Sprouting an Avocado Tree
In a world where we are surrounded by mass-produced food, it can be incredibly satisfying to be able to grow your own produce. Let’s explore how to grow an avocado tree from seed.
It takes less than six weeks for a germinated avocado seedling to emerge from its shell and start growing. This can be done from the comfort of your own home in a small pot. First, take the seed from a ripe avocado and using a knife, gently score the pit 3 times, ensuring not to cut through the hard center. Then, put toothpicks horizontally around the pit and submerge the pit half way into a container with water. After a few weeks the seed will split into two pieces, and the stem and root will emerge. When this happens, remove the pit from the water and place it in a pot filled with soil.
Creating the Perfect Environment
Making sure the pot is the right size and in the right environment are essential to ensure the young tree can form a strong root system. Generally, a pot between 12 to 16 inches wide and deep should be used. It needs to have drainage holes and be filled with a mix of potting soil, peat moss and vermiculite for optimum growth. Avocado trees need plenty of sunlight, so make sure you place the pot in an area where it will get direct peace and shade from the heat of the afternoon sun.
Caring For Your Avocado Tree
When it comes to caring for your avocado tree, the most important factor is regular and consistent watering. For the first few weeks, water the tree twice or three times a week so that the soil stays damp. After this period, water regularly, but avoid over-watering. To get the most out of your tree, wait until the top inch of soil becomes dry to the touch before adding any more water. Fertilizing is also important — when the tree starts producing leaves, start using balanced fertilizer and apply once a month during the growing season.
Watching it Grow
As your tree starts growing, you will see new leaves sprouting out of the stem and you will be able to appreciate firsthand the miracle of nature. Growing an avocado tree from seed can be a fun, educational and rewarding experience. It takes patience, but after a certain period of time, with love and care, you will be able to enjoy avocados from your own home.
Common Mistakes
The number one mistake many people make when trying to grow an avocado tree from seed is not properly scoring the pit. Scoring the pit ensures that the seedling can escape from the pit when it is ready to emerge. It also avoids damage to the embryonic root. Also, always avoid exposing young plants to extreme temperatures.
When To harvest?
Harvesting an avocado tree can take anywhere between 3 to 8 years, depending on the variety and the type of environment and care you provide. The most common varieties in home gardens are Fuerte, Bacon, Zutano, and Hass. After 3 years, these trees should be producing fruit, although they reach full production after 6 to 8 years.
Introducing a Pollinator
Although avocado trees can self-pollinate, it is recommended to introduce a pollinator to ensure a successful and abundant harvest. Avocado trees are usually grouped into “A type” (each tree contains only female flowers, like Hass) and “B type” flowers (each tree contains both female and male flowers, like Bacon). Choosing two trees of different types can guarantee cross-pollination, meaning a bigger and more abundant crop.
Avoiding Pests and Diseases
In order to keep an avocado tree healthy and productive it is important to keep an eye out for potential pests and diseases. The most common pest found on avocado trees is the Mexican fruit fly, which can cause significant damage to the fruit. To keep the pest away, make sure to keep up with regular pesticide applications. Diseases like root rot and bacterial blight can also affect young trees, so it is important to recognize the symptoms and prevent them before they cause any damage.
Staking
When growing an avocado tree it is important to provide it with sufficient support. Placing a stake or a trellis next to the tree when it is young will ensure it gets the support it needs as it grows. This will help ensure the tree has good form and structure and will result in a tree that is more aesthetically pleasing and much more efficient when it comes to producing fruit.
Fruit Removal
As the tree starts producing fruit, it is important to understand when and how to remove it. It is important to wait for the fruit to mature and harden before removing it. Most avocados can be harvested when they turn slightly soft. To remove the fruit, gently pull the stem until it snaps, being careful not to damage the branch or trunk.
Harvesting and Enjoying the Fruit
Once the fruit is ripe it needs to be handled carefully to ensure it does not get damaged and spoilt. Then, allow it to ripen in a cool and dark place for a few more days before enjoying. An avocado tree grown from a seed is truly a sight to behold, as you get to watch as it slowly grows and produces the delicious and nutritious fruit we all love.
