How To Plant An Avocado Tree From A Pit

Finding the right supplies is key to successfully planting an avocado tree. Firstly, you will need an avocado pit. Many households discard this part without giving it a second thought, but the pit is essential and ripe for planting. You will also need potting soil, a pot, and a stake large enough to give the small tree steady support as it grows. For easy-to-access and easy-to-plant materials, purchase an avocado tree kit, which is available online and in garden centers.

Preparing the pit

Unlike most plants, the avocado pit does not need to be placed in soil immediately. Before you start planting, you should prepare the pit correctly. Take the avocado pit and place it in a towel. Use the towel to scrub away all of the residues and remaining flesh from the pit. Once the pit is clean, remove it from the towel. With the pit in one hand, use the dull side of a knife to score it several times around the center.

Suspend the pit in water

Once the pit has been prepped, it should be suspended in water. Place the pit in a bowl and fill it with room-temperature water. Make sure that the bowl is deep enough that the pit is completely submerged. Place the bowl in an area that receives indirect sunlight, such as a windowsill or countertop. Change the water in the bowl every two days to ensure it remains fresh.

Planting the pit

When the pit has begun to split open, it is time for planting. To plant the pit, start by filling the pot with potting soil. Leave a small layer of soil at the top. Carefully place the pit in the soil and cover it. Do not push the soil down as this will cause the pit to bury itself too deep. The top of the pit should be slightly visible. After the pit has been planted, water the soil until the water runs free from the drainage holes.

Caring for the tree

Now that you have successfully planted your avocado tree, it is important to know how to care for it. The avocado tree is sensitive to draughts and loves plenty of moisture. Therefore, water it regularly and make sure the soil is damp. To ensure your tree is sufficiently illuminated, place the pot near a window that receives lots of sunlight. To manage the height of your tree, pinch back any new growth at the tips.

Fertilising the tree

Fertilising is a great way to ensure the tree remains healthy and continues to grow. To fertilise the tree, mix a balanced liquid fertilizer into the soil. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for best results. Additionally, you can also apply manure tea around the tree bi-monthly.

Metamorphosis: from pit to tree

It is not everyday one gets to watch a seed evolve into a tree. If the avocado tree is cared for correctly and given sufficient space, it will start to grow a small stem and leaves, transforming from a pit into a tree.

Transplanting the tree

Once the avocado tree has matured, it can be successfully transplanted outdoors or into a bigger pot. To transplant, remove the tree from its existing pot and place it in a new location. Make sure the tree receives enough sunlight and watering.

Assessing the soil

When deciding where to plant the avocado tree, it is important to assess the soil in your garden. Meeting the soil requirements can make or break a successful planting. Avocado trees prefer well-drained, slightly acidic soil. To achieve this, fertilise the soil with a 10-10-10 fertiliser or organic matter such as compost.

Mulching

Applying a layer of mulch to the soil is also beneficial for the tree. Place a few inches of organic mulch around the trunk, but avoid piling too much too close to the tree. The mulch will help reduce weeds and hold moisture in the soil.

Watering the tree

When it comes to watering, avocado trees need deep, infrequent waterings. Gently spray the soil with a hose or water bottle and make sure that the water can easily penetrate through the soil. The goal is to keep the root system moist, but not overly wet.

Controlling the weeds

Weeds are the nemesis of any garden. But the key to managing them for an avocado tree is prevention. A thick layer of mulch will help reduce the number of weeds and stop them from growing. If weeds do still appear, pull them out as soon as you detect them.

Protecting from pests

One of the biggest challenges when it comes to growing an avocado tree is protecting it from pests. Aphids, mealybugs and scale insects are the most common pests found on avocado trees. Thankfully, there are a few things you can do. Try to introduce beneficial insects, such as ladybugs and lacewings, into your garden. These insects will keep the pest population in check, without using any harmful pesticides.

Pruning the tree

To achieve a strong, symmetrical structure, it is important to prune your avocado tree. Pruning will help create a sturdy base to support the weight of the avocado fruit. To prune, perform a 2-3 inch trimming on the branches and stems.

Harvesting the fruits

Last but not least, it is time to reap the fruits of your labour. Avocado fruits need to be picked when ripe and ready. To pick an avocado, use the stem. Grab the stem and give it a gentle tug. The fruit should come off the tree easily. Place the fruit in a brown paper bag to let it ripen further. Once the avocado fruit is ripe and ready, it is time for harvesting.