Pollinating Avocados

Ask The Plant Expert:

Hi, I have an avocado tree that so far, has not yet produced avocados. I have no idea what kind of avocado tree it is.  I have heard that sometime you need another to pollinate, but others say, avocados will grow with only one, but that a second helps you produce more.  It is 10ft. tall, in a large, industrial 20″ x 20″ container.  I live in Vallejo, California. Thank you, Kimberly

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:

Kimberly,

As far as I know Avocados are not self-pollinating. In fact, the pollination of avocados is tricky.  Besides needing two plants, you need two different kind of plants. On top of that you need to make sure you have a good bee population to more the pollen from one plant to another.

Here are a couple of really good articles on Avocado pollination and culture:

A Planting Plan for Avocados & Avocado Flowering Basics