Understanding How Avocado Trees Pollinate
Avocados are some of the most rewarding fruit trees to grow, but they have a unique pollination process that can leave gardeners confused—and fruitless—if not done right. At Earth People LandCare, we help growers get the most from their trees by using nature-based, regenerative methods.
Let’s explore how avocado flowering works, why planting both Type A and Type B trees matters, and how you can boost pollination for a bigger, more successful harvest.
🌼 Avocado Flowering Explained
Avocado flowers are what’s called “protogynous dichogamous.” That means each flower opens as female on the first day, then reopens as male on the second day. But here’s the kicker:
The Two Flower Types:
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Type A: Female flowers open in the morning, male flowers open the next afternoon.
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Type B: Female flowers open in the afternoon, male flowers open the next morning.
This creates a window of time where pollen from one flower type is available just as the opposite flower type is ready to receive it. But they need to be near each other.
🥑 Why You Should Plant One of Each Type
If you plant only one type, it may still bear fruit—but yields can be inconsistent, especially if there’s low bee activity or coastal weather shifts bloom timing.
Planting both a Type A and a Type B tree increases the chance of pollination and fruit set.
Popular Pairings:
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Hass (Type A) + Fuerte or Bacon (Type B)
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Lamb Hass (A) + Zutano (B)
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Pinkerton (A) + Ettinger (B)
Even if your neighbor has a tree of the opposite type, it can help!
🐝 Boosting Pollination: 3 Pro Tips
Even with both types, some growers want to guarantee results. Here’s how:
1. Attract More Pollinators
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Plant wildflowers, herbs, or California natives near your trees.
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Skip pesticides during bloom.
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Provide a shallow bee water source.
2. Try Hand Pollination
Use a small paintbrush or cotton swab to collect pollen from male-phase flowers and gently dab it onto female-phase flowers. It takes a little effort but works!
3. Spray with Honey Water
Mix 1 oz of raw honey with 1 gallon of water and spray on flowers early in the day during bloom. The scent draws in bees and other helpful pollinators.
🌿 Final Thoughts
Avocados may be tricky bloomers, but the results are worth it. If you want consistent fruit production, planting one Type A and one Type B avocado tree is your best bet.
At Earth People LandCare, we offer expertly selected, premium avocado trees in 15-gallon, 24", and 36" boxes, plus consultation and installation services to help you succeed.
👉 Browse our Avocado Collection or contact us for help picking the perfect pollination pair!
Let’s grow something delicious—together.