What Materials You Need
Growing an avocado tree inside requires some materials for success. First and foremost, you’ll need an avocado seed that’s ready to be germinated. You may find one by dissecting an avocado you bought at the store, or be able to find one online. Additionally, you’ll need a knife to cut the seed in half and expose the inner germ and an avocado pot, which is a type of pot that allows the avocado to grow without submerging in water. You’ll also need some fertile soil, a stake to hold the tree up, and a light source as the tree will need supplemental lighting indoors. Finally, have a timer ready to help you keep track of the day and night cycle needed to grow the tree.
How To Plant The Seed
Begin by cutting the seed in a way that shows the root and the tail. Push some of the potting soil mixed with perlite in the avocado pot and insert the root of the seed first into the soil. After the root is deep enough, start adding the soil mix on top of it. Make sure the top of the avocado seed is exposed at the top. It is important to place the seed around six inches deep into the pot and then add more soil as needed. You may find that as you add more soil, the seed may get dislodged and start to float. When this happens, press the seed slightly in the soil until it’s firmly in place.
Keeping The Seed Moist
Moisture is essential in the growth of the seed. For this reason, you should keep the soil moist at all times. This may involve setting a timer and checking up on the seed regularly to make sure the soil is still damp. Additionally, adding a clear plastic dome on top of the avocado pot will help maintain the moisture and humidity in the soil and create the ideal conditions for the seed to germinate. Once the seed is germinated, you can then remove the dome but ensure the soil is still damp.
Positioning The Seed Right
An avocado seed needs to be in a location where it’s able to receive plenty of light. For this reason, you should place it by a window that receives full direct sunlight throughout the day. As the tree grows, you may need to position the tree in a higher spot for it to continue getting enough light. You should also avoid any draughts or cold air that could potentially harm the tree. During the day and night, the seed will need an alternating cycle of light and darkness. You can achieve this by covering the seed with a thin cloth overnight.
Fertilizing The Plant
If you want to feed your avocado tree, try to use an organic fertilizer. You should find one that has a balance of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium and feed them at monthly intervals. Additionally, you can also mix a teaspoon of molasses in a gallon of water and use that mixture to feed your tree once or twice a month. However, in the case of an avocado tree, having a balanced diet is key and organic fertilizers should do the trick.
Transplanting The Tree
Once the main stem of the tree has grown and becomes visible, you know that the time has come to transplant it into a larger pot. If you have a terrace garden, you can choose to transplant the tree outdoors. If you don’t, you can continue keeping it indoors in the larger pot. Whichever way you choose to go, make sure you choose a pot that has enough space for the tree to spread its roots and is approximately twelve inches in depth. When transplanting, use a mix of potting soil, manure, and some perlite to ensure all the nutrients your tree needs are provided.
Pruning The Plant
As the tree grows, it needs regular pruning to encourage new growth and foster healthier roots and branches. You should start by removing any dead or damaged branches from the tree. Additionally, you should also try to cut the branches that are crossing and growing too close to each other. Finally, you can use trimming shears to lightly trim back leafy growth which will help increase airflow around the tree while still allowing it to remain dense.
Additional Tips For Growing Avocado Trees
Protect the tree from extreme temperatures and make sure that you water it regularly without overwatering it. Avocados require well-draining soil so you may find that you need to adjust the mix of potting soil and perlite. Use the finger test to determine if the tree needs more water – if the top inch of soil is dry, the tree probably needs water. Lastly, you may need to repot the tree again in a few years so that the root system can continue to grow.
What To Do During Winter
Winter is a critical time for avocado plants and it’s important to ensure proper protection for them during this period. You should start by moving the tree to a warmer spot in the house to protect it from the cold. Additionally, you need to reduce the amount of water given to the tree as the soil will retain water for longer periods during this period. You should also reduce the amount of light that the tree receives during this time as too much light can damage the tree. Finally, once spring arrives, you should move the tree back to its original spot and resume its normal water, light and fertilizing routine.
Pest Management
Like other plants, avocado trees are also susceptible to pests. To prevent any pests from attacking your tree, you need to inspect the tree often and look out for any signs of an infestation. Additionally, you should also use an organic pesticide to keep the pests at bay that’s safe to use indoors. If an infestation has occurred, use a horticultural oil and neem oil to kill the pests and clean out the infested parts of the tree. Lastly, make sure that you’re regularly washing the leaves of the tree as this will also help protect the tree from pests.
Harvesting The Fruit
When the avocado is ready to be picked, you’ll notice the skin turn a darker shade of green and the fruit feel firm to the touch. To harvest it, you can use a fruit picker or carefully twist and pull the fruit from the tree. You may also need to include ladder in your harvesting tools. Additionally, you need to be careful not to damage the tree as you harvest and make sure to use tools that don’t damage the bark of the tree. After harvesting, the tree may enter a period of dormancy and you should reduce the amount of water and nutrients given to the tree during this time.
Storing The Fruit
If you’re not planning to eat the avocado right away, you should store it in the refrigerator. This will help it to stay fresher for longer. You can also store it at room temperature for a few days or wrap it in newspaper to help it keep better. Additionally, you can also freeze avocado as a way to store it for longer periods of time. To do this, you should cut the avocado into slices, wrap them in parchment paper, and place them in a freezer bag. They should stay fresh for up to six months when stored this way.
