---
title: "How to Harvest Avocados and Ripen Them Perfectly"
description: "Learn how to harvest avocados at the right time and ripen them perfectly off the tree. Discover tips for picking, handling, and storing your avocados for the best flavor."
url: "https://getplanta.com/discover/harvesting/avocados"
published: "2026-02-16T21:18:20.287Z"
modified: "2026-10-06T10:12:25.496Z"
author: "Planta"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/v2gzLzcGT9SbQX5izTcZ1A.webp?size=large"
---

# How to Harvest Avocados and Ripen Them Perfectly

## Harvesting Avocados

Avocados are harvested mature but firm and allowed to ripen off the tree. They do not soften while still attached to the tree.

![](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/public/content/UavFrBs8RD21PgKal4goqA.webp?size=large)

## Care instructions

1. **Harvest at full maturity.**  
   Avocados should reach full size for the variety before picking. They may remain firm on the tree even when mature.
2. **Check the season.**  
   Maturity depends on the variety and growing region. Harvest during the typical ripening window for your cultivar.
3. **Perform a test pick.**  
   Pick one mature-looking avocado and allow it to soften indoors. If it ripens well without shriveling, the crop is ready.
4. **Cut, don’t pull.**  
   Use pruners to cut the fruit, leaving a small piece of stem attached. Pulling can damage branches.
5. **Harvest during dry conditions.**  
   Pick on a dry day if possible to reduce storage issues.
6. **Handle carefully.**  
   Although firm at harvest, avocados bruise internally if dropped or squeezed.
7. **Ripen at room temperature.**  
   Allow avocados to soften at room temperature until they yield gently to pressure.
8. **Store properly after ripening.**  
   Once ripe, store in the refrigerator and use within several days.

## Frequently asked questions

### When is the best time to harvest avocados?

Avocados should be harvested at full maturity, meaning they have reached their full size for the variety. Maturity also depends on the specific cultivar and growing region.

### How do I know if an avocado is ready to be picked?

To check if your avocados are ready, pick one mature-looking fruit and allow it to soften indoors. If it ripens properly without shriveling, your crop is ready to be harvested.

### What is the correct way to remove avocados from the tree?

Always use pruners to cut the avocado fruit from the tree, making sure to leave a small piece of stem attached. Pulling the fruit can damage the branches.

### How should harvested avocados be ripened?

Avocados ripen best off the tree. Allow them to soften at room temperature until they yield gently to pressure, as they will not soften while still attached to the tree.

### Can avocados get bruised even if they are firm?

Yes, even though avocados are firm at harvest, they can suffer internal bruising if they are dropped or squeezed roughly during handling.

### How should I store ripe avocados?

Once avocados have ripened and are soft, you should store them in the refrigerator. They are best used within several days after being refrigerated.

## How to Harvest Avocados

1. Harvest avocados at full maturity, ensuring they reach full size for their variety.
2. Check the typical ripening window for your specific cultivar and growing region.
3. Perform a test pick by selecting one mature-looking avocado and letting it soften indoors.
4. If the test avocado ripens well without shriveling, the crop is ready for harvest.
5. Use pruners to cut the fruit from the tree, leaving a small piece of stem attached.
6. If possible, pick avocados on a dry day to help reduce storage issues.
7. Handle the harvested avocados carefully to avoid internal bruising.
8. Allow harvested avocados to ripen at room temperature until they are gently soft to the touch.
9. Once ripe, store avocados in the refrigerator and use them within several days.

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_Source: Planta (https://getplanta.com), the plant care app for iOS and Android. Download the app: https://getplanta.com/download_