Avocado Trees Grown from Pits
Avocado trees have delighted many, including those who love the fruits they produce and those who appreciate them as ornamental plants. Growing an avocado tree from a pit has special appeal as watching a pit turn into a tree is a rewarding experience. Although avocado trees grown from pits will usually bear fruit, there are some important factors to consider in determining whether success will be achieved.
Stem and Root System
The first phase in growing an avocado tree requires turning a pit into a sprout. This is done by nurturing the life inside the seed by providing air and water. After the pit splits and a stem and root system develops, the seed is ready to become a tree. The stem will develop branches, and the root system will search for moisture and nutrients.
The amount of sunlight and adequate care will determine if the tree will bear fruit. Placing the avocado tree in a warm, sunny location is important. This exposure to direct sunlight helps to ensure the tree will develop and be strong enough to bloom and bear fruit.
Planting the Pit
The most efficient way to grow the tree is to plant the pit in a seedling pot. The pit should only go in the ground after the roots and leaves have fully developed and the tree has grown to a good size to aid in it’s growth. Soil must be cared for, and the land should be free of weeds that compete with nutrients. A hole with a depth approximately three times the length of the pit should be dug and filled with soil.
fertilizer can also be added to the soil to give the avocado tree the added nourishment it needs to thrive and bear fruit. Ammonium sulfate and other slow-release fertilizers should be used to give the tree the needed elements for fruit production.
Pollination
If the plant is exposed to serious water shortages or insufficient nutrition, it won’t be able to produce a crop. Additionally, the trees are unable to self-pollinate, so pollinators like bees must be present for the flowers to receive the desired pollination process for them to mature into fruit.
If pollination is insufficient, the flowers will likely fall off the tree and no fruit production will occur. Therefore, if there are few bees in the area, alternative methods like hand pollinating should be employed.
Pruning and Care
It is important to take good care of avocado trees once they’ve become established. Regular pruning is important to maintain a healthy tree and ensure the plant has enough nutrients to support vigorous fruit production. Debris must be cleared away to prevent the spread of disease and to reduce overcrowding on the tree.
Additionally, avocado trees are just as vulnerable to common fungal threats as other trees, and need to be protected from pests. To avoid diseases, it is important to inspect regularly, and if need be, apply an appropriate fungicide.
Harvesting
When the avocado tree has been taken cared of properly, it should be capable of bearing fruit. When the fruits become too large, they will start to elbow each other out and the tree can no longer support their weight. The fruit must be harvested at the right time in order to get the best out of them.
Avocado trees grown from pits will require a significant level of dedication and effort, but with proper care, the effort can be well rewarded with a tree bearing succulent fruits.
Grafting
An important advantage of growing an avocado tree from a pit is the ability to graft different varieties of avocado together for the purpose of improving the variety. This is done by cutting a desired variety of scion wood which is then placed onto the avocado tree which was grown from a pit. Thus the variety of the tree can be modified, bringing desired characteristics such as disease resistance, higher yields and more commercial potential.
Grafting is a process which requires patience as it can take up to 8 months for the graft to be successful. For this reason it is important to have a proper knowledge of the different grafting methods and to have the right tools before attempting to graft an avocado tree.
Transplanting
With the right care and attention, avocado trees grown from pits can be transplanted and moved to a different location with relative ease. When transplanting the avocado tree it is important to stick to the basics, making sure to keep as much root material intact as possible and watering frequently during the first few weeks after transplanting.
Particular attention must be paid to the soil conditions to ensure that the tree has a solid foundation to grow. Heavy, dense clay and sandy soils must both be amended with organic material and compost before transplanting the tree.
Storage of Avocado Fruit
Avocado fruits generally ripen off the tree, and when ripe, they can last several weeks in a fridge. When the avocados are picked too early and are still at their mature green stage, the fruits can last for several months if stored correctly.
Certain techniques and practices should be employed to ensure the avocado’s freshness. The temperature should be kept below 50 degrees Fahrenheit, and the air moisture should be lowered by keeping a lid on the container. Adding a paper towel to the package is also helpful as it absorbs any condensation in the container.
Planting Methods
Avocado trees can be grown directly from the pit but can also be grown through several other methods. Seeds can be cut into segments and each segment can be planted directly into the soil. Alternatively, avocado seedlings can be bought from nurseries, making the process much more straightforward.
Another three traditional methods include the layering method and tree propagation. The layering method is done by burying part of the avocado tree’s stem underground and allowing the roots to develop in the new location. Tree propagation is done by taking a cutting of an already established tree and planting it in a suitable environment.
Climate
The climate in which avocado trees are planted can play a big role in determining the tree’s success. The ideal climate for avocado trees is a Mediterranean climate, with warm, dry summers and cooler wet winters.
Avocado trees will generally require a minimum temperature of about 60 degrees Fahrenheit but can survive in cooler temperatures as low as 32 degrees Fahrenheit. In colder climates, the trees may not produce fruit or the fruit may not mature and will eventually drop from the tree without ripening.
Overview
Growing an avocado tree from a pit is a rewarding experience, although it requires patience and dedication. Factors such as adequate sunlight, pollination, care, climate, and planting methods need to be taken into consideration before attempting to grow an avocado tree. With the right conditions, an avocado tree grown from a pit can bear fruit, ensuring a unique and satisfying gardening experience.
