Germinating An Avocado Seed From Home
Avocado trees are one of the most rewarding plants to cultivate in the home garden, but growing one from seed can be surprisingly difficult since the success rate for a tree to endure and thrive is only about 20% – 30%. Fortunately, with a few simple steps and a bit of patience, anyone can successfully sprout and nourish their own avocado tree indoors or outdoors.
What You Need
Before starting the planting process it is important to have the right supplies and environment. For the best success at growing an avocado tree from seed, the soil should be a light and loamy mix, such as a combination of peat moss and soil-less potting mix. You will also need containers or pots that have enough room for the plant to develop and grow. To protect the soil, use coir mulch or compost to give the roots extra moisture and nutrients. The last essential items are a spray bottle, scissors, and rooting hormone.
How to Plant An Avocado Seed
Begin the process by dipping the seed in lukewarm water and rooting hormone. Then the seed should be pierced with two or three toothpicks and set in a wide-mouthed container, ensuring the sharpest side is pointed downwards. The toothpicks should be positioned in a way that suspends the avocado seed in the container so the top half is still exposed from the water. The container should then be filled with wet soil until the upper third of the seed is covered.
After planting the seed, keep the soil lightly moist and set in a sunny spot with a temperature between 65-85 degrees Fahrenheit. The water should be checked often—it needs to be deep enough to constantly touch the bottom of the seed. As the seed begins to germinate, it will send out a pair of roots and an eventual taproot, which is a thick and strong root that helps anchor the plant in the soil.
Transplanting The Seedling
Once the taproot appears, the seedling can be transplanted into a larger pot. This should be done carefully, making sure that the root and soil stay intact. The soil should be kept moist but not wet, and should be fertilized with a mild nutrient solution that is meant for vegetables. Over the course of the next few months, move the plant up successively larger pots. Finally, when the plant reaches three feet tall, it can be planted in the ground either indoors or outdoors.
Encouraging Growth
When transplanted the avocado tree should be pruned and shaped. Branches should be trimmed often to help the tree grow in the desired shape and size. During the growing season, the tree should be fertilized a few times with a slow-release fertilizer and watered regularly.
Protecting The Tree
To keep the plant healthy and strong, it is important to protect the tree against winds and harsh temperatures. This can be done by regularly spraying it with water and providing some protection from the weather. For example, a bird net can be used to block wind, heat and pests from attacking the tree.
Common Diseases And Pests
Like all plants, it is possible for an avocado tree to become infected with diseases and pests. The most common risk is root rot, which can be caused by overwatering or poor drainage. Spider mites can also damage the branches, leaves and fruit of an avocado tree. To avoid these problems, water the tree when the top couple of inches of the soil are dry and provide adequate airflow.
Harvesting The Fruit
After an avocado tree is successfully planted, it can take anywhere from three to five years before it produces fruit. When the fruit appears, harvest it with a pair of shears and let it reach maturity on the kitchen counter until it is ready for picking, which is about two weeks after it has been taken from the tree.
Maximizing Sunlight
Since avocado trees are subtropical, they need at least 3-6 hours of direct sunlight a day to grow and bear fruit. To ensure that it gets enough sun, the tree should be placed in an area with plenty of light and fresh air, such as near an open window or on a patio.
Establishing a Routine
To ensure the tree is well cared for and to ensure it will bear abundant fruit, it is important to follow a regular routine of repotting, pruning, protecting and harvesting. This will give the tree the best chance of thriving and will help maintain its health and vigor.
Managing Space
When choosing the pot or container for the avocado tree, it is important to take into consideration the size of the tree after it has reached its full height. Generally, the pot or container should be at least 16-18 inches in width and 18-20 inches in height. This will help provide ample space for the roots to grow and spread.
Preparing for Winter
To avoid damage from the cold winter winds, the tree should be moved indoors or placed in a sheltered area outdoors. One way to do this is to cover the base of the tree with a tarp and use twine to tie the tarp in place. This will help protect the tree from the elements and ensure its health and vigor until springtime.
Providing Nutrients
Avocado trees need nutrients to grow and produce fruit. While the occasional watering with a nutrient-rich solution can help maintain adequate nutrition, it is important to take extra care when fertilizing the tree. To avoid over-fertilization, use an organic fertilizer on a low-frequency basis, such as compost tea or seaweed extract.
Practicing Good Pruning Techniques
Pruning the tree regularly is essential for its health and size control. When pruning, make sure to use the right tool and to make careful cuts — removing too much of the tree at once can harm it. Also, avoid pruning the tips of the branches, as this can prevent the tree from producing fruit.
Growing in Containers
Home gardeners who would prefer to keep their avocado tree in a container can also succeed in doing so. When growing in a pot, it is important to ensure the pot is not too large and does not contain drainage holes that are too wide. Additionally, the tree should be grown in a well-draining soil and can be watered sparingly.
Tips for Success
Growing an avocado tree is not an easy task and requires lots of patience and dedication. To increase the chances of success it is important to water the tree deeply and regularly, use a light fertilizer blend and keep the soil light and moist. Additionally, do not be afraid to prune the tree and keep a consistent fertilizing schedule for optimal health and vigor.
