Propagation

• Avocado trees can be started via grafting or from seedlings. Plants grown from a grafting process normally bear fruit within the first two years. Avocado trees grown from seedlings may take from eight to 20 years to bear fruit.
  
  

Guatemalan

• The Guatemalan avocado, Persea nubigena var. guatamalensis L. Wms., can thrive in a cool, high-altitude, tropical climate. The medium-sized fruit of the Guatemalan avocado is pear shaped, and its skin will be a blackish-green color when ready to eat. Mature fruit can usually be found in the months of September through January.
  
  

Mexican

• The Mexican species, P. Americana var. drymifolia Blake, does best in a Mediterranean, dry, subtropical climate. This species of avocado produces a small fruit averaging 6 to 10 ounces in weight. The fruit of the Mexican avocado is usually mature in the summer month from June to October.
  
  

West Indian

• The West Indian variety, P. Americana Mill. var. Americana, grows best in humid, tropical climates. A West Indian avocado can weigh up to 2 pounds and is low in oil. The fruit of the West Indian avocado is round, green and glossy. Fruit is usually mature in the months of May through September.
  
  

Hybrid

• There are many hybrid varieties of the avocado tree. These hybrids are developed to provide disease resistance and salt and cold tolerance. According to the Texas A&M System AgriLIFE Extension, hybrid varieties tend to mature in the months of September and October and can hold the fruit until January.