Wondering when to pick avocados off trees in California? Unlike most fruits, avocados won't ripen until they're harvested - making timing absolutely crucial.
Interestingly, different avocado varieties mature at completely different times throughout the year, but each type follows its own consistent schedule annually. For example, Bacon avocados typically mature in December, while Hass varieties reach their prime in April, and Reed avocados peak in July. The California Department of Food and Agriculture even regulates when commercial farmers can harvest specific varieties. When is avocado season in California? It actually starts as early as January in San Diego County and gradually moves northward, with most California avocados reaching peak oil content by June or July if picked at proper maturity.
What makes avocado tree harvest time even more flexible is that many varieties can remain on the tree for extended periods. The storage life ranges from just 2 months for Bacon avocados to an impressive 8 months for Hass varieties. However, just because you can legally harvest doesn't always mean you should - even when the CDFA releases large Fuerte avocados for harvest (typically around October 27), waiting another month or two often yields better results.
In this guide, we'll walk through the clear signs that your avocados are ready to pick, how to identify different varieties, and the best harvesting practices specifically for California growers.
Know Your Avocado Variety
The success of your California avocado harvest begins with identifying exactly which variety you're growing. Understanding your tree's specific type isn't just helpful—it's essential for determining when your fruit will reach peak maturity.
Why variety matters for harvest timing
Identifying your avocado variety unlocks the secret to proper harvest timing. Each type matures during a specific window that remains remarkably consistent year after year. Furthermore, varieties differ dramatically in how long fruit can remain on the tree after reaching maturity—ranging from just 2 months for Bacon avocados to an impressive 8 months for Hass. This extended "storage life" provides flexibility in harvest timing, particularly with varieties like Hass. Additionally, some trees may produce "off bloom" fruit that matures earlier than the regular crop, giving you an extended harvest season if you recognize these early bloomers.
Common California avocado types
Throughout California, seven varieties dominate commercial production, with Hass accounting for approximately 95% of the total crop. Each has distinct characteristics affecting harvest decisions:
- Hass: Oval shape with pebbly skin that turns purplish-black when ripe; harvested April-October
- Fuerte: Pear-shaped with smooth skin that stays green when ripe; harvested November-June
- Reed: Large, round fruit with slight pebbling; harvested July-October
- Bacon: Medium-sized with smooth skin; harvested November-March
- Lamb Hass: Similar to Hass but larger; primarily a summer variety
- Pinkerton: Long pear shape with small seed; harvested December-April
- Zutano: Pear-shaped with shiny yellow-green skin; harvested September-March
How climate affects maturity
Climate plays a decisive role in avocado maturation, particularly with temperature, sunlight, humidity, and wind all influencing ripening. Sunlight essentially serves as fuel for avocado trees, affecting flavor development, texture, and color. Consequently, excessive exposure to intense sunlight can cause sunburn on fruit, while strong winds may damage trees and affect both current and future yields. Despite California's reputation for perfect growing conditions, only about 1% of the state's land is actually suitable for avocado farming. The diverse microclimates throughout California allow different varieties to thrive in specific regions, making variety identification even more important for determining optimal harvest timing.
8 Signs Your Avocados Are Ready to Pick
Identifying the perfect moment to harvest begins with recognizing key indicators of maturity. Since avocados don't fully ripen until after picking, mastering these visual and physical cues becomes crucial for successful California harvests.
1. Skin color changes
Mature avocados typically undergo noticeable color transformations. Hass varieties shift from bright green to darker purplish-black as they mature. Initially, this color change serves as your first visual clue, though it varies by variety. Notably, some varieties like Fuerte maintain their green color even when ready for harvest.
2. Loss of glossy shine
As avocados reach maturity, they gradually lose their youthful "bloom" and vibrant appearance. The skin often becomes duller, less shiny, and may develop small, rust-colored specks or spots – all positive indicators of readiness.
3. Fruit size and shape
Mature avocados reach their full size and develop a characteristic shape based on variety. Size increase typically plateaus once the fruit reaches maturity. Moreover, some varieties develop a slightly fuller, rounder appearance when ready.
4. Seed coat color inside
Internally, a reliable sign involves checking the seed coat, which transforms from white or ivory to dark brown upon reaching maturity. This requires cutting open a test fruit but provides definitive evidence of readiness.
5. Softening after picking
The most definitive test: harvest one large avocado and leave it at room temperature. A mature fruit will soften evenly within a week without shriveling, becoming leathery, or tasting bitter. Immature fruit fails this test.
6. Stem shriveling or cracking
Examine the stem area closely. In many varieties, the stem begins to dry, shrivel, or develop small cracks when fruit reaches maturity. Additionally, a swollen or yellowish stem often indicates readiness.
7. Natural fruit drop
Trees naturally release some mature fruit. If you notice avocados beginning to fall, it generally signals that the crop has reached maturity. This natural drop helps trees balance their fruit load.
8. Taste test results
Ultimately, flavor confirms readiness. A properly matured California avocado should taste rich and nutty with creamy texture. Bitter or off-flavors indicate premature harvesting, whereas optimal flavor develops with proper oil content.
What to Do If You Don’t Know the Variety
Inherited an established avocado tree or purchased one without variety information? Don't worry—you can still determine the optimal harvest time through systematic observation and testing.
Use trial and error method
Pick a test avocado every few weeks starting in early spring. Place it at room temperature for 5-7 days to check if it ripens properly. If the fruit softens evenly with good flavor, you've found your harvest window. Otherwise, wait another 2-3 weeks before testing again.
Track ripening results on a calendar
Record each test harvest date along with ripening outcomes in a simple journal. Note details like days to soften, flavor quality, and texture. After a full season, patterns will emerge revealing your tree's unique avocado season in California. This personalized data becomes more valuable with each passing year.
Compare with harvest charts
Match your observations against standard California avocado harvest charts available from university extension offices. Look for similarities in skin texture, shape, and ripening behavior to narrow down possible varieties.
Use online databases to identify variety
Several agricultural websites offer photo identification tools for common California avocado varieties. Submit clear images of your fruit's skin, flesh, and overall shape. Community forums specifically for California growers also provide helpful identification assistance when determining when avocados are ready to pick from your mystery tree.
Harvesting Tips for California Growers
Timing is critical for California avocado harvests, with successful picking involving more than just maturity indicators. Let's examine the practical aspects of harvesting for optimal quality.
When is avocado season in California?
California avocados are seasonal treasures, available primarily from spring through summer/early fall. The harvest begins as early as January/February in San Diego County, then gradually moves northward as each region reaches maturity. Although you'll find avocados in stores year-round, the California harvest typically peaks from April through July. Most commercial California avocado production occurs in southern regions, with the official season running from April to August.
How long can fruit stay on the tree?
One remarkable feature of avocados is their ability to serve as their own storage containers. Different varieties can remain on the tree after maturity for varying periods—Bacon avocados last about 2 months, whereas Hass varieties can hold for up to 8 months. Indeed, the tree itself is typically the best storage place until consumption. After fruit reaches maturity, careful monitoring prevents overripening, which can lead to fruit becoming rancid or developing cracks that invite disease.
Best time of day to pick avocados
For optimal quality, harvest avocados when temperatures are below 85°F, preferably in early morning hours. Never harvest when temperatures exceed 95°F, especially for late-season fruit. Likewise, avoid picking during or immediately after rain, as wet fruit is more susceptible to damage and decay. Research suggests mid-afternoon harvests may yield up to 20% more sound fruit than dawn harvests in some orchards.
Avoiding damage during harvest
To preserve quality, wear cotton gloves and use proper equipment including ladders, poles, clippers, and canvas picking bags. Instead of pulling fruit, clip stems close to the fruit without causing injury. Remember to shop expertly selected trees for every landscape that will produce quality fruit worth your careful harvesting technique. Handle each avocado gently—imagine they're eggs—and never drop them or let them contact the ground. After harvesting, place fruit in shade and transport to cooler storage promptly.
Conclusion
Growing and harvesting avocados in California requires patience, observation, and knowledge of your specific variety. The journey from blossom to perfect harvest depends largely on recognizing the right moment to pick. Unlike other fruits that signal their ripeness through obvious visual cues, avocados demand a more nuanced approach.
After all, the perfect California avocado begins with proper harvesting. Your awareness of variety-specific timelines allows you to maximize both yield and flavor quality. Hass avocados might hang patiently for months after maturity, while Bacon varieties demand quicker action once they're ready.
The eight signs we've explored offer reliable guidance whether you're a seasoned grower or first-time harvester. Color changes, loss of shine, stem changes, and other physical indicators work together to signal readiness. Though one indicator alone might prove misleading, several signs appearing simultaneously almost certainly mean harvest time has arrived.
Equally important, the practical aspects of harvesting matter tremendously. Early morning picking, gentle handling, and proper clipping techniques preserve fruit quality and extend shelf life. Your harvesting method directly affects how well your avocados ripen once picked.
Those blessed with mystery avocado trees need not worry. The systematic test-and-record approach will reveal your tree's natural rhythm within a single growing season. This knowledge becomes more valuable each year as you refine your understanding of your specific tree's patterns.
California's diverse microclimates create the perfect conditions for growing exceptional avocados throughout much of the year. Therefore, understanding your local conditions alongside variety-specific needs ensures optimal results. Armed with this knowledge, you can enjoy the satisfaction of perfectly ripened, home-grown California avocados throughout their natural season.
FAQs
Q1. How can I tell if my California avocados are ready to pick? Look for changes in skin color, loss of glossy shine, and full size development. You can also check if the stem is starting to shrivel or crack. For a definitive test, pick one avocado and see if it softens evenly at room temperature within a week.
Q2. When is the best time to harvest avocados in California? The California avocado season typically runs from spring through early fall, with peak harvest occurring between April and July. However, exact timing can vary depending on the specific variety and your location within the state.
Q3. Can I leave ripe avocados on the tree? Yes, many avocado varieties can remain on the tree after reaching maturity. Hass avocados, for example, can stay on the tree for up to 8 months after maturing. This allows for flexibility in harvesting, but be careful not to leave them too long to avoid overripening.
Q4. What's the best way to pick avocados without damaging them? Harvest avocados in the early morning when temperatures are cooler. Use clean, sharp clippers to cut the stem close to the fruit instead of pulling. Handle the avocados gently, as if they were eggs, and avoid dropping them or letting them touch the ground.
Q5. How do I identify my avocado variety if I don't know what type I have? Start by picking a test avocado every few weeks and observing how it ripens. Keep a record of harvest dates, ripening time, and fruit characteristics. Compare your observations with standard California avocado harvest charts or use online databases with photo identification tools to narrow down the possible varieties.