Growing Avocado Tree from Seeds
Avocado fruit is becoming increasingly popular worldwide, due to its high nutrient content and health benefits. Another great advantage of this fruit is its versatility – it can be consumed fresh or used as an ingredient in green smoothies, salads, and sandwiches. However, it might surprise you to learn that growing an avocado tree from a seed is possible and you can enjoy fresh avocados directly from your own tree.
The first thing you need to do when growing an avocado tree from a seed is to select a mature and edible avocado. The best varieties of avocados to choose from are the Fuerte, Bacon, and Lamb Haas ones, which contain the highest quality of seed. Once the seed is selected, the next step is to clean it by removing the thin layer of skin that covers it. Carefully, insert some toothpicks in the seed’s brown shell, leaving about ¼ of an inch between each one. Make sure that all the toothpicks become submerged in the seed, ensuring good support for the seed when planted.
After the toothpicks have been inserted, it’s time to fill a jar or any container with water and place the seed in it. Make sure that the bottom half of the seed is submerged in the water. You can set the jar or container on the kitchen window sill to provide the avocado seed with the necessary heat for germination. Change the water every three days to avoid growth of bacteria and fungus. Within a couple of weeks, the avocado seed will finish germinating and begin to sprout small roots.
After a couple of weeks, the seed will begin to sprout a stem and you will be able to remove it from the jar or container and plant it in potting soil with a good drainage system. Place it near a bright window and water it lightly. Make sure that the soil is not too wet, as it will cause root rot. You can use a fertilizer every three months in order for the tree to get the necessary nutrients for its growth.
Appearance of the Avocado Tree
When the root system will become stronger and the first leaves will appear, it is time to repot the avocado seedling in a bigger container with the same type of soil. The avocado tree will start to grow and its foliage will become more abundant. It is not unusual for an avocado tree to reach a height of three feet in two to three years. However, an avocado tree can also be trained to grow in any desired shape, as long as it gets enough light and warmth.
Harvesting the Avocado Fruit
When the tree reaches a mature age and has considerable foliage, it will start producing the avocado fruits. The tree can produce three to six fruits in one season, usually starting from May or June and ending in September or October. The fruits are harvested by gently cutting the stem or branch that holds the fruit. Fruits should be harvested once they get soft, as this is a sign that the fruit is ripe and ready for consumption.
Caring for the Avocado Tree
When the avocado tree is indoors, there are certain things you need to do to ensure its good health. First, make sure that the soil it’s planted in is well-draining, as this will help the tree’s root system to stay healthy. Second, provide your tree with enough light, as this is essential for its growth and flower production. And last, but not least, prune your tree every year during the growth period in order to promote healthy fruiting and development.
Common Problems faced while Caring for an Avocado Tree
One of the most common problems faced when caring for an avocado tree is the possibility of over-watering it. Too much water can damage the roots and could cause the tree to die. Also, a lack of light can lead to decreased flowering and fruiting or even death of the tree. Pests and diseases can also be a problem and if you spot any of these signs in your tree, it is advised to treat it immediately to avoid further damage or death.
Advantages of Growing an Avocado Tree
Growing an avocado tree from a seed offers numerous advantages. For starters, it is very rewarding to be able to pick the ripe avocado fruits from your own tree and of course, it is a much healthier option than buying avocados from the store, where the fruits can contain pesticides or other harmful chemicals used during cultivation. Moreover, the biodiversity of your garden will increase due to the presence of an avocado tree, and if you decide to replant the seed in the garden, it will provide additional shade and a source of oxygen.
Conclusion
With the right preparation and care, growing an avocado tree from a seed is a fairly simple process. Of course, everything depends on the climate where you live, but having an avocado tree in the backyard or balcony can bring many advantages and rewards. Moreover, with the necessary knowledge and a good eye for spotting signs of pests and diseases, your tree can provide you with ripe avocados for many years. Thus, growing an avocado tree is definitely worth a try.
