🥑 A vs. B Avocados: Why Growing Both Means More Fruit

If you’ve ever browsed avocado trees and noticed the terms Type A and Type B, you’re not alone. It’s one of the most common questions we get from growers. What do the types mean—and do you really need both?

Let’s break it down in true Sow Exotic style: simple, useful, and full of flavor. 🌱

What Are A- and B-Type Avocados?

All avocado flowers are hermaphroditic, which means each one contains both male and female parts—but here’s the twist: they don’t function at the same time.

• Type A flowers open as female in the morning, then male the next afternoon.
• Type B flowers open as female in the afternoon, then male the next morning.

This means the flowers of A and B varieties "miss each other" when grown alone, especially if weather isn’t ideal. But when grown together? They overlap beautifully—and pollination goes way up. 🐝

Why Grow Both A + B Together?

If you want the best chance at consistent, heavy fruiting—especially in areas where pollinators are active and temperatures fluctuate—growing both types makes a big difference.

At Sow Exotic, we recommend pairing one A-type and one B-type for cross-pollination magic. Not only does this increase fruit set, but it also gives you:

• Staggered harvest times (early, mid, or late season)
• A mix of textures and flavors (creamy, nutty, mild)
• More variety for recipes (guac, slicing, smoothies)

Perfect Pair: Lula + Brogdon Bundle

One of our favorite pairings? Lula (Type B) and Brogdon (Type A).

• Brogdon is early-season, cold-hardy, with rich, creamy flesh and deep purple skin.
• Lula is a mid to late-season variety with nutty flavor, smooth green skin, and long shelf life.

Together, they not only pollinate each other but also give you a longer avocado season with fewer gaps in your harvest. It’s the Florida food forest dream. 💚

Ready to Grow?

Browse our curated Avocado Bundles to get your A + B combo started—whether you're growing in-ground, in containers, or building a full-on food forest. And don’t forget: avocados love well-drained soil, consistent watering, and a little patience.

👉 Shop All Avocado Trees