326 



CALIFORNIA FRUITS: HOW TO GROW THEM 



bud" described in detail in Chapter IX, and the handling is that of 

 citrus budding as sketched in Chapter XXXIII. 



Usually one year's growth is allowed on the bud before trans- 

 planting, and during this year the bud growth may be trimmed up 

 and prepared for desirable branching of the future tree. In trans- 

 planting the trees should be balled and handled as described for 

 orange trees. Planting in permanent place should give the trees not 

 less than 25 feet distances, as they will ultimately grow quite large. 

 The culture, irrigation, fertilizing, etc., which befit citrus trees under 

 the same natural conditions will satisfy the avocado. 



The tree apparently requires little pruning except in the way of 

 checking too rangy growth, which will not only promote strength 

 and symmetry, but will protect both tree and fruit from sunburn and 

 wind injuries. 



Grafting the Avocado. Trees of large size may be worked over 

 by budding or by top-grafting. The bark-graft as described in 

 Chapter IX and specified in the chapters relating to the fig and the 

 walnut, secures very satisfactory results. 



Varieties of the Avocado. There are literally hundreds of varie- 

 ties receiving attention of California growers, and no one can tell 

 what selections will ultimately prevail. The beginner can not 

 pursue a safer course than to plant the varieties approved by the 

 California Avocado Association in 1920 (and unchanged in 1921), as 



follows : Weight 



of Fruit Color of 



Varieties Season from in oz. Mature Fruits 



Fuerte .Dec. to Apr. 11-16 Green 



Spinks Mar. to Oct. 16-20 Purplish Black 



Dickinson May to Sept. 14-20 Dark Purple 



Sharpless Sept. to Jan. 16-20 Dark Purple 



Puebla Nov. to Jan. 6-14 Dark Purple 



In the table the names are placed, not according to merit, but in the 'order 

 in which the fruit begins to ripen, following the calendar year and using 

 Los Angeles as a center. 



The Fuerte is one of the hardier and one of the most vigorous growing 

 trees, an early and productive bearer, with fruit of the highest quality ripen- 

 ing at a very desirable period, with a greater variation in size and shape of 

 fruit than is usual on the same tree, and with some coming too small. 



The Spinks is also a strong growing tree. The large fruit is noted for 

 its handsome appearance and has a long ripening period, lasting from early 

 m the year until October. 



An outstanding feature of the Dickinson is its notably rough, warty 

 skin, which becomes a glossy, handsome purple and identifies the variety. 

 I he quality is good and it comes in a period of its own the summer. 



11 S ? a rP less ls we H known for its handsome large fruit, comparatively 

 small seed, high quality and very desirable ripening period of fall and early 

 Wm il n rT r t e 1 quires about a y ear and a half from blossom to maturity. 



the Puebla tree is one of the best types of the avocado sturdy, hardy, 

 compact, precocious and productive. The glossy, handsome, pear shaped 

 purple fruit matures at a good season, but is smaller and with thinner skin 

 e others on the recommended list. The period required from the 

 blossom to the maturity of the fruit is the shortest of anv kind on the list, 

 requiring about eight months, and the seed is of medium" size. 



Budded trees of these varieties can be purchased at the nurseries 

 and the amateur will gratify his interest much sooner by planting 

 them in preference to budding his own seedlings. 



