Avocado season is finally here but that doesn’t mean that it’s not without its challenges. The heat of summer can be particularly taxing on your avocado tree, leading to fruit dropping and other less-than-desirable results.
While you may think taking extra steps to protect your tree is too complicated, the truth is there are many simple strategies you can implement to give your trees the support they need during those hot days!
In this blog post, we’ll cover some of our favorite tips for protecting an avocado tree from heat so you can get the most out of every harvest!
Do avocados go bad in heat?
With so many delicious ways to incorporate the ever-versatile avocado into meals, it’s no wonder they are a fan favorite.
But, if you’ve ever had an avocado turn brown after being left out too long in the heat, you may be asking yourself if avocados go bad in warm weather. The answer is yes.
Avocados will overripen and begin to deteriorate with excessive exposure to sun or heat, causing them to become difficult to digest and even indigestible.
Luckily, you can take some simple steps to help your avocados stay ripe for their optimal flavor and nutritional value: store them in a cool dry place away from direct sunlight, avoid leaving them on countertops for more than two hours at a time, and wrap them in a damp paper towel when storing them in the refrigerator.
What is the best way to protect an avocado tree?
The best way to protect an avocado tree is to properly nurture it and care for it. This includes ensuring that the tree has enough water, enough sunshine, good soil quality, and a healthy balance of minerals and nutrients in the soil.
Additionally, make sure that any insect or disease problems are addressed quickly and properly, whether through manual removal or the application of pest-control products.
To keep birds away from avocados, try covering the young fruits with netting when they start to grow.
Finally, prune your tree often to ensure that it maintains its shape and stays healthy.
By following these simple tips and paying close attention to your avocado tree’s needs, you will ensure it is well-protected and produces a bountiful harvest of healthy fruit each season.
How do you protect avocados from sunburn?
Sunburn is a major issue for avocados as they are sensitive to direct sunlight and heat. The most effective way to protect avocados from sunburn is by using shade cloth or shade sails.
These materials block out most of the harmful UV rays while still allowing some ventilation, which will help maintain adequate temperatures around the fruit.
Additionally, it’s important to understand that certain avocado trees may be more prone to sunburn, so avoid planting them in areas exposed to full sunshine for longer than two hours at a time.
With proper installation of shade cloth and keeping it maintained, you can help keep your avocado safe from sunburn!
Should I cover my avocado tree?
If you’re fortunate enough to have an avocado tree in your yard, you may be wondering if you need to cover it for the winter.
Covering an avocado tree can help protect its branches from extreme cold and unexpected frost and can also provide a bit of insulation that can help ensure the tree produces plenty of avocados when needed.
Covering the tree allows the trunk to stay warm while preventing frost from damaging any young branches, leaves, or flowers.
Additionally, covering an avocado tree helps preserve some of its water content and restricts exposure to sunlight which helps promote healthy growth over time.
With just a little effort to protect your avocado tree with a proper cover during the winter months, you could be in for a bumper crop of delicious avocados next year!
What are the most heat-tolerant avocados?
Avocados are a beloved, nutrient-dense fruit that can range in shape and size. But did you know avocados also have different levels of heat tolerance?
Varieties like the Florida Redbeard, Choquette, Fuerte, Lamb Hass, and Zutano can survive in temperatures up to 75 degrees Fahrenheit for short periods of time.
However, if temperatures get above this level for long periods of time, these varieties will suffer from sunburn or start to drop leaves.
Those avocado farmers in regions with hot climates stick with one variety — the tough yet delicious Cuban Variety.
Capable of surviving temperatures beyond 90 degrees Fahrenheit for extended periods of time, this variety has been credited as having saved some avocado farms located in regions prone to intense summer heat.
What temperature is good for avocado trees?
Avocado trees thrive best in warm temperatures but are surprisingly hardy enough to withstand both heat and cold. Usually, a temperature between 55-75°F is perfect for an avocado tree.
While it can tolerate colder temperatures for brief periods of time, any temperature below 40°F can cause significant damage to the plant.
Keeping the tree near a south-facing wall or window can help in areas prone to frost while allowing plenty of sunshine exposure will help it survive during hot summers.
Despite being affected by extreme temperatures, it’s good to know that avocados are very tolerant plants and can be grown with minimal effort and attention in a wide range of climates.
Conclusion
In conclusion, protecting avocado trees from heat can be achieved through a variety of methods.
When it comes to temperatures that are too hot, the shade created using either natural means such as trees and tall shrubs, or man-made options like plant coverings and irrigation systems, can help keep the temperature cool.
In addition to creating adequate shade, maintaining soil moisture levels is also necessary to ensure that avocado trees remain healthy and thrive in hot weather.
Finally, for those living in especially warm climates, mulching can be an effective way to retain soil moisture and reduce the effect of high temperatures during the summer months.
Taking even small steps toward protecting your avocado tree from heat will go a long way when it comes to keeping your tree healthy in challenging conditions!
