signs of softening.
Once an avocado is ripe and soft, you must eat it within a day or two. To slow it down, put it in the fridge. If you’ve cut open a ripe avocado, sprinkle the flesh with lemon or lime juice, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface, and refrigerate.
For mashed avocado, you can freeze it. Add a little citrus juice, place it in an airtight container leaving some space for expansion, and freeze. It will be best for use in dips or spreads later, not for slices.
FAQ: Your Avocado Harvest Questions
Q: Can you pick avocados all year round?
A: No, most varieties have a specific season that lasts a few months. However, by planting different types, you can extend your harvest window.
Q: How do you pick avocados from a tall tree?
A: A long-handed fruit picker is essential for tall trees. Avoid climbing and shaking branches, as this damages the tree and bruises all the fruit.
Q: What happens if you pick an avocado too early?
A: It will likely never soften properly. It may shrivel, remain rubbery, or lack flavor. It’s always better to err on the side of picking later.
Q: Why are my avocados taking so long to ripen after picking?
A: They were probably picked very early in their maturity window. Be patient. If they don’t soften after two weeks in a paper bag, they may not have been mature enough.
Q: Is there a best time of day to harvest avocados?
A: It’s best to pick in the cool of the morning. The fruit is firmer and less stressed from the heat, which helps it store better.
Mastering the art of picking avocados is a rewarding skill. It starts with patient observation of your tree. Use the stem test and pick a single fruit to try. With a little practice, you’ll be harvesting baskets of perfectly timed, delicious avocados from your own backyard. The difference in flavor from tree-ripened fruit is remarkable, making the effort truly worth it.