Interview with The Avocado Master, Julie Frink!

[@justinrcohen]

🎯 Key Takeaways for quick navigation: 00:00 *🥑 Introduction to Avocado Expertise* - Julie Frink's background and expertise in avocados, - Her involvement with the California Fruit Growers Club, - Introduction to Julie's extensive experience with various avocado varieties. 01:33 *🌳 Julie's Journey with Avocados* - Julie's early introduction to avocados through her family, - Her interest in fruit varieties and her involvement with the California Red Fruit Growers, - Contribution to expanding the avocado collection. 03:08 *🥑 Helen Avocado Varieties* - Discussion on different varieties of Helen avocados, - Differentiation between Helen avocados with one and two "L's", - Anecdotes about the origins and characteristics of Helen avocado trees. 05:35 *🌱 Growing and Cultivating Avocado Trees* - Challenges and advice regarding growing avocados in Southern California, - The misconception about dwarf avocado trees, - Importance of proper planting and care for avocado trees. 07:40 *🥑 Avocado Popularity and Culinary Use* - Rise in popularity of avocados in culinary culture, - Avocado's versatility in various dishes, - Julie's personal preference for homegrown avocados over store-bought ones. 10:40 *🥑 Picking Avocados at the Right Time* - Explanation of the three races of avocados and their maturation periods, - Importance of waiting for the right time to harvest Guatemalan varieties, - Common mistakes in picking avocados too early. 14:03 *🌳 Varieties and Alternate Bearing* - Discussion on alternate bearing in avocado trees, - Varieties like Hass and Reed avocados and their popularity, - Observations on which varieties tend to alternate bear more. 16:10 *🥑 Potential Future Trends in Avocado Production* - Speculation on potential future threats to avocado production, - Comparison to the historical banana industry, - Introduction to less-known avocado varieties deserving more attention. 19:59 *🌱 A/B Type Avocado Flowers* - Explanation of A and B type avocado flowers and their pollination process, - Impact of temperature on B type avocados, - Influence of flower types on avocado tree productivity. 23:01 *🌱 Planting Avocado Seeds* - Insights into planting avocado seeds and expectations, - Explanation of avocado seeds not coming true to seed, - Anecdote about naming avocado varieties after personal discoveries. 23:54 *🥑 Avocado Tree Varieties and Propagation* - Avocado varieties are often named after people or places and can have unique flavors. - Propagation methods include grafting and using budwood from existing trees. - Avocado trees have different growth patterns, and some may require specific conditions to thrive. 32:40 *🌱 Avocado Roots and Soil Types* - Avocado roots are not typically invasive, making them suitable for planting near structures. - Planting avocado trees in clay soil requires special consideration, such as mounding the soil. - Mulching is essential for avocado trees, especially in clay soil, to maintain moisture and protect roots. 39:48 *🌞 Avocado Tree Climate Tolerance* - Avocado varieties have different tolerances to cold and heat, with Mexican varieties being more cold-tolerant. - Some cold-hardy avocado varieties can withstand temperatures close to freezing. - Avocado trees may not thrive in extremely cold or snowy regions, limiting their cultivation areas. 41:01 *🌳 Avocado Grafting and Fruit Production* - Grafting avocado trees can be done throughout the year, with varying success rates depending on the season. - Budwood quality and tree vigor influence the success of grafting and subsequent fruit production. - The time it takes for a grafted avocado tree to bear fruit varies widely, often depending on multiple factors. 46:19 *🏖️ Avocado Tree Planting Conditions* - Avocado trees can be planted in sandy soil, but mixing with compost is advisable for better growth. - Salty sand, like that found near beaches, is not suitable for avocado tree planting. - Container-grown avocado trees benefit from well-draining soil mixtures, avoiding solely peat moss for optimal growth. 47:37 *🌱 Avocado Tree Planting and Soil Conditions* - Planting avocado seeds requires soil, preferably with a good mixture, or whatever is available. - Ideal soil conditions are important for healthy tree growth, and some gardeners may use specialized soil mixtures. - Access to nutrient-rich soil, such as that provided by a nearby nursery, can significantly benefit avocado tree growth. 48:32 *🌳 Avocado Tree Trunk Care and Protection* - Sunburn can damage avocado tree trunks, potentially leading to tree death. - Protecting sun-exposed trunks with paint or specialized tree trunk protectors helps prevent sunburn. - Additional protection methods, like tomato cages wrapped with pillowcases, can safeguard young avocado trees from animals and other threats. 49:57 *🦝 Avocado Tree Pest Control* - Wrapping avocado trees with aluminum foil can deter pests like raccoons and squirrels. - Other methods, such as physical barriers around the trunk, may also be effective in preventing animal damage. - Avocado fruit left on the tree to fully ripen can be less attractive to pests due to its deep flavor. 51:35 *💧 Avocado Tree Watering Recommendations* - Young avocado trees with small root systems require frequent watering, ideally at least three times a week. - Mature avocado trees with established root systems may need watering once a week, with heavy watering sessions. - Regular monitoring of soil moisture is essential, especially for small potted trees, to prevent root dehydration.- 47:37 🌱 Avocado Tree Planting and Care Tips - Planting avocado seeds directly in soil is recommended. - Soil mixture preferences may vary, but using nutrient-rich soil is beneficial. - Some growers utilize creative methods to acquire quality soil for avocado planting, like obtaining soil from local nurseries. 48:32 *☀️ Protecting Avocado Tree Trunks from Sunburn* - Sunburn can harm young avocado tree trunks, leading to potential death. - Painting the trunk with a protective coating, such as tree trunk paint, helps prevent sunburn. - Physical barriers, like tomato cages wrapped in pillowcases, can shield young trees from sun and external damage. 49:57 *🦝 Avocado Tree Pest Control Strategies* - Using aluminum foil around the trunk can deter raccoons and squirrels from climbing. - Physical barriers and deterrents, like wrapping trunks or using aluminum foil, can help protect avocado trees from pests. - Avocado varieties with oily, deep-flavored fruit, like Reed avocados, are less appealing to pests. 51:35 *💧 Avocado Tree Watering Recommendations* - Young avocado trees with small root systems may require watering every couple of days to prevent drying out. - Established avocado trees with larger root systems may need watering once a week, depending on soil moisture levels. - Regular monitoring of soil moisture is essential to prevent avocado trees from drying out, as their roots are sensitive to dehydration. Made with HARPA AI

[@jma80804]

Thank you for this!

[@jonlee2186]

Thanks AJ & Julie, Outstanding interview.

[@davidmora9377]

Thank You Julie & AJ.

[@frankyancy1347]

Julie is a great lady, and has done so much for avo lovers, but now that the weather is warmer here in SoCal, as per you recently video, the Pinkerton is very precocious and a wonderful fruit. Thx for all the videos

[@AJTheGraftMan]

Yes Pinkerton is very precocious

[@raider1978raider]

Thank you guys for a great video! 👍🏽💯

[@greenthumb6697]

Epic video!! Thanks AJ!!!

[@gardengainzz9191]

Another great video AJ! It was great to see Julie. I drove to SoCalI from the Bay Area and happen to met her briefly at the OC Green scene. I picked up a few avocado trees she personally grafted her self. Keep the videos coming.

[@AJTheGraftMan]

Thanks! She does a lot of grafting

[@yusufnoorzayee6898]

Wow very nice, love it. Very good and knowledgeable source of information.

[@AJTheGraftMan]

Thanks!

[@hawaiigirl5588]

Great video and great shirt AJ!! ❤

[@AJTheGraftMan]

Thanks! More shirts to come ;)

[@rayannoor4110]

Very interesting insights, thanks AJ

[@SuperHemiv8]

Thanks for the great video!

[@neptunesOC]

Excelente video!….

[@shee7083]

Thanks for the video. She is so wise. I was really bummed to hear about her opinion of trees in pots. I don't have the space and have 2 gems in pots.

[@growyourownavocados]

From what I hear you can grow some varieties in barrels for example but at a certain point they will need to be put into the ground or they'll stop producing.

[@chompers11]

Same shirley haha

[@mravocadochannel9229]

The great video...thanks AJ & Julie. From Indonesia...we have thousands avo varieties from West Indian race.

[@AJTheGraftMan]

Thanks! Wow sounds amazing. I want to visit Indonesia one day and eat lots of durian

[@miett49]

Parabéns Aj meu irmão! Em conseguires esta entrevista com a senhora Julie grande fonte de informação que ela é. Te somos gratos em partilhares connosco que temos menos conhecimento um pouco da muita experiência que ela tem. Apreendi muita coisa com este vídeo uma delas foi saber que o Abacate Julia é derivado do Nabal. Grande abraço

[@AJTheGraftMan]

Muito obrigado meu irmão! Grandes abraços! Espero que eu possa entrevistar ela novamente em alguns meses que vem!

[@growyourownavocados]

Thanks for this AJ!

[@AJTheGraftMan]

Thanks for watching

[@AvocatDude]

Would have loved to have seen a tour of Julie’s garden as part of the video. Are you going to post a separate video of her garden?

[@BackyardAvocados]

2nd this would be awesome. She has some awesome varieties that are pruned mall that have a ton of fruit

[@Sam-mc2dk]

Great video AJ! Julie is so knowledgeable about avocados. Some of the varieties I’ve chosen to grow are due to her recommendations. I wonder what varieties she is able to eat all year long so she does not have to buy avocados?

[@AJTheGraftMan]

Thanks!

[@shauneilscott]

I learned a lot. This was so pleasant. I find it funny that people never liked avocado when we were young. I was not afraid to eat theirs. AHAHAHA. Lovely idea to have her explain how the field has changed regarding their worth and value.

[@AJTheGraftMan]

Appreciate your kind words. Thanks for watching

[@chompers11]

Killer interview I love your vibe. This might be you getting interviewed some day!

[@AJTheGraftMan]

Thanks!

[@SVmathfarmer]

AJ thank you so much for interviewing Mrs. Frink. She is truly a gift to the avocado world. Did you have a chance to pick her brain about the Popenoe collection? The Nimlioh that I got from Epicenter came directly from Julie. I’m assuming it’s the 3 trees I’ve seen her talk about in the UC collection. According to Ellen at Epicenter the UC Irvine grove is threatened by development. Not sure if you had a chance to discuss that.

[@AJTheGraftMan]

Thanks Pat. Yes we talked about it. I didn’t get to film that part of our conversation, though. Yes Julie mentioned there’s a lot of real estate development going on near the Irvine grove. That area looks totally different than it did just 5 - 10 years ago

[@brianfarquharson8958]

I have found that paper lunch bags fastened over growing avocados works pretty well to protect against the squirrels.

[@AJTheGraftMan]

Interesting. I’ll try this one

[@chompers11]

Super interesting about the blueberries, I'm into pot planting because I dont Jane a ton of space, any other fruit plants that do well in pots??

[@AJTheGraftMan]

Strawberries, pineapple, some mangoes, raspberries

[@geeyoupee]

How far would you plant your avocado trees from your foundation, retaining wall or fence if you plan to keep a small tree (5 foot wide, 6 foot tall)? Are there any other trees that can be planted close to the foundation? Citrus?

[@johnbanach3875]

"Against my religion" to eat store-bought avocados. I love it!

[@AvocatDude]

Great interview. AJ where did you get that shirt, I’d like to buy one.

[@AJTheGraftMan]

Thanks. It was a gift. I’ll try to find out

[@NUNAANAKENA]

cheers helpfull

[@andreahazel2029]

Hello such an amazing episode. Thanks is there anyway that I can get a scion so that I can graft to five avocado that I had success in growing from seeds. Let me know how much to pay. Thanks

[@raulcasas4548]

AJ your nervous interviewing a legend. I would be too.

[@srimuharyati2387]

AJ, can you make a video on identifying avocado fruit based on their leaves alone. I've one tree, small sapling, and it has BIIIG leaf and I try in vain searching it on website... it just futile. I wonder how what kind of cultivar this sapling...

[@darrinmoss5999]

Awesome,, Can you tell me your preferred seeds to use for rootstock? Cause I have been told that read are a good seed to use ,I did plant some Reed and some hass seads and the hass seem more vigourous than the read.

[@AJTheGraftMan]

I like to use Reed, Nabal and Fuerte seeds. Hass is fine too

[@darrinmoss5999]

@@AJTheGraftMan thanks champion

[@lilyrockatutu]

what's a good type of avocado to grow in in a pot indoors?

[@beachdude4863]

About planting in clay, I read somewhere about a method called Ellen white planting method. What’s your thought on it vs planting avocado trees above soil level?

[@AJTheGraftMan]

I've heard of that method, but I've never tried it. It's been around for a long time, so there must be something beneficial about it.

[@RareAvoTrees]

leaves can sunburn they start out having a slight bronze look and it can can get worse if over exposed to sun and get more tan or copperize look

[@JuanMiro507]

Question: I live in the tropics where heavy clay soils are prevalent. I have killed many avocados, that being said, CAN I USE SAND (construction sand) to mix with perlite, peat moss and soil.. I know by now that i need to do a Mound!... but is it ok Construction Sand... that's the only sand i have available.

[@AJTheGraftMan]

Construction sand is fine, as long as there is no salt in it, should be fine to use it

[@chompers11]

I love that 'cado shirt

[@AJTheGraftMan]

Thanks. Makes me feel cool

[@chompers11]

@@AJTheGraftMan it makes you look cool!

[@richardr5878]

Great info, but she crushed my dream in the first minute. 😂 Wanted to grow a nice avocado in container here in the PNW.

[@AJTheGraftMan]

It's doable. Don't give up on your dream 😀

[@ChuckFinleyForever]

This make me want to eat some avocado on toast 😋

[@srimuharyati2387]

Thanks you

[@mOE--pe3iz]

When are the grafting videos coming?

[@AJTheGraftMan]

Coming in a few months

[@damehinojosa334]

What are your top 3 bananas you would recommend? They are selling grand naine at my lowes right now.

[@AJTheGraftMan]

Julie likes grand Nain and Dwarf Brazilian. I can ask her for more suggestions next time. I like Dwarf Nam Wah, Gros Michel and Misi Luki

[@MrTfba1]

Great video! Just a suggestion, the volume on your video is very low. It’s difficult to hear the great information given. Look into increasing the volume. Thanks!

[@AJTheGraftMan]

Thanks. Yes I thought the microphone was on and working during the video, but sounds like it wasn’t

[@N0bull]

19:39 “…. Like two pregnancies” 😅

[@GM-gp5ur]

How can I get a hellen tree?

[@RareAvoTrees]

avo roots will grow in certain types of clay if clay cracks enough for drainage like 95 percent clay

[@Free_Falastin2024]

I wonder what Julie would say about us Canadians trying to grow avocadoes... 😅 We're all about the potted life 😁

[@AJTheGraftMan]

She would probably tell you to grow blueberries

[@bradspaugh9827]

If thats all you got, put that arivipa on your pizza! 😂

[@AJTheGraftMan]

😂

[@Ob1311-x8b]

👍🍺

[@reyn66]

I have a 5 foot Wurtz that is about 15 years old. It is a dwarf, but it is not a very good avocado. I think they should change that name to Worst/Wurtz. LOL

[@AJTheGraftMan]

LOL I agree. The flavor is a step below the top tier varieties