Bacon Avocado: A Type B Variety for Optimal Pollination
For many aspiring avocado growers, a common question arises when selecting a tree: "Is bacon avocado an A or B?" The answer is definitive: the Bacon avocado is a Type B flowering variety. This designation is far more than a simple label; it's a critical detail that determines its compatibility with other avocado trees and can significantly influence your garden's overall fruit yield. The classification is based on a process known as synchronous dichogamy, where the avocado's bisexual flowers function first as female, then as male, at different times of the day.
Understanding the A and B Avocado Flower Types
The peculiar flowering behavior of avocado trees is what necessitates the Type A and Type B classification. While each flower contains both male and female parts, they are not simultaneously active. Instead, the flower opens twice over two days in a specific sequence.
- Type A Avocado Flowers: These flowers open as functional females on the morning of the first day. They close at midday and reopen as functional males in the afternoon of the following day, shedding pollen. Examples include Hass and Reed varieties.
- Type B Avocado Flowers: In contrast, Type B flowers open as functional females in the afternoon of the first day. They close overnight and reopen as functional males the following morning, ready to release pollen. The Bacon avocado, along with Fuerte and Zutano, falls into this category.
This staggered timing ensures that flowers on a single tree are unlikely to self-pollinate effectively. This is where cross-pollination between opposite types becomes so important. For example, a Type A flower in its male phase (afternoon) can pollinate a nearby Type B flower in its female phase (afternoon). In cooler climates, temperature fluctuations can sometimes cause overlap, allowing for some self-pollination, but planting both types is the most reliable strategy for maximizing fruit production.
Bacon Avocado Characteristics
The Bacon avocado is prized by home growers for more than just its role as a pollinator. It offers a combination of desirable traits that make it a standout choice, especially in cooler climates.
- Cold Hardiness: The Bacon tree is known for its tolerance to cooler winter temperatures, surviving down to approximately 24-25°F (-4°C), which is more robust than many other varieties.
- Fruit Appearance and Taste: The fruit is medium-sized and oval-shaped, with smooth, thin, dark green skin that remains green when ripe. The flesh is a pale yellow-green, and it offers a creamy, buttery texture with a milder, less oily flavor compared to the Hass.
- Harvest Season: Bacon avocados mature earlier than many other varieties, with a harvest season generally running from late fall through late winter or early spring.
- Tree Habit: The tree itself is moderately sized and has an upright, spreading growth habit, making it suitable for backyard gardens.
Comparison Table: Bacon Avocado vs. Hass Avocado
To better understand the differences between these two popular varieties, consider the following comparison:
| Feature | Bacon Avocado (Type B) | Hass Avocado (Type A) |
|---|---|---|
| Flower Type | B | A |
| Skin Texture | Smooth and thin | Pebbly and thick |
| Skin Color (Ripe) | Stays green (may darken slightly) | Turns purplish-black |
| Flavor Profile | Milder, less oily, buttery, creamy | Richer, nuttier, very creamy |
| Fat Content | Lower | Higher |
| Cold Tolerance | More cold-hardy (to 24-25°F) | Less cold-hardy |
| Harvest Season | Late fall to early spring | Spring through summer/early fall |
The Importance of Pollinators
Even though many avocado trees are considered partially self-fertile, planting a compatible pollinator tree (an A-type for a B-type, and vice versa) is highly recommended for increasing yield. The reason lies in the synchronized dichogamy. For a tree to produce its maximum crop, pollen must be transferred efficiently from a male-phase flower to a female-phase flower. Since the Bacon's female phase is in the afternoon, it is an ideal candidate for cross-pollination with a Type A variety like Hass, whose male phase also occurs in the afternoon. Having a diverse array of pollinators, particularly bees, also plays a critical role in this process. In fact, some studies have shown planting an appropriate pollinator can boost fruit set significantly.
How to Create the Perfect Pollination Pair
To ensure your Bacon avocado tree produces the best possible harvest, consider planting a Type A variety nearby. When selecting a companion, prioritize placement and proximity to maximize the chances of successful cross-pollination by insects. Here is a simple guide to get you started:
- Choose a Compatible Partner: Pair your Type B Bacon tree with a well-known Type A variety, such as Hass or Reed.
- Plant in Proximity: Place the pollinator tree relatively close to your Bacon avocado. While some sources suggest 25-30 feet, having them closer together is better, and even a tree a few houses away in a dense suburban area may suffice.
- Encourage Pollinators: Ensure your garden is bee-friendly. Planting other nectar-rich flowers or providing a water source can help attract honeybees and other pollinating insects to your avocado trees.
- Consider Container Growing: If space is limited, both varieties can be grown in large containers on a patio, allowing you to control their environment and keep them close together.
Conclusion
Ultimately, the question, "Is bacon avocado an A or B?" leads to a deeper understanding of avocado horticulture. By confirming the Bacon variety as a Type B, gardeners are equipped with the knowledge to strategically pair it with a Type A pollinator to unlock its full fruiting potential. Its combination of cold-hardiness and milder flavor makes it an excellent choice for a variety of climates, and when properly cross-pollinated, it offers a reliable and abundant harvest for years to come. For further reading, the University of California's Agriculture and Natural Resources site provides an excellent resource on the intricacies of avocado pollination.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does it matter if a Bacon avocado is an A or B type?
The A or B flower type is critical for cross-pollination. Since Bacon is a Type B, pairing it with a Type A variety can significantly increase your fruit yield, even though the tree is partially self-fertile.
Does a Bacon avocado need a pollinator?
While a Bacon avocado can produce some fruit on its own, planting a complementary Type A avocado tree nearby is highly recommended to maximize the quantity and quality of your harvest through cross-pollination.
What is a Type B avocado flower?
A Type B avocado flower opens as a receptive female in the afternoon of the first day and then reopens as a pollen-shedding male the following morning.
What are some examples of Type A avocados?
Popular Type A avocado varieties include Hass, Reed, Pinkerton, and Gwen.
What other varieties are Type B avocados?
Besides Bacon, other well-known Type B varieties are Fuerte, Zutano, and Shepard.
How do I encourage pollination of my avocado trees?
Attract pollinating insects like bees to your garden by planting nectar-rich flowers and providing a water source. Having a compatible A and B type pair of trees in close proximity is also key.
What are the main differences between Bacon and Hass avocados?
Bacon avocados have milder flavor, lower oil content, and smoother, thinner green skin, and they are more cold-tolerant. Hass avocados have richer flavor, higher oil content, and pebbly skin that turns black when ripe.
Key Takeaways
Bacon is a B-type avocado: Its unique flowering cycle makes it an ideal cross-pollinator for Type A varieties like Hass and Reed. Cross-pollination boosts yield: Pairing a Type B Bacon with a Type A tree can significantly increase fruit production, even though the trees are partially self-fertile. Understanding flower behavior is key: Type B flowers are female in the afternoon and male the next morning, perfectly complementing the morning-female/afternoon-male cycle of Type A flowers. Bacon is cold-hardy: It can withstand cooler temperatures than many other varieties, making it suitable for a wider range of climates. Know your avocado's features: Bacon avocados have a milder, creamier flavor and smooth, green skin, differentiating them from the richer-tasting, dark-skinned Hass variety. Pollinator activity is crucial: The presence of insects, particularly bees, is essential for transferring pollen between compatible A and B type avocado trees.
