We all know that avocados are delicious, but can you grow a tree from an avocado seed? The answer is yes – although growing an avocado tree from a seed can be challenging and while some people have had success growing a tree from an avocado seed, some don’t get a tree that produces fruit.
Avocado trees require a high level of care and attention, and the seed needs to be planted properly for it to grow properly. It is important to note that growing an avocado tree from an avocado seed can take a long time and may not bear fruit for many years.
According to horticulturist, Dr. Ava Bird, growing a tree from an avocado seed is very possible and there are certain steps to follow for successful avocado tree growth. Firstly, locate a good avocado variety to get started, this is important as some varieties will have a better chance of success than others. Secondly, it is important to select the right size avocado seed – it should be firm, green and neither too big nor too small.
Once you’ve selected the right seed, you must begin the process of germination. This involves cutting the avocado seed in half with a sharp knife and gently scooping out the seed. It is then important to insert three toothpicks evenly spaced around the seed, before submerging the seed in a bowl of lukewarm water – the water should cover about a third of the seed. After about a week, roots and stem should begin to develop!
The next step is to plant the avocado seed in soil – use a pot that has good drainage and use a well drained potting soil. When the stem is about five centimetres tall, it is important to trim the main stem – this will help encourage lateral shoots or branches and result in a fuller tree.
Furthermore, make sure you provide your young avocado tree with plenty of bright light and water when the soil is dry. The avocado tree should also be given a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
In conclusion, while growing an avocado tree from seed can be challenging it isn’t impossible – with a little patience and perseverance, anyone can get an avocado tree with full branches and delicious fruit!
Climate Considerations
When growing an avocado tree it is important to consider the climate. Avocado trees require warm temperatures and should not be exposed to cold weather conditions. This means that in colder climates, avocado trees will need to be grown inside in containers or grown in an outdoor greenhouse. Furthermore, in areas with hot summers it is important to provide shade and plenty of water to protect the tree from drying out.
Different Types of Avocado Trees
There are three different types of avocado – West Indian, Guatemalan and Mexican. The West Indian variety, also known as the ‘Christopher Columbus’ avocado, is the most common and is usually used for commercial production. The Guatemalan variety is the hardiest and can handle the most extreme conditions. Lastly, the Mexican variety is the most popular for home gardens, although it is the least cold-tolerant and requires the most care.
Harvesting Avocado Fruit
Once your avocado tree has produced fruit, it is time to harvest. Avocado fruit is often ready to pick when the fruit is a dark green colour. It can be confusing to determine the right time to harvest as some avocados will change colour while they are still not ready to pick. When in doubt, it is best to pick an avocado and cut it open to check if it is ripe.
Pruning and Maintenance
Regular pruning is important to keep your avocado tree looking healthy and to help encourage productive growth. It is best to prune when the avocado tree is dormant in winter and cut back any excessively long branches or shoots. After pruning, apply a balanced fertilizer and mulch to keep the soil moist.
Pests and Disease Prevention
Unfortunately, avocado trees can be subject to a variety of pests and diseases, including root rot, scale, mealybugs and spider mites. It is important to monitor your tree regularly and take action if any pests or diseases are detected. As a preventative measure, it is also important to keep the tree healthy by watering and fertilizing it properly.