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Timely Tendings: Growing fruit in the Florida landscape

 
Published Oct. 21, 2016

Know when avocados and bananas are ripe

Several different types of avocado mature during the fall and winter months. Booth, Monroe, Hall, Lula, Taylor and Choquette avocados are harvested from October through February.

Avocado fruits do not ripen on the tree. Mature fruit ripens in three to eight days after it is picked. Avocados ripen best at temperatures of 60 to 70 degrees. Cold storage can delay ripening.

For more information on growing avocado, visit tbtim.es/avocado.

Many banana trees have large stalks of fruit now. It takes from 2 1/2 to six months for the bananas to mature depending upon temperatures, cultivar and cultural practices. The individual fruit should be plump with no distinct ridges. Mature fruit will turn pale green. Harvest and allow the fruit to fully ripen before eating.

For the best growth and fruit production results, bananas need fertile conditions with plenty of water. They also require plenty of potassium.

For more information on growing bananas, go to tbtim.es/bananas.

Compiled by Theresa Badurek, urban horticulture extension agent, UF/IFAS Pinellas County Extension Service. For additional landscape and garden information, visit pinellascountyextension.org. For regular tips and information about what's growing in Pinellas, go to facebook.com/PinellasExtension.