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Florida avocados are ready to pick when they reach full maturity on the tree, but they won’t be ripe for eating right away.
The trick with Florida avocados is understanding that they mature, not ripen, on the tree, and knowing when are Florida avocados ready to pick comes down to timing, size, and a few simple tactile clues.
If you’ve been wondering when are Florida avocados ready to pick, you’re not alone, because these big, smooth-skinned beauties can be tricky for first-time growers.
You can’t just wait for them to get soft on the branch, since they simply won’t do that the way Hass avocados might.
Instead, you’ll need to harvest them at the right moment and let them finish ripening indoors, and that’s exactly what we’ll cover today.
In this post, we’ll walk through when are Florida avocados ready to pick, how to tell for sure, and what happens after you bring them inside.
Let’s dig in and get your harvest timing just right.
When Are Florida Avocados Ready To Pick: The Basics
The most reliable answer for when are Florida avocados ready to pick is based on the calendar and the fruit’s physical development, not on softness.
Florida avocados typically mature anywhere from June through October, depending on your specific variety and your local microclimate.
If you’re asking when are Florida avocados ready to pick, you should start by noting the bloom time and counting forward, because most varieties take about six to nine months from flowering to maturity.
That’s the first big clue that you’re in the right harvest window.
But there’s more to it than just marking your calendar, so let’s break down the exact signs that tell you when are Florida avocados ready to pick.
1. Check The Size And Shape
One of the easiest ways to know when are Florida avocados ready to pick is to measure them against the expected size for your variety.
Most Florida avocados will stop growing once they’re mature, so if your fruit hasn’t increased in size for a couple of weeks, that’s a solid sign.
The fruit should also look full and rounded, not shriveled or misshapen.
When you hold one, it should feel heavy for its size, which tells you the flesh is well developed inside.
So when are Florida avocados ready to pick based on size?
When they’ve reached their full, mature proportions and stopped expanding, you’re likely in the harvest window.
2. Watch The Color Of The Skin
Color is another big clue when you’re figuring out when are Florida avocados ready to pick.
Many Florida varieties turn from a bright, glossy green to a duller, more matte finish as they mature.
Some may even develop a slight yellowish or bronzy tint at the stem end.
That color shift doesn’t mean the avocado is ready to eat, but it does mean it’s ready to come off the tree.
Keep in mind that different varieties have different base colors, so check with your local extension office if you’re unsure.
Still, for most home growers, this matte, slightly faded look is a great indicator of when are Florida avocados ready to pick.
3. Do The Stem Test
The stem test is a classic trick to answer when are Florida avocados ready to pick, and it works surprisingly well.
Take a mature-looking avocado and gently pull or twist the small stem at the top.
If the stem snaps off easily and reveals a green, moist interior underneath, your avocado is mature and ready to harvest.
If the stem resists or the area underneath looks brown and dry, give it more time on the tree.
This test is one of the most hands-on ways to determine when are Florida avocados ready to pick, and it only takes a few seconds per fruit.
4. Consider The Time Of Year
If you still aren’t sure when are Florida avocados ready to pick, let the season guide you.
Summer varieties like ‘Brogdon’ and ‘Lula’ are often ready in June and July, while fall types like ‘Choquette’ and ‘Monroe’ peak from August through October.
Knowing your variety’s harvest window helps you narrow down when are Florida avocados ready to pick in your specific yard.
Plus, local weather plays a role too, since a warm spring can push bloom earlier and shift the whole schedule.
So pairing the calendar with the other visual and tactile cues is your safest bet.
How To Pick A Florida Avocado The Right Way
Once you’ve confirmed when are Florida avocados ready to pick, you need to harvest them properly to avoid bruising.
Never twist or yank the fruit off the branch, as that can damage the tree and the avocado.
Instead, use sharp, clean pruning shears to snip the stem about half an inch above the fruit.
Leave that little piece of stem attached to the avocado, as it helps keep the fruit fresh longer.
Place each avocado gently into a basket or bucket, and don’t pile them too deep, because they bruise easily.
And remember, you don’t have to pick them all at once, so you can test a few fruits over a week to zero in on when are Florida avocados ready to pick for the rest of the tree.
What To Do After You Pick Your Avocados
Now that you know when are Florida avocados ready to pick, you have to finish the job indoors.
Florida avocados ripen best at room temperature, away from direct sunlight.
Place them on your counter and check them daily, since they can go from firm to perfect in just a few days.
If you want to speed things up, pop them into a paper bag with a banana or apple, because the ethylene gas helps them soften.
If you’d rather slow things down, put them in the fridge once they’re mature but still firm, since cold air pauses the ripening process.
The goal is to wait until the avocado yields gently to pressure, like a ripe peach, before you slice it open.
So, When Are Florida Avocados Ready To Pick?
Florida avocados are ready to pick when they’ve reached full maturity on the tree, which is indicated by size, color, and the stem test.
Once you’ve identified when are Florida avocados ready to pick, you can harvest them with shears and let them ripen on your counter.
Remember, the fruit won’t soften while still attached, so patience and observation are your best tools.
Whether you’re growing a summer or fall variety, these simple checks will keep your harvest timing spot on.
So get out there, test a few fruits, and you’ll have perfectly ripened Florida avocados ready for your favorite recipes in no time.