Avocado Tree tag at Home Depot says "self fertile". Is this possible?

[MarinaGasolina]

Hello,
I was at home depot today and there were a bunch of "semi dwarf avocado hybrid" trees for sale. The tag said self fertile, but aren't all avocado trees technically self fertile? I thought that you need two of different types (A and B) because their male and female flowers bloom at different times of day. Wish I knew more about the variety other than "semi dwarf avocado hybrid", but anyway, is this tag saying that it can produce fruit reliably on its own, or telling a technical truth that won't lead to any fruit?

[shaneatwell]

A and B are not strictly necessary since you'll have both male and female flowers on your tree as they transition. Having A and B will boost production though.

[MarinaGasolina]

Gotcha, that's what I assumed. So basically I'd be taking my chances with this tree if I decide to buy just one.

[RodneyS]

Which variety did you get?

[shaneatwell]

You won't be taking chances and you'll probably have more fruit than you need as a backyard grower.

However there are dozens of varieties better than that one and its worth the research and/or drive time to get a good one before you spend years caring for it and waiting. Check out the search function on this forum. There are dozens of discussions here on the best varieties for So Cal. I have Jan Boyce, Mexicola and Mexicola Grande in one hole and Reed, Sharwil and Fuerte in another. Still waiting to see who is going to win.

I believe the "semi-dwarf" is Holiday? Semi dwarf by virtue of being slow growing i've read.

[MarinaGasolina]

very helpful shane, thanks. Yeah I probably won't be buying from home depot if I can help it, but I was enticed by the self fertile bit because I've read that you need two trees pretty much everywhere I look. I'm familiar with some of the varieties you have, good to know they are working out for ya

[nighthawk0911@yahoo.com]

MOST AVOCADO ARE SELF FERTILE - YOU JUST GET MORE WITH A&B.  SOME VARITIES ARE BOTH A & B. 

Get an Oro Negro, Day or Nishikawa if you are in Florida.

[MarinaGasolina]

I'm in southern california, but my yard only has room for one tree so I just need to find the right candidate that can self pollinate better than others and it'll grow just fine here.

[MarinaGasolina]

For those interested, here is a very informative article written by a guy who's grown 30 avocado trees in his backyard.
He says "The assertion that, in general, you need two avocado trees to get fruit is nonsense. You can get plenty of fruit from a single Hass or Reed avocado tree in your yard."

https://gregalder.com/yardposts/growing-avocados-in-southern-california/

[shaneatwell]

Here's three threads to check out:

http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=13389
http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=14194
http://tropicalfruitforum.com/index.php?topic=19190

rereading these i had completely forgotten about edranol and ismael. never tried sir prize either.

[MarinaGasolina]

I just put a hass tree on hold at a local nursery. Let's see how it goes!