Introduction
Avocados are a great savory ingredient in a variety of dishes and snacks, as well as a great source of healthy fats, vitamins and minerals. Have you ever wondered how to grow your own avocados, or why some people often fail to do so? Growing an avocado tree from the pit is actually very easy, but it is important to understand the process and have patience. While it can take up to three years to get the first fruits, the process is definitely worth it.
Growing an Avocado Tree – Step by Step Guide
Step 1: First, you need to take out the pit of a ripe avocado. Avoid bruising it if possible as it can lead to rotting later on.
Step 2: Clean the pit thoroughly and make sure to remove any stringy fibers.
Step 3: Find three toothpicks and insert them halfway into the pit, making sure the points face outwards and evenly spaced.
Step 4: Suspend the pit in a glass of water, so that the top inch of the pit is above the water surface.
Tips for Growing an Avocado Tree
- The water level should be changed weekly to prevent mold from forming.
- Find a sunny spot in your house, as avocado trees require at least six hours of sunlight per day. Avoid direct sunlight in the middle of the day.
- Keep the water temperature warm if you live in a cooler climate.
Reasons For Failure to Grow an Avocado Tree
Many people fail to grow an avocado tree but this is usually due to a lack of patience and paying attention to the details. Some of the most common causes of failure are:
- Failing to change the water regularly, leading to mold formation.
- Using the wrong type of pit from an unripe avocado.
- Suspending the pit too deep into the water, leading to rotting.
- Failing to provide adequate sunlight for the plant.
Harvesting And Storing Avocados
Once your avocado tree has grown to a decent size and you’ve started seeing some fruit, you can start harvesting the avocados when they’re ripe. Do a good visual check as the avocados should look firm but slightly give when you press them.
Ripe avocados can be stored in the refrigerator and should be eaten within a few days. If you’re not planning on eating them all at once, you can freeze the avocado slices for future use.
Avocado Tree Care
The key to growing a healthy avocado tree is caring for it properly, and making sure that it’s getting enough sunlight, water, and nutrients. Make sure you are watering your tree at least once a week and pruning it to avoid overgrowth.
You should also fertilize your avocado tree every few months, using a balanced fertilizer that is specifically formulated for avocado trees. It is important to feed the tree at the right time and in the right amounts, otherwise it may not grow properly and you may not get any avocados at all.
Common Pests And Diseases
Once your avocado tree is established, it is important to protect it from common pests and diseases. Avocado trees can be affected by several plant diseases, including root rot and leaf blight.
The most common pests are aphids, mealybugs, thrips, and scale insects. Keeping your tree well-maintained and routinely monitoring for pests can help you spot and treat any issues before they become a problem.
Wrap-up
Growing an avocado tree from the pit is a fun and rewarding experience. With some patience and attentive care, you can look forward to a healthy avocado tree with plenty of delicious fruits. Don’t forget to check for pests and diseases regularly, water the tree adequately and give it enough sunlight.
